Youth organization has evolved from ag institution to group that develops numerous paths for kids’ and teens’ development
By Hadleigh Bolton
President of Lucky Clover 4-H
Since 1902, 4-H has been fostering growth in kids and teens all across America.
Although the organization started out as an agricultural institution, 4-H has shifted to reflect the diverse interests of young people and to explore other paths for youth development.
Here in Los Olivos, Lucky Clover 4-H is dedicated to raising the leaders of the Santa Ynez Valley. Projects offered in the 2025-26 year include beef, swine, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and public speaking, but one of 4-H’s many advantages is that enough interested members can create a new project to add to the list.
Participating in 4-H animal projects teaches members responsibility, patience, and daily commitment. Youth who raise animals — whether it’s cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, or rabbits — are involved in every aspect of their care, from feeding and grooming to monitoring health and training for market and showmanship. Many describe forming a close bond with their animals and learning valuable lessons about empathy, hard work, and consistency. The experience also builds practical knowledge of animal nutrition, veterinary care, and record-keeping, all while fostering pride in seeing their project develop over time.
Every July, 4-Hers head to the Santa Barbara County Fair to show the animals they have nurtured and prepared. Fair is an incredible bonding experience and an event that many members cite as their favorite of the year. Though the focus is on showing and selling animals, the fair also offers still exhibits where kids can showcase what they have created over the past year–be that photography, art pieces, table settings, or even jars of jam.
For the public speaking project, events start as early as February with County Presentation Day, the first in a series of three competitions that go as far as statewide. State Presentation Day at UC Davis is a fun experience for public speakers to show their skills while meeting other proficient speakers from around the state.
4-H’s leadership team is the heart of the club. Members are elected into positions where they have an opportunity to gain hands-on leadership experience. Officers include the president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, sergeant of arms, healthy living officer, reporter, and photographer.
One of the leadership team’s responsibilities is deciding where the club will focus its efforts for community service. In the past, Lucky Clover has partnered with local organizations like People Helping People, the Humane Society, and the Atterdag Senior Center to run drives and help out where needed.
Just last month a small group of Lucky Clover 4-Hers served at the Cattlewomen’s October member meeting dinner for the Solvang Senior Center, helping the Cattle- women’s group of dedicated chefs to serve food to the members at the Solvang Veterans’ Hall. Seniors and 4-Hers connected over pumpkin pie, and it was a heartwarming experience for many of Lucky Clover’s youngest members.
This year is my sixth year in Lucky Clover 4-H and my first year as its president. When I first joined 4-H as a timid 10-year-old, I never thought being president would be something I could do — it wasn’t even something I wanted to do at the time.
However, it was the public speak- ing project, the interactions with our community, and my prior experience with the leadership team that led me to become the more confident person I am today. 4-H has truly helped me grow and find myself, and now I am honored to lead Lucky Clover to pass my experiences on to our young members.
