Meet Our Extension Interns

   We are excited to have the opportunity to host not one but two interns this year.  One is working through NC A&T University.  The other through the Golden Leaf program.  They will be working with all aspects of our Extension program but we are sure our youth will see them this summer assisting with the Summer Fun program.  Please Welcome Autumn Davis and Kamryn McInnis to our office.

Hello, my name is Autumn Davis, and I proudly attend the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University  Aggie Pride! I am currently a Junior pursuing a degree in Agribusiness, driven by a deep-rooted passion for sustainable agriculture, community wellness, and education. Growing up in a rural, agriculture-based community, I’ve witnessed firsthand how food systems shape families, futures, and opportunities. That personal connection fuels my commitment to creating positive change. This summer, I am honored to join Robeson County Cooperative Extension, where I look forward to gaining hands-on experience, expanding my knowledge of agricultural systems, and contributing to programs that empower small farms, promote wellness, and educate our community. I believe knowledge is power and education is the key to building stronger, healthier communities. Through this internship, my goal is to not only learn but also to serve giving back to the place and people who shaped me. 

Hello Everyone! I am Kamryn McInnis from Red Springs, NC. Currently, I am a Golden LEAF Scholar at NC State University, participating in the Rural Internship Initiative. I graduated from Lumberton High School, where I served as the Lumberton FFA Chapter President, South Central Regional FFA Parliamentarian, and National Honors Society President, and held various other leadership positions. I was also actively involved in both academic and service clubs, including the National Beta Club, Juniorettes, and Lumberton High School Student Government, while dancing competitively with Southern Sapphires Dance Company.  

    During my time in high school, l discovered my passion for agriculture and service. I hope to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Science with minors in Crop Science, Agricultural Business Management, and Science Communication from NC State University. At NC State I am Vice President of the Pack Clogging team, a member of the Agricultural Communicators Program, and serve as a NC Farm Bureau Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders (IFAL) Camp Counselor. Additionally, I served as the 91st Annual North Carolina Strawberry Festival Queen, advocating for the NC strawberry industry and agriculture across the state of North Carolina.
   After taking coursework in Extension education at NC State, I gained a deeper
understanding of the vital role Extension professionals play in rural development. This summer,
I found my place at the Robeson County Cooperative Extension Office, where I hope to expand
my skills, engage with community members, and learn more about our state Extension efforts.

Youth Livestock Events

 Just a quick reminder about some of the upcoming events. 

***Attached is the information from the NC State Fair in regards to the livestock entries.  

What: "Carolina Sort" Got to Be NC Pig Sale

When: May 31

Where: Lenoir Livestock Arena, Kinston

Who: Pig sale with pigs that would be great projects for the NC State Fair or other Fall livestock shows. 

What: Skillathon and Livestock Judging Clinics

When: June 24 (Skillathon) and June 25 (Judging)

Where: E Carroll Joyner Beef Education Unit, Raleigh 

Who: Youth ages 8-18 who have a strong animal science interest. We cover a variety of basic animal science topics that will help to engage youth through a hands-on learning experience. Additionally, we go through the basic expectations of competing in the contests. 

What: Locust Hill Cattle Livestock Judging Contest

When: Thursday, June 12

Where: Locust Hill Cattle, 1434 Dibrell Rd., Pelham NC 

Who: Youth ages 8 -18. This is a livestock judging contest with 6-8 classes of livestock, 1-2 sets of questions and reasons.

What: NC Sheep & Goat Roundup

When: June 19-21

Where: Johnston County Livestock Arena, Smithfield 

Who: NC Residents Only. In addition to the Sheep and Goat shows, we will have a Salesmanship Contest, Team Fitting Contest, Skillathon Contest, Graphic Design Contest, and the best Kickball Tournament in the State.  Youth do not have to be showing animals to participate in the other contests. 

What: State 4-H Skillathon, Quiz Bowl, and Livestock Judging Contests

When: July 31- August 2 (Please note the schedule change from previous years, updated schedule is attached)

Where:NC State University (Riddick Hall / E Carroll Joyner Beef Education Unit)

Who:NC 4-H participants age 8-18.

