One of Island County’s lesser known 4-H clubs is also one of its most energetic and community spirited.

The 4-H Teen Ambassadors has nothing to do with animals and everything to do with leadership and community service, and is one of the signs that 4-H is emerging onto a new level.

“4-H is not just made up of lambs and hams, cows and plows,” writes club reporter Kelsi Franzen. This club consistes of teens from all over Whidbey, ranging in age from 12 to 19. They meet monthly and are involved in activities that have included Christmas caroling to shut-ins and a highway weed-control project.

The club made up Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, contributing all the foods for the dinner as well as Christmas gifts for kids.

On SR 20 near San de Fuca, the Teen Ambassadors worked at a gravel pit that had become a hillside “with lots of weeds,” Franzen said. “We used a tool that burns each weed right down to the root, and it never comes back.”

And some of its members have become Bigs to Littles in the Big Sister/ Big Brother program on the island.

Only in its third year now, the club has members who have attended a three-day teen rally at Fort Casey, state 4-H conferences at Washington State University and a week-long stay in Olympia, learning about Washington state government.

“That was an awesome experience,” Franzen said. “Gov. Gary Locke spoke, and we got to meet senators and representatives and see how the Legislature works.”

A major goal this year is more community service and teen involvement.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn and contribute,” Franzen said.

Increased involvement is stressed by club President Suzie Cruchon.

“Teens in 4-H have opportunities all the way up to the national level,” Cruchon said. “We’ll be taking part again in Know Your Government in Olympia, and in the district and state conferences. We’re pretty eager, trying to do things that make 4-H better, find ways we can help county 4-H, act as a support group.”

They will also use their experience in helping plan and coordinate 4-H events like Rally Night and teaching classes at Super Saturday in February, when more than 40 sessions are offered for kids of all ages, from how to make pet snacks to candlemaking.

One of their major efforts will be in the area of recruiting new members.

“We’d love more participation,” Franzen said. “We want to continue to grow.”