Clearwater County 4-H Joins National Celebration of Leadership, Learning, and Service

4-H Youth Are Beyond Ready: Clearwater County 4-H Joins National Celebration of Leadership, Learning, and Service

From fairgrounds to classrooms, the community garden to various programs, 4-H youth in Clearwater County are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 4–10, 2026, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In Clearwater County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to: develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, practice financial literacy, raise livestock, compete in STEM challenges and much more.

“4-H gives our youth a space to grow into leaders who care deeply about their community and future. We see that every day in the way they show up to learn and lead. Youth are able to find their “Spark” and learn more about project areas they are passionate about” said Kara Waldvogel-Clearwater County 4-H Extension Educator 

Clearwater County 4-H and its team of one educator and county support staff, volunteers, and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. From showcasing their projects at the county fair, youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience, and communication—skills that will serve them in their career and for life.

“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow — they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”

During National 4-H Week, on Monday, October 5, 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.
 

To learn more about local 4-H programs or get involved, contact Kara Waldvogel, 218-694-6151 or waldv039@umn.edu

ABOUT 4-H

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs reach nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. Through the Beyond Ready national initiative, 4-H aims to increase that number to ten million youth annually by 2030. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to have the goal of being a leader; two times more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose; and three times more likely to participate in community service. .

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Kara Waldvogel-Clearwater County 4-H Extension Educator

Clearwater County Extension Office

213 Main Ave N Dept. 106

Bagley, MN 56621

218-694-6151  or email: waldv039@umn.edu