Island County 4-H Grows to 161 Youth, 48 Adult Volunteers

Island County’s 4-H program reported rising membership: Extension staff told county commissioners that 2025 enrollment totaled 161 youth with 48 adult volunteers and an average participant age of about 12.4. Officials framed the increase as notable because it comes despite broader statewide and national challenges facing youth programs.

“This is really an exciting trend that we’re seeing here in the county,” said Sarah Bergquist, interim director of Island County WSU Extension, who also serves as the statewide shooting sports coordinator. Shooting sports, a project that began during the COVID-19 pandemic as an easy outdoor activity, has seen a resurgence in recent years and now competes for participation alongside traditional project areas.

“It’s giving livestock projects a run for their money,” Hall said with a laugh. “So it’s doing pretty good.” Livestock remains a core part of Island County 4-H, with goats explicitly noted as a popular project, but leaders say renewed interest in shooting sports and small-animal projects is reshaping program demand.

The program’s mix of activities is visible in Extension photos. Arthur the guinea pig, shown by Liam Hehn, was pictured in a Sonic the Hedgehog costume in images provided by WSU Extension Island County, underscoring the presence of small-animal and pet projects alongside larger agricultural offerings.

4-H’s long history in the United States, dating to the early 1900s, continues to show up in local family ties. “From the families I’ve talked to here, I’ve met third and fourth generation 4‑H’ers,” Mazzola said, drawing on his experience as an alum of the Snohomish County program where he participated in horse and vet science projects. That generational participation helps sustain program knowledge and traditions even as new projects attract entrants.

Operational challenges persist. Extension staff acknowledged that finding volunteers to lead projects in Island County can be difficult, a constraint that could limit the program’s ability to expand offerings or maintain club sizes as youth participation grows. The county’s 48 adult volunteers in 2025 are a vital resource but may need reinforcement to match shifting interests and project needs.

For Island County residents, the uptick means more youth activity at fairs, community events, and Extension-run programs, and it underscores the importance of recruiting and retaining adult leaders. As enrollment trends evolve, local leaders will be watching volunteer capacity, project-by-project demand, and how generational ties blend with newer outdoor and small-animal projects to shape 4-H’s role in the community. Photos provided by WSU Extension Island County. Arthur the guinea pig, shown by Liam Hehn, in his Sonic the Hedgehog costume.