WSU Extension 4-H Challenge Program

Recipient of the 2008 Organizational Member Award for excellence in developing innovative and maintaining outstanding programming at consistently higher standards. Presented by Association for Experiential Education Northwest Region.

Our Philosophy

Youth need more than knowledge to be successful and productive members of society. Youth also need social and emotional skills, such as communication, leadership, cooperation, respect, trust, self-confidence, conflict resolution, decision making and problem-solving skills frequently referred to as "emotional intelligence."

In today’s world of standardized testing and increasing pressure for academic success, students are having fewer and fewer opportunities to develop these life skills. 4-H Challenge, has developed student centered curriculum that uses activities, teaching these critical life skills through hands-on, fun, stimulating and engaging ways.

Our Vision

The 4-H Challenge Program builds the foundation that enables participant-centered life-long learning. Through collaborative partnerships with students, schools and agencies, we build the capacity for:

Developing learner centered skill-building processes.
Creating fun, safe, stimulating and engaging activities in unique supportive environments that push growing edges through appropriate social, emotional and intellectual risks.
Utilizing the latest research in youth development, including: adventure-based learning, experiential education, and service-learning models.
Accessing tools, training, resources and educational materials.

It is our goal to provide local community members, agencies and schools with training in all aspects of the educational models we employ, empowering them to utilize and adapt these models within their own groups and organizations.

Through this process we:

Youth on Rope in Tree

Provide training, mentoring and certification.
Provide direct support, consultation.
Provide quality programs designed to meet or exceed the highest industry standards.
Provide oversight and evaluation of risk management relative to program activities.

Our Audience

Unlike other adventure based programs that only work with a select population in our region, 4-H Challenge collaborates with any local school or agency that is interested in developing life skills though experiential education activities. Although we are eager to work with all youth groups, traditionally our largest use has been from groups that serve low-income, at-risk and under achieving youths.

Backpacking youth group

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Contact Us, Toll Free: 866-458-0196; Pullman Office: 509-335-4128; Puyallup Office: 253-445-4550
WSU Extension State 4-H Office, P.O. Box 644852, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4852 USA

Washington State University Extension

4-H Challenge Program

Our Philosophy

Our Vision

Our Audience

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