Bigfork is a one-horse town no longer, at least when it comes to 4-H clubs.  

In its first year, Riverbend Roots and Shoots 4-H Club is now the second 4-H club in the Bigfork area. The group joins Swan River Buttons and Bows to provide opportunities for Bigfork youth to take part in the century-old organization. 

“4-H is a club where kids can learn new skills, give back to our local communities, and have fun together,” explained Roots and Shoots Reporter Ella Stahl, who is in fourth grade at Bigfork Elementary. “Our club is new to the Bigfork area, and we are excited to be a part of and serve our community.” 

With 6 million members nationwide, 4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States. The four H’s that make up the organization’s four-leaf clover logo are head, heart, hands and health, which members pledge to develop for their club, community, country and world.  

“In 4‑H programs, kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles,” according to the national 4-H organization.  

Roots and Shoots was formed in October 2025 to accommodate a growing interest in 4-H and provide opportunities for youth interested in pursuing a variety of projects, according to club leaders Lauen Foster and Britt McGillivray.  

The club has already attracted 16 members with a diversity of interests. Since Roots and Shoots doesn’t specialize in any one project area, members are encouraged to pursue their passions. Shooting sports, raising livestock and baking are all popular options. 

As a new club, Roots and Shoots has sought community support for their projects and activities. 

“Our club would like to say thank you to Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork Art & Culture Center, Digital Communication Systems, Peak Sign Shop, Montana Farmer’s Union and all other community members and businesses who have donated to our club,” said Stahl. “Your support provides us with supplies for activities and opens up opportunities for our members. Thank you for your kindness.” 

Half of Roots and Shoots’s members are brand new to 4-H, and Foster and McGillivray said the blend of experienced and novice participants has created a welcoming and collaborative environment. The new families don’t feel as intimidated as they would jumping into an established group, nor do they feel left behind as they’re learning the basics. The longtime 4-H'ers are able to take on mentorship roles and share their knowledge with their peers.  

The collaboration has led to success. Colten Perkowitz took home first place in the career communications competition at the Flathead County Congress. Connor Foster secured a match win at the Flathead Shooting Sports tournament while brothers Luke and Bridger also clinched top three finishes. Mary McGillivray won Best of the Best Junior Reserve Grand Champion at the Flathead County 4-H Foods Fair.  

Like most 4-H kids, the members of Roots and Shoots are most excited for the Northwest Montana Fair, which they said is the best week of the year. In mid-August, they’ll sell market hogs and chickens, compete in dog obedience drills and enter baked goods for the chance to earn a blue ribbon.  

While blue ribbons (and the associated cash premiums) are usually top of mind for the young members, the club leaders emphasized that the true rewards of 4-H have nothing to do with prizes or ribbons. Rather, the value of the 4-H experience lies in the intangible leadership skills and work ethic developed through caring for animals or perfecting a craft. 

There are also the skills that will stick with the 4-H'ers for the rest of their lives, even if they don’t find them as fun as running around the fair with their friends. Each member is required to give a public presentation in front of the club to develop their public speaking abilities. For most, public speaking is not a favorite activity, but 4-H's motto is “learn by doing” and the members build their confidence despite their nerves. 

Through their monthly meetings, the club members are now well versed in parliamentary procedure and know enough of “Robert’s Rules of Order” to keep their meetings on track and organized. The club officers, the oldest of whom is 15, work together to tackle their monthly agendas with a precision that would be envied by most governmental organizations.  

The inaugural club officers include President Luke Foster, Vice President Autumn Clouse, Treasurer Mary McGillivray, Secretary Connor Foster and Reporter Ella Stahl. 

All the officers said their time in 4-H so far has taught them responsibility and given them leadership experience that they've been able to use in their schools. Their involvement with 4-H has encouraged them to help people more.  

Their comments echo findings from a study on positive youth development conducted by Tufts University. The study found that 4-H'ers are two times more likely to have the goal of being a leader, three times more likely to participate in community service and four times more likely to make a positive contribution to their communities.  

Roots and Shoots is less than a year old, but it is connected to a national organization that began in the 1900s. 4-H, with its focus on hands-on projects, started as a way to make public school education more applicable to rural students. The earliest clubs centered on specific projects and were called “tomato clubs” or “pig clubs” or “canning clubs.”  

Over the years, 4-H expanded beyond its agricultural origins but retained its focus on hands-on learning, a legacy that Roots and Shoots is continuing in Bigfork. 

For more information about Riverbend Roots and Shoots 4-H Club, reach out to club leaders at [email protected].

    Members of Riverbend Roots and Shoots 4-H Club at the Flathead Shooting Sports tournament. (Courtesy Riverbend Roots and Shoots)