By James Robinson   Local 4-H clubs are gearing up for another busy fair season and Anji Scalf, Jefferson County’s new 4-H coordinator, is here to help. “My role is to support and empower our volunteers and youth who are the real leaders,” Scalf said. “I think that is a big part of why 4-H is such a trusted and respected organization nation wide – leadership and programming stem from the skills and knowledge of our community and our programs reflect that. My role is to support existing programs and grow where people have expressed interest.” Although much can be learned about creating a local club by visiting the 4-H website, Scalf encourages people to contact her directly for guidance. “I like to meet with folks and show them what it entails, and give them the power to do what they want to do, because the clubs are up to leader,” Scalf said. “I’ll talk your ear off about 4-H because I’m obsessed with it.” The notion of 4-H began in the late 1800s, when researchers discovered adults in farming communities were reluctant to accept new agricultural developments taught on university campuses. They also learned that young people were open to new ideas and experimentation, and would share their experiences with adults. In this way, they realized that hands-on rural youth programs could introduce new agriculture technology to farming communities. Fast forward, to 1902 when A. B. Graham started a youth program in Clark County, Ohio. This event is considered the official birth of 4‑H in the United States. More after-school agricultural clubs popped up that same year, and by 1910 the 4-H clover pin was developed. By 1912, the clubs were formally called 4‑H clubs. Currently, with six million members nationwide, 4-H is the country’s largest youth development organization. Local 4-H clubs operate under the umbrella of a local university extension office. The four H’s stand for head, heart, hands and health. Scalf, a third-generation county resident, took the club’s helm in August 2023. “Just in time for the fair,” Scalf said. “At first I was a little nervous and thought I had bit off more than I could chew.” But Scalf said when she saw so many familiar local children and families participating at the fair, she felt right at home and her worries faded. “I’m really thrilled about returning to Jefferson County, and how 4-H reflects the community it is in,” Scalf said. “I’ve loved farming, agriculture, and animals since I was a child, and getting to work with kids and animals was a no-brainer for me. 4-H is about leadership, education, citizenship and teaching kids valuable skills to navigate this world we live in.” Most recently, Scalf said she supported the launch of two new 4-H clubs – one focused on llamas, the other reptiles. “Right around May and June is about the time people get the bug to be in the fair, and June is the time to register your 4-H project,” Scalf said. In addition to serving as the county’s 4-H coordinator, Scalf also sits on the Jefferson County Fair’s board of regents. “The fair needs 4-H and 4-H needs the fair,” Scalf said. “It’s a symbiotic relationship. We’re coming out of lean times and we want to get more people involved.” Beyond 4-H clubs and members, Scalf said the fair needs superintendents for the arts and photography building, horticulture building, and the floral and agriculture building. Volunteers and 4-H are the lifeblood of a dynamic, thriving county fair, Scalf said. For more information, email Scalf at anji.scalf@wsu.edu, or visit Jeffcofairgrounds.org/join-us online.