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Nome Dog Mushing 4-H Club

In October 2024, a group of mushers and youth in Nome came together to establish the Nome Dog Mushing 4-H Club, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the cultural and historical aspects of mushing, while also developing essential leadership and life skills. The club is open to youth ages 5-17 and currently has 20 active youth members and seven adult volunteers. Our mission is to empower young people by offering hands-on experiences with sled dogs, fostering personal growth and strengthening community bonds.

4-H is a national non-profit organization that was formed in 1902. Dedicated to helping young people develop life skills, leadership qualities, and a strong sense of community responsibility, the 4-H framework is built on the four H’s: Head: Learning to think critically, make decisions, and solve problems. Heart: Developing emotional intelligence, empathy, and a sense of belonging in the community. Hands: Gaining practical skills through hands-on activities and service. Health: Promoting well-being, healthy living, and responsible citizenship.

While most 4-H programs in the country focus on farm animals, sled dogs offer a culturally relevant platform for teaching these skills. The process of training and mushing sled dogs requires communication, patience, and problem-solving—qualities essential to effective leadership. Youth involved in sled dog activities learn how to manage and care for dogs, make decisions under pressure, and work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal.

To learn more about the 4-H Club, email nomedogmushing4hclub@gmail.com