WSU Jefferson County

4-H Big Quil Enterprises
Youth exploring community assets through entrepreneurship, technology and environmental studies

Big Quil Enterprises, a Jefferson County 4-H club, has has been awarded $100,000 from the NW Area Foundation to support its work establishing a youth-involved oyster business in Quilcene on Hood Canal.

Big Quil gives youth the opportunity to apply their skills in ecology, business, and entrepreneurship in a real world setting. Joe and Joy Baisch are the 4-H coordinators for this grant and they will continue to facilitate Big Quil Enterprises as they move forward with the support from the NW Area Foundation.

Click here for the full press release

Port Townsend Leader Article: NW Area Foundation

Below is a short history of the activities and partnerships that led to the creation of Big Quil Enterprises.

NW Area Foundation Award. The NW Area Foundation awarded Big Quil Enterprise $100,000 to support the sustainability of its youth-involved oyster business. This award was made to communities that successfully address and reduce poverty.
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Gates Grant. Big Quil Enterprises began as part of a Connecting Schools & Communities initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Quilcene School District, WSU Jefferson County Extension and 4-H. Youth particularly explored skills connected to shellfish, forestry, and marine industries of Quilcene. They learned GIS systems, web design, GPS location, water quality testing, shellfish management, product design, marketing and more! Learn More

Chicago Trip. Quilcene youth, Liz Hodgson and Brayden Foley, and Connecting Schools and Communities coordinators, Joy Basich and Katherine Baril, stormed Chicago when the Quilcene youth were invited to present at an international training on community service learning. Learn More

Power of Hope. Quilcene High School students participated in a 2-day retreat with Power of Hope staff to explore their positive visions for self and community. Assets-based thinking has been a major thrust of the work with Quilcene and Brinnon youth and the establishment of a leadership mindset.
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Community Partners.Tom Bettinger of Taylor United Shellfish shows teachers from Quilcene High School how to propagate shellfish. Taylor United is the main corporate sponsor of Big Quil Enterprises and has contributed countless volunteer time and resources to its success. Learn More

Water Testing. Water quality testing has been an integral part of the Quilcene High School science curriculum for over ten years. The scientific skills that students learned from Charlie Baker, science teacher, are crucial to their work on oyster and clam propagation in Hood Canal.
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GIS Training. Learning to map information through GIS systems has allowed Quilcene and Brinnon youth to gain skills that can be used to help manage forest and marine lands in their communities.
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Product Design. As part of their training, Quilcene youth learned to design products and create marketing plans. Examples include a hunting decoy, and oyster gift box.
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Web Design. Quilcene and Brinnon youth explored web design as part of their technological skills base with a primary emphasis on creating individual websites that feature their passions and interests. Learn More

Video Production.Video production and online media featured prominently in the training of Quilcene and Brinnon youth. A variety of media communication systems were explored, including video, audio, digital photography, print media and more.
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College Exploration. Quilcene and Brinnon youth visited various universities around Washington State to help them assess their post high school educational plans. Cougar Quest residential summer camp at Washington State University provided a full experience of dorm living, cafeteria food, and workshops with WSU faculty.Learn More

Jefferson County 4-H
provides free activities, events, and clubs for youth ages K-12 throughout the county. Areas of focus include animals, technology, home arts, alternative sports, challenge activities, and leadership.

4-H NETWORK NEWS blog

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Joy Baisch,
4-H Leader
Big Quil Coordinator
796-3284

Joe Baisch,
4-H Leader
Big Quil Coordinator
796-3284

Press Releases

Port Townsend Leader Article: NW Area Foundation

Port Townsend Leader Article: Gates Grant

WSU Extension of Jefferson County, 201 W. Patison, Port Hadlock, WA 98339
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