El Dorado County, CA — The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) 4-H Program of El Dorado County continues to thrive, engaging approximately 550 youth and nearly 140 adult volunteers across ten community clubs. The program’s mission is to “engage youth in reaching their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.”
Rescue Up ‘n’ Comin’ 4-H Club: Fostering Local Talent
Among these clubs, the Rescue Up ‘n’ Comin’ 4-H Club serves the Rescue community and surrounding areas. The club’s monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Ashley Oxford, the Community Club Leader for Rescue Up ‘n’ Comin’, emphasizes the club’s commitment to youth development. “Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where young people can explore their interests, develop new skills, and contribute positively to our community,” Oxford said.
Diverse Opportunities for Youth
El Dorado County’s 4-H program offers a wide range of projects, including animal science, cooking, sewing, and more. Each club provides unique opportunities, many of which are open for countywide participation, allowing members from any club to engage in various projects.
The program’s structure includes community clubs, afterschool programs, county-wide events, and SPINs (short-term programs designed around a Specific Interest), catering to different levels of involvement and interests.
Upcoming Events and Community Involvement
In addition to regular club meetings, El Dorado County 4-H clubs actively participate in community events. For instance, clubs took part in the 45th Annual Parade in Placerville on December 2, showcasing their community spirit and engagement.
The program also emphasizes leadership development, with opportunities for youth to take on roles such as Junior Counselors. Applications for these positions are typically due in January, providing members with valuable leadership experiences.
How to Get Involved
Families interested in joining the 4-H program can find more information on the UCCE 4-H Program of El Dorado County’s official website. The site provides details on local clubs, contact information, and guidance on how to join or volunteer.
The 4-H program continues to be a cornerstone of youth development in El Dorado County, offering diverse opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.
Expanding Project Offerings
The club provides a range of projects that emphasize skill-building, leadership, and agricultural education. Many projects are open to members across the county, including:
- Cooking: Led by Angela Johnson, this program teaches youth about food science, nutrition, and meal preparation.
- Dog Care and Obedience: Also under Johnson’s guidance, this project focuses on responsible dog ownership and training.
- Goat Projects: Denise Jones leads several goat-related programs, covering dairy, meat, Nigerian dwarf, and pygmy breeds.
- Horse & Pony: Christy Breeden oversees equestrian activities, including riding, drill team, and competitive events.
- Leadership Development: Under Oxford’s leadership, this program teaches public speaking, project management, and organizational skills.
- Poultry: Angela Johnson offers poultry projects focusing on egg production, meat processing, and competitive showing.
- Rabbits & Agility: With guidance from Bret Harnden and Kari Russo, youth learn about rabbit care, breeding, and agility training.
Commitment to Youth Development
“Our goal is to equip young people with skills that will serve them throughout their lives,” Oxford said. “Whether it’s raising animals, cooking, or developing leadership abilities, 4-H offers something for everyone.”
The club encourages community members to check back periodically for project updates. Primary members are eligible to participate in projects marked with an (*), and families interested in joining are encouraged to contact project leaders for details.
For more information, contact Ashley Oxford at rescueupncomin4h@gmail.com or visit the UCCE 4-H Program of El Dorado County’s website.
The El Dorado County 4-H program is rolling out an impressive lineup of countywide projects, offering youth a wide range of educational and hands-on opportunities beyond their local club activities. Hosted by various 4-H clubs across the county, these projects allow members to develop new skills while connecting with peers who share similar interests.
Expanding Horizons Through Countywide Projects
With topics ranging from Aerospace & Rocketry (led by Ryan Rapetti of Shingle Springers) to Equine Science (led by Susan Meade of Mother Lode 49ers), youth have access to unique learning experiences tailored to their interests. Newcomers can start with Beginning 4-H, hosted by Rescue Up ‘n’ Comin’ and led by Angela Johnson, while specialized animal projects such as Beef Cattle (Heather Lemos, Southside Topnotch) and Goat Packing (Cheri White, Happy Sundowners) provide hands-on livestock management training.
Creative pursuits are also well represented, with projects such as Clothing & Textiles (Jen Cooper, Shingle Springers), Crochet (Citrina Garibay, Shingle Springers), and Soap Making (Shelly Martinez, Shingle Springers). Meanwhile, Public Speaking, also led by Martinez, helps members develop communication skills crucial for leadership and career growth.
Outdoor Exploration and Culinary Arts
For those with an adventurous spirit, Mountain Biking (Ryan Rapetti, Shingle Springers) and Outdoor Adventure (Angela Johnson, Rescue Up ‘n’ Comin’) encourage members to engage with nature while building teamwork and resilience. Culinary enthusiasts can join Chuckwagon Cooking or Gardening: Adopt-a-Spot, both spearheaded by Johnson, to learn essential life skills in food preparation and sustainable agriculture.
Building a Stronger 4-H Community
“Countywide projects give kids the chance to dive into their passions while working with experts and meeting members from other clubs,” said Johnson. “It’s a great way to expand their horizons while staying connected to the larger 4-H family.”
All El Dorado County 4-H members are welcome to participate in these countywide projects in addition to their club-specific activities. Since meeting times and schedules vary, members are encouraged to reach out to individual project leaders for more details.
For more information about El Dorado County 4-H projects and how to get involved, contact your local 4-H club or visit the UCCE 4-H Program of El Dorado County’s website.