What: NC Junior Beef Roundup

When: August 8-10

Where: Mountain State Fairgrounds, Fletcher

Who: In addition to the Heifer and Steer shows, we will have a Livestock Judging Contest, Skillathon Contest, and Graphic Design Contest. Youth do not have to be showing animals to participate in the other contests. 

Calendar of Events Page  

Help Needed to Host Exchange Families

 

WE STILL NEED HOST FAMILIES FOR EXCHANGE DELEGATES!  APPLICATIONS EXTENDED! For more information, contact State Coordinator Caitlin Clineff at nc4-Hinternationalprogram@ncsu.edu or 919.515.4759.  We need just 3 more families to host Japanese delegates this summer! The Japan group will be here from July 24 through August 17. Special trips and tourism are not required to host a delegate. These young people are here to be members of 4-H families and experience American culture for a month, not to be tourists. There is no fee to participate. You must have a youth (age 18 or younger) of the same gender and within 3 years of the same age to host a month-long delegate.  We also need one more family to host a high school year-long exchange student from Japan for the 2025-2026 school year (August 2025 to June 2026). The students are very excited to live with American families and attend high school in the US. Many of them are especially excited to experience holidays like Halloween and Christmas, and take part in American school events like homecoming and prom. Unlike the month-long program, families do not need to have children of a certain age to be eligible to host! Can you help?  Meet the remaining month-long delegates!: Hisato is 13-year-old boy from Japan who enjoys cooking, arts and crafts, watching anime, karate, and playing soccer and ping pong. He likes cats and dogs. “I like to play soccer and TV games, especially Splatoon. I’m good at cooking. I usually cook omelette rice. I want to try to make Japanese food with my host family. I want to go to the big city in your country if possible.” Fuki is 14-year-old boy from Japan who enjoys hiking, camping, boating and the outdoors, photography, arts & crafts, and museums, watching anime, playing with LEGOs, and practicing kendo and aikido. “I like to play Pokemon cards. I want to take part in world tournament. So I want to improve my English. I’m interested in Budo [martial arts]. I practice Kendo and Aikido everyday. I want to try canoe in North America. I like sports. I want to know language difference [and] foods difference. I want to talk a lot and become friends.”  Masamichi is 16-year-old boy from Japan who is very into sports! He plays soccer, baseball, tennis, volleyball, and ping pong, and enjoys watching soccer, baseball, and Formula One racing. He also likes dogs and cats. “I like playing tennis, watching sports, eating, and camping. I want to enjoy a cultural difference from my country. I want to enjoy talking with my host family, and try to start a conversation. I want to try everything.” Meet the year-long students who still need families!: Miki is a 17-year-old girl from Japan. "I play the saxophone and trombone and would love to join my school’s band. I enjoy sewing, reading, listening to music, sports, art, cooking, nature and roller-skating. When I was in Pennsylvania for my summer homestay I learned to sew a dress. I have made 4 more since returning! I want to share cooking with my host family (udon noodles) and kudo (Japanese traditional archery). I play the saxophone and trombone and want to join my American school’s band." Riko is a 17-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: dance (jazz, hip hop), tennis, camping, track, badminton, running, going to the movies, watching tv, listening to music, scrapbooking. “I enjoy shopping, going out to eat, and hanging out with my friends. My favorite school subjects are English, History, and Geography. I visited Idaho for a summer homestay. " Suzu is an 18-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: gymnastics, ice skating, skiing, painting/drawing, cooking, the outdoors, and nature. “I enjoy chatting with my friends and singing at karaoke. I play the recorder. I love frogs and fish and have been to the US twice. My favorite school subjects are English and Home Economics."  Riona is an 18-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: dance (hip hop), listening to music, hiking, canoeing, bicycling, track/running, going to the movies, and reading. “I enjoy family picnics, cooking with my family, and attending our Lex Hippo Club. I love roller coasters and I want to see lots of snow in America! My favorite school subjects are PE and World History." Aoi is a 16-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: basketball, badminton, running, swimming, volleyball, softball, soccer, judo (martial arts), listening to music, calligraphy, reading, photography, singing, watching tv, playing indoor games. “I play the piano and trombone. My favorite school subjects are Social Studies and Science. I have donated my hair three times. I believe it is a way for children to contribute to society. I do it with the hope that it will bring a smile to someone’s face somewhere."    Yukari is a 17-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: Kendo, baseball, softball, badminton, swimming, volleyball, table tennis, listening to music, photography, going to the movies, playing indoor games, watching tv, and my LEX Hippo Club. “I love kendama and practice frequently. My favorite school subjects are English and Social Studies. I want to be an English teacher when I am older. My family has a pet dog named Ki-Tan.” Momo is a 16-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: basketball, bicycling, camping, skiing, martial arts, attending sporting events, calligraphy, reading, singing, cooking, handicrafts, running, swimming, volleyball, and writing. “I play the violin and enjoy K-pop. I also enjoy shopping with my school friends and watching movies with my family. My favorite school subjects are English, Music, Biology, History, and PE.” Toshiki is an 18-year-old boy from Japan. Hobbies: drawing/painting, basketball, fishing, soccer, bicycling, camping, badminton, running, swimming, volleyball, going to the movies, photography, calligraphy, gardening, cooking (my dad is a chef), baseball, bowling, hiking, and listening to music. “I have a dog named Kitaro. I am named after my grandfather and teach Japanese abacus. I visited Michigan for a summer homestay. My favorite school subjects are English and Japanese History.“ Kanta is a 17-year-old boy from Japan. Hobbies: listening to music, photography, singing, running, reading Japanese comic books, karaoke, and volleyball. “I enjoy singing and dancing with my friends and family at karaoke. I play the guitar. I am interested in aviation and want to be an air traffic controller when I am older. I visited Maryland for a summer homestay. My favorite school subject is World History.” Munetaka is a 15-year-old boy from Japan. Hobbies: Karate, listening to and playing music, photography, singing, going to the movies, playing indoor games, watching tv, reading, computers, and playing video games. “I enjoy learning about astronomy, outer space, and NASA. I play the trumpet with my school’s brass band and want to join my American school’s marching band. My favorite school subjects are Math and Science.” Please apply ASAP!  Read more about program requirements on our webpage: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/youth-3/nc-4-h-international-exchange-program/ Month-long program application: https://www.states4hexchange.org/apply/host/ Year-long program application: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/99143-States-4-H-International-Exchange Host family selection is subject to the completion of the online application, an in-home interview, a background check, and delegate availability. Explore the world from your own home! For more information, contact State Coordinator Caitlin Clineff at nc4-Hinternationalprogram@ncsu.edu or 919.515.4759.  Follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nc4hinternational.  We look forward to hearing from you soon and starting your once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Remembering Bobby Rogers

