Photo of Carrie Stark, Extension

Carrie Stark

State 4-H Youth Development Director

Summary

The Statewide 4-H Director provides visionary leadership to the implementation and evaluation of the University of Nevada, Reno 4-H Youth Development Program and is responsible for creating and implementing strategies and programs to support the growth and development of 4-H, volunteers, and staff. The Director provides leadership and oversight to the 4-H Advisory Committees. The Director develops and coordinates revenue-generating opportunities in support of 4-H, and develops, interprets, and implements University policies related to 4-H. Primary clientele are 4-H staff, county educator, state specialist and 4-H adult volunteers who, in turn, deliver programs to meet the needs of young people and families in the community. 

Education

B.S. University of Idaho, Agriculture and Extension Education, 1993
M.S. University of Idaho, Agriculture and Extension Education, 2002
Ph. D. North Dakota State University, Adult and Occupational Education, 2011

Programs

horsing around in lake tahoe during the summer.

4-H Afterschool Program

The 4-H Afterschool Club teaches children basic life skills including math, reading, science, positive communication, goal setting, self-responsibility, decision-making and good nutrition. Youth who have these life skills are less likely to participate in risky behaviors.

4-H Ambassadors

4-H Ambassadors

Nevada State 4-H Ambassadors are 4-H youth from around the state who are committed in providing leadership for all 4-H members.

extension board meeting

4-H Camp Advisory Council

Nevada State 4-H Camp Advisory Council members, agendas, and meeting minutes

4-H AmeriCorps member holding a box of food to hand out.

4-H Camping and Outdoor Education

The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents and the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program have AmeriCorps members working to improve academic engagement and social emotional skills in youth in Nevada.

4h kids

4-H Membership

Learn more about joining the Nevada 4-H program

4-H Shooting Sports - archery

4-H Shooting Sports

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth and conservation ethics.

poster contest

4-H Student Nutrition Advisory Council (SNAC) Club

4-H Afterschool SNACs are student led 4-H clubs that promote leadership skills that focus on healthy living, nutrition, physical activity, cooking, and public speaking.

Building rockets from straws in a great lesson in propulsion.

4-H Youth Development

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

campers swiming in lake tahoe

4-H Youth Development | Camp Program

Nevada has been involved in 4-H camping since the first 4-H camp took place on the University of Nevada, Reno campus in 1930. For about 79 years in Nevada, 4-H camping has been a proven and effective method of reaching, teaching and involving youth in leadership skills development. Each year, more than 500 youth participate in 4-H camping programs at Lake Tahoe Nevada 4-H Camp. Other 4-H camping programs take place across the state.

4h camp grounds

4-H Youth Development | Camp Rentals (Lake Tahoe)

Lake Tahoe is a unique and magnificent treasure. Our historic 4-H Camp provides opportunities for inspiration, education and relaxation - right on the lakeshore. Reservations can be made on a day or overnight basis year round.

