State and national 4-H events
State and national 4-H events
Whether you're looking to develop leadership skills, dive into friendly competitions or engage in hands-on learning, state and national events are designed to inspire, challenge and connect you with the 4‑H community. Each event is a chance to grow, make new friends and discover your potential.
Know Your Government Conference
The Know Your Government Conference teaches youth about local, tribal and state governments while empowering them to be well-informed citizens. Learn more about KYG.
Learn, Engage, Act, Develop Summit
Idaho's 4‑H LEADS (I-LEADS) is designed to help youth discover their spark, belonging and relationships while empowering them to lead to change within their communities. Learn more about the LEADS program.
State teen association convention
The Idaho 4‑H State Teen Association Convention is an opportunity for teens to experience college life, explore career opportunities and have fun with other Idaho teens. Learn more about STAC.
State contests
Statewide contests build on skills learned at the local and district level. Youth are able to show off their skills in a positive environment. Explore the statewide contests offered in Idaho.
National events
National events aim to build strong leaders through engaging experiences. Learn more about national events and how to get involved.
Accommodations for Extension program participants
Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) works closely with our partners in University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development to provide accommodations for participants with disabilities statewide.
4-H disability related accommodation FAQs
- What is the definition of disability under American with Disabilities (ADA)?
A person with a disability as a person who has physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. - If a participant breaks their arm or leg, or otherwise injures themselves, do accommodations need to be requested through Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR)?
No. Things of this nature are generally considered temporary rather than a disability under the ADA. The county's University of Idaho Extension office can work with the participant and family to determine reasonable modifications that allow participation while the injury heals. - Can accommodations be made for record books?
Yes. Accommodation requests for record books should be submitted at the beginning of the 4-H season. Because record books are completed throughout the year, accommodations need to be in place before the work is expected to start. The ADA generally does not require accommodations to be applied retroactively after work has already been expected to be completed. - Who is responsible for requesting accommodations for 4-H youth?
A parent or guardian. We encourage families to make requests as early as possible so there is adequate time to review the request and implement appropriate accommodations. - When should accommodations be requested?
Accommodation requests should be submitted as soon as the need is known. Early requests allow sufficient time to review documentation, determine appropriate accommodations and make any necessary arrangements before the activity, event or program begins. CDAR cannot guarantee that the request can be fulfilled if made less than one month before the program/event. - What information is needed to request accommodations?
Medical documentation describes how the disability affects participation and the barriers the youth experiences. An IEP or 504 is typically not sufficient information. CDAR reviews each request individually to determine reasonable accommodations. - Will every accommodation request be approved?
Not necessarily. Each request is reviewed individually. Accommodations must be reasonable and directly related to the participant's disability and the barriers they experience. If the requested accommodation is not appropriate, CDAR will work with the participant to identify effective alternatives. - Are accommodations the same for every participant with the same disability?
No. Disabilities affect individuals differently. Two participants with the same diagnosis may have different barriers and may need different accommodations. - Is the disability information that is shared with CDAR confidential?
Yes. Information about a participant's disability is treated as confidential. The approved accommodations are only shared with individuals who need the information to implement them. Typically, this will be with the county's UI Extension office, appropriate 4-H volunteer and judges. - Can accommodations be used during county fairs or state events?
Yes. Approved accommodations should apply to county, district and state 4-H activities, provided they are appropriate for the specific event. Advance notice is especially important for larger events so arrangements can be made. - What if my child's needs change after accommodations have been approved?
Contact CDAR as soon as possible. Accommodations can be reviewed if a participant's disability-related needs change. Some accommodations may be adjusted for future activities, although they generally cannot be applied retroactively. - Do I have to do the accommodation process every year?
No. If the needs of the participant have not changed and the previously approved accommodations still remove the barriers, you do not need to engage with CDAR. - After accommodations have been approved, what happens next?
CDAR will send the approved accommodations to the main 4-H office to review to ensure that they will not change the essential requirements of the program. They will then be sent to the participants’ county UI Extension office. The UI Extension office will share a copy of them with the appropriate 4-H volunteer(s) and guardians. - Will a family have to pay for any accommodations that are approved?
No. Families are not charged extra fees because their child needs an accommodation. - Can’t the University of Idaho Extension office or 4-H volunteers just accommodate for the participant?
While Extension staff and volunteers want to help every participant succeed, disability-related accommodations must be reviewed through CDAR. Using a consistent process ensures that accommodations are appropriate, equitable and comply with the ADA while allowing extension staff to confidently implement approved accommodations. - What do I do if I am not certain if the participant needs disability related accommodations?
Contact CDAR at cdar@uidaho.edu or 208-885-6307 and they will be happy to help.
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