Ms. Manners has Nothing on Robeson County 4-H Members

Summer must be officially here because Robeson County 4-H has kicked off the first session of Summer Fun with the first day of Etiquette Camp. 20 Youth took part in the first day of the event held at the O. P. Owens Agriculture Center. The event which meets on Thursday and Friday from 4-7 p.m. involves a little of everything related to manners.

On Thursday Aggie Rogers, 4-H Program Associate, covered dressing appropriately for different events (black tie vs. beach party, formal vs. business casual) and gave out information for the members to take home with them. Christy Strickland, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, talk with the youth about the art of conversation. The youth learned the tips of a smooth conversation, how to tactfully change topics and how to engage adults in a conversation that is more than what school they go to and what grade they are in. Mande Swisher, Tourism Extension Agent showed the members the technology of cell phone and texting etiquette, by giving examples of when it is appropriate to use and not use. She also shared with them the golden rule that they do not always have to answer it. Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, worked with the youth on handshakes and introducing themselves.

Of course none of this is worth while if you don't have the opportunity to practice it. So after our brief lessons the youth entertained several adults as part of a social event (complete with food and tea). Keith Walters, Interim County Director for Robeson County; Rhonda Faircloth, Extension Advisory Member; Missy McLean and Jeff Wright, both 4-H Volunteers; and of course the host of trainers took part in a wonderful mix and mingle event where the youth introduced themselves and talked with the various adults for about an hour. At the end several youth said they started out nervous but felt very comfortable by the end of the event and believe they are ready to take on the next event with adults. 100% of the youth said they learned something new and can't wait until tomorrow night for the big dinner so they can show off their new skills.

Stay tuned for the next event which will be tomorrow evening when our youth will host a dinner. You can't believe what they will be practicing tomorrow.