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Youth Share Traditional Activities Through 4-H

Bristol Bay 4-H delivered cultural and traditional Yup’ik activities to 1,301 individuals in seven remote communities in 2024 through a ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ educator, who is also a Curyung tribal member. Because of the quality of the activities and education Bristol Bay 4-H provides, communities and classes seek out 4-H programs in which youth gain confidence and leadership skills, and form positive relationships.

Youth Lead Charge to Create ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ State 4-H Day

The ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ 4-H Youth in Governance program allowed ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ youth to draft and follow House Bill 337 — designating the first Wednesday of October as ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ State 4-H Day — through the legislative process. This bill, which Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed into law on Aug. 24, 2024, recognizes 4-H and the achievements of its youth. Engaging youth in local government helps develop the next generation of empowered, educated and invested citizens.

Youth Learn Skills and Contribute to Local Food Availability

Each year, ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ 4-H youth raise livestock to sell at auctions held across the state. Youth engage potential buyers and follow up post-sale, raising thousands of dollars for youth projects and thousands of pounds of beef, pork, yak and lamb for local ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ markets.

4-H Clubs Give Youth Experiential Learning Opportunities

Through hands-on experiential education and leadership opportunities, the Sitka Spruce Tips 4-H Club connects youth to their environment while they learn skills from hiking to food harvesting and preservation. In 2024, participants hiked many of the area’s trails. They finished the season with a backpacking trip — the first for all participants — where they practiced teamwork, made new memories and friends, and gained outdoor experience.