  

   One of the first people I met, even before I was officially the 4-H Extension Agent in the County was Bobby Rogers.  He was one of the 4-H Volunteers asked to sit in on my presentation when I interviewed for this job.  I remember him sitting towards the back of the room, near his wife Aggie, who was the 4-H Program Associate.  He was smiling, nodding, and very supportive with his body language which put me at ease in a new and different environment.  I remember after accepting the position he came to me, smiling and said I knew it was going to be you.  I can't wait to see what you do.

  Over the years Bobby was more than just a 4-H Volunteer.  Sure he came in and did carpentry workshops with the kids, ran the electric program, and taught countless volunteer workshops.  Before my tenure in the program he was a volunteer with Young Leaders 4-H Club when his children were in 4-H.  He volunteered to take 4-H members to camp and he helped with the animal science program.  He was sort of a jack of all trades, and as you know in 4-H that comes in really handy. 

  What I will remember and cherish most was when Bobby would come in and take me to the side and just give me a pep talk when I needed it.  No one else may be aware of what was going on but Bobby Rogers always did.  He was honest and gentle and always made sure I knew his point and had his support.  When things were hard he always listened, gave me his best advice and quoted scripture to back up his point.  So you can see he was more than just a 4-H Volunteer Extradonaire, he was also a friend.  

