When you think of 4-H, what comes to mind? Livestock competitions, agriculture, and young people showing animals at the county fair?

Those traditions remain important, but Solano County's 4-H program offers much more.

Across the county, young people are exploring science, technology, creative arts, community service, and leadership while learning from adult volunteers and one another.

Perhaps one of the program's most valuable features is something that doesn't always receive the attention it deserves: mentorship.

One of the most compelling aspects of 4-H is the opportunity for experienced members to help younger participants.

In a November 1, 2026, Daily Republic article, Karen Warburton, area director of UC Cooperative Extension's Capitol Corridor region, explained that older, more experienced 4-H members often become mentors for younger members.

That relationship offers benefits on both sides.

Younger participants have someone to help them learn new skills, navigate challenges, and gain confidence. Older members have opportunities to practice communication, patience, responsibility, and leadership.

It's a model built around learning by doing—and eventually helping someone else learn.

For families looking for activities that encourage personal growth and meaningful connections, that mentoring environment may be one of 4-H's greatest strengths.

Solano County 4-H offers opportunities well beyond traditional farming and animal projects.

According to the Daily Republic, the program offered 44 project areas during the 2025–2026 year, including science, engineering and technology (STEM), arts, crafts, communication, healthy lifestyles, and civic engagement.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

These educational areas encourage young people to explore questions, solve problems, experiment with ideas, and develop practical skills.

The program's hands-on approach can make learning especially engaging. Rather than only reading about a subject, participants work on projects, set goals, and reflect on what they've accomplished.

Individual project availability varies by club, so families interested in a particular STEM activity should contact their local 4-H leaders.

The county has 7 active 4-H clubs serving communities across the region.

They include:

• Sherwood Forest 4-H: Benicia and Vallejo area

• Dixon Ridge 4-H: Dixon area

• Maine Prairie 4-H: Dixon area

• Suisun Valley 4-H: Fairfield, Suisun, Cordelia, and Green Valley areas

• Rio Vista 4-H: Rio Vista area

• Elmira 4-H: Vacaville and Elmira area

• Pleasants Valley 4-H: Vacaville area

These clubs create opportunities for young people to participate locally, build friendships, and become involved in activities that match their interests.

The Daily Republic reported that during the 2025–2026 program year, Solano County 4-H had 323 youth members, 115 adult volunteers, and 102 youth volunteers.

Those numbers reflect the importance of community participation.

Adults contribute by sharing their knowledge, organizing activities, guiding projects, and supporting young people as they develop new abilities.

And there may be room for new ideas. Warburton explained that when a young person's interests extend beyond existing project areas, an activity may be possible if an adult supervisor can be found.

Imagine the possibilities when community members share their experience in technology, science, creative arts, or other fields.

For more than a century, 4-H has helped young people learn practical skills while developing confidence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.

Today, that mission extends from agricultural traditions to STEM education, community involvement, and youth leadership.

Parents interested in enrolling a child can explore local clubs and available projects through the University of California Cooperative Extension.

Adults who want to make a difference can also learn about becoming volunteer leaders and mentors.

Sometimes the most meaningful investment in a community begins with one person taking the time to teach, encourage, and inspire someone younger.

And in Solano County, 4-H offers a place for those connections to grow.

Learn more: https://ucanr.edu/site/solano-4-h

Source acknowledgment: Inspired by reporting from Todd R. Hansen in the November 1, 2026, Daily Republic, with additional program information from the University of California Cooperative Extension.