4-H carries through 2020, adds new leaders to roster

COLFAX — 4-H has persevered and grown during the pandemic in Whitman County.

Janet Schmidt, county director and 4-H youth educator for WSU Extension, gave a report on the extension office to county commissioners Monday.

She noted a total of 434 youth were involved in 2020, along with nearly 80 leaders. Organizers have recruited 11 new leaders, who now train in virtual work sessions.

The 4-H robotics team had its season end after one meet last spring. It has since resumed after being cleared to meet for limited, in-person sessions.

Schmidt reported on the annual summer intern, who last year organized a virtual summer day-camp in one-hour sessions for kids and parents. The program included making freezer raspberry jam and homemade butter, which was shared with other counties.