Following recognition by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors during National 4-H Week, Santa Barbara County 4-H is expanding hands-on learning opportunities through new afterschool programming, a mobile veterinary education lab, and the return of Camp Wahoo in summer 2027.

Founded in 1902, 4-H has grown into the nation’s largest youth development organization.

According to a national 4-H study, youth who participate in 4-H are twice as likely to make healthier choices and four times more likely to make positive contributions to their communities.

In Santa Maria, a new afterschool pilot will combine healthy living and 4-H projects with opportunities for communication, public speaking, and family participation.

The program will support English language development and provide opportunities for youth to express themselves through journaling, art, and presentations while exploring different interests. Findings from the pilot will inform future expansion in Santa Barbara County and surrounding communities.

Camp Wahoo will return July 31-Aug. 4 at Camp Whittier, offering four nights of outdoor experiences, friendships, and leadership development.

Scholarships for local youth will be available through support from the Four Leaf Clover Foundation. Registration information will be posted on the Camp Wahoo webpage. 

A recently awarded grant by Mars Impact Fund will also support a mobile veterinary education lab for upper middle school and high school students. Using simulators, youth will gain hands-on experience with animal medical procedures while exploring veterinary and related career pathways.

In Santa Barbara County, the 4-H program is implemented locally through University of California Cooperative Extension and engages more than 550 youth and 125 adult volunteers, helping young people explore interests, develop confidence, build relationships, and discover possibilities for their futures, the organization said.

4-H’s national Beyond Ready initiative emphasizes the skills, confidence and resilience young people need for life and work, 4-H leaders said.

The initiatives are part of a broader effort to weave college and career readiness into the 4-H experience. Santa Barbara 4-H is also incorporating new opportunities into everyday program activities and operations.

Youth members are invited to join county and state-level committees, help make program decisions, and plan events. One youth member, for instance, recently served on a staff hiring committee.

“Recently I was invited to be part of a hiring committee,” the youth said. “This experience was very enlightening and educational. It helped me understand the process of interviewing and the hiring for a job, more so it provided me the skills to give a compelling interview.

“I felt like a valued member of the committee and I was glad to be a part of it. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to represent the Santa Barbara County 4-H youth.“

Families, prospective volunteers, and community partners can learn more about local programs and opportunities to get involved through the Santa Barbara County 4-H website.