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Blog Posts
4-H Basics
Learn about the 4-H emblem, colors, pledge, motto and slogan.
Stark, C. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
4-H Programs & Projects Overview
Learn about 4-H programs, projects, activities, project guides and manuals, time commitments and rewards.
Stark, C. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
How to Join 4-H
Learn who can join, where and when to sign up, what there is to do, costs, and benefits.
Stark, C. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada 4-H & 4-H Camp History
In the late 1890's and into the early 1900's, 4-H programs began throughout the country in response to young people and their need for a better agricultural education. As one of the first organizations that focused on providing youth with hands-on learning opportunities, 4-H has a rich history of helping young people gain skills that they use throughout their lives. In 4-H, young people have fun, explore, discover and learn. 4-H'ers make new friends, develop life skills, become leaders and change their communities.
Stark, C. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Understanding and working with youth
Learn about positive youth development, essential elements of 4-H, ages and stages of youth development, experiential learning, vibrant youth groups, youth engagement, approaches to youth engagement, youth service, youth leadership, and youth media/research and evaluation.
Stark, C. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
What is a 4-H Club?
4-H programs actively involve youth in quality experiences that focus on lifelong learning of values and skills. 4-H clubs encourage youth, ages 5 to 19, to learn by doing. There are a variety of 4-H clubs and groups that young people can join.
Stark, C. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
What is Collegiate 4-H?
Collegiate 4-H has existed since 1916. Its major purpose is leadership and service to others. Members come from diverse backgrounds and academic departments.
Stark, C. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
What is the Cloverbud Program?
Youth who are 5 to 8 as of January 1st of the current 4-H Year (Oct 1 to Sept 30) may join the 4-H Cloverbud Program, which has age appropriate activities and allows for creativity and encourages play.
Stark, C. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Bulletins
hands being washed in a sink
4-H Club Guidance for COVID-19 | Long Term Road to Recovey
Youth Program Policies and Guidance for COVID-19: Roadmap to Long-Term Recovery Plan
Stark, C. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno Bulletin-2020-01
Fact Sheets
Nevada 4-H Annual Survey Summary Report - 2020
Annual survey of Nevada youth regarding their 4-H experiences
Maio, H., Chvilicek, S., Luckey, B., Evans, W., Stark, C., Chichester, L., Baker-Tingey, J. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-94
Nevada 4-H Annual Survey Summary Report 2018
youth survey on their 4-H experiences
J. Baker-Tingey, B. Luckey, W. Evans, C. Stark, S. Chvilicek, L. Chichester, A. Hernandez 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-20-31
Forms
Nevada 4-H Program Annual Achievement Record
Annual record of 4-H Achievements, continued year to year. Part of 4-H member Record Book.
C. Stark 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Forms
Annual Achievement Record - Nevada 4-H Program
Annual Achievement Record for 4-H Members. Follows member throughout their 4-H years. Also used to justify Star Rank.
S. Schaffer 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, 4-H - Forms
Informational Publications
4-h member making mask
Statewide 4-H Service Project
Help the Nevada 4-H Youth Development program donate 5,000 face masks to communities across the state!
Stark, C 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
4-H Volunteering in Nevada
Volunteers offer the nurturing, vision, commitment, skills, creativity, dedication and wisdom that can significantly impact the development of young people.
Stark, C. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Proceedings
Nevada State 4-H Camp Advisory Council - approved meeting minutes January 21, 2020
Nevada State 4-H Camp Advisory Council - Approved minutes from the January 21, 2020 meeting
Mendibles, T 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Camp Advisory Meeting Agenda (2020-07-07)
Nevada State 4-H Camp Advisory Council AGENDA July 7, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Nevada State 4-H Camp 1 4-H Road, Stateline NV 89449
Stark, C 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Proceedings
4-H Camp Advisory Council Minutes (2020-07-07)
Nevada State 4-H Camp Advisory Council Nevada State 4-H Camp 1 4-H Road, Stateline, NV 89449 MINUTES January 21, 2020 Meeting
Stark, C., Mendibles, T 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Proceedings
Nevada State 4-H Camp Advisory Council - approved meeting minutes November 18, 2019
Nevada State 4-H Camp Advisory Council, approved meeting minutes from the November 18, 2019 meeting
Mendibles, T 2019, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Special Publications
Nevada Stakeholder Perceptions of Youth Educational and Mental Health Needs During the Pandemic
Nearly a year after the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the U.S., it is evident that the pandemic is more than just a physical health crisis, especially for young people.
Horrillo, S; Evans, W; Gallo, J; Norze, J; Stark, C; Sanchez, J; Demchak, M; Chvilicek, S; Bray, S; 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Resource Guide for Nevada Stakeholder Perceptions of Youth Educational and Mental Health Needs During the Pandemic
This Resource Guide to Support Youth and Families was developed to share community resources that are available through the University of Nevada, Reno and other state and community organizations.
Stark, C; Horrillo, S; Evans, W; Gallo, J; Norze, J; Sanchez, J; Demchak, M; Chvilicek, S; Bray, S 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Special Report