  A proud member of the North Carolina Volunteer Leader's Hall of Fame and the second inductee to the Robeson County 4-H Hall of Fame in 2013,  it is fair to say Bobby left his mark in 4-H and positively influenced youth from all over the state.  Every time you saw Bobby he had a smile on his face and he was so glad to see you or meet you, it just made you feel good to be around him.  

  Bobby's first love was God, Jesus and church.  His family was right there next to that.  His wife Aggie is a 4-H Volunteer, turned county 4-H staff, and now in her retirement a volunteer again leading the Titans 4-H Club.  If you ask her, she will tell you, she bleeds 4-H green.  Their children Maurice and Debbie grew up in 4-H as did their children; Amaria, Maurice (aka Reece Reece), and Darius (aka DJ).  My first memories of the children in this program are around those three, and they are memories that make me smile.

  When he wasn't involved in 4-H activities you could either find Bobby in his workshop that he built by hand behind the house or he was at church.  He loved music and taught him self how to play a variety of instruments but that electric guitar was where he shined.  He passed that love of music on to his son Maurice and his grandson DJ.  Bobby also cooked for church functions and 4-H functions.  I have to say he made the best fried chicken I have ever tasted. He even had a special outdoor fryer made to handle the large amounts of chicken and fish he was asked to prepare for crowds from all over this state.

  After serving in the Army, Bobby's day job was working for the city of Lumberton for more than 30 years in their wastewater treatment plant.  He had the education, knowledge, and common sense that kept things running smoothly for years.  Bobby retired to find himself busier than ever.  One night he and Aggie woke up in the aftermath of a hurricane to find water up to their knees.  They salvaged what they could and moved in with their daughter in law Gwen (who is also a 4-H volunteer).  Bobby spent day and night supervising the rebuilding of their family home, making sure that once again his family had a safe place to live.  

  In recent years Bobby's health declined and he was admitted to Cape Fear Hospital in April of 2024.  He was there for over a year until he passed away Wednesday, May 14th.  Aggie and their family were by his side and our hearts go out to them as we offer prayers for the healing of their broken hearts.  

  Services for Deacon Bobby Rogers will be Thursday, May 22 at Pentecostal United Holy Church located at 2300 Gavintown Road, Lumberton, NC 28358.  The viewing will be from 1-2pm, with the Celebration of Life to follow.  He will be buried in the church cemetery after the service.  

  Bobby, thank you for all you did here, and Godspeed.

4-H Creative Ceramics

We are excited to announce a new program called 4-H Creative Ceramics.  Thanks to a partnership between My Pottery Place and National 4-H we have the chance to paint ceramic items specifically designed for 4-H members and families.  These fun pieces are decorative and useful for any home.  The partnership also allows us to support a local small business, Just Claying Around in Fayetteville.  

  When you register you will pick and pay for the item you are interested in completing.  Thanks to generous support of individuals and organizations we are excited to offer this items at half the price it would normally cost to do this.  This program is open to all 4-H members, Volunteers, and 4-H Families.  We will paint the items at Just Claying Around on June 14 and leave them to dry and be fired,  When they are ready the 4-H staff will pick up the items for you and you can pick them up from our office.

  Deadline to register and pay for this program is June 3rd at 6 pm.  Transportation will be offered to and from the event from our 4-H office.  If you would like to travel with us please reach out to Jade McNeill or Shea Ann DeJarnette at (910) 671-3276.  You can also meet us at the location if you prefer.  For a full list of items and prices, and to register please go to our Eventbrite registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1368885717029?aff=oddtdtcreator or you can register from our 4-H App.

 

JMG News

 

BIWEEKLY UPDATE | MAY 2025 Plant Parts Rap Video Debut Hullabloom Fest Thank You JMG Mother's Day Flower Craft

NEW: JMG's Plant Parts Rap YouTube Video DEBUT

DROP THE BEET!  Something root-ally awesome just sprouted on YouTube! Introducing the Plant Parts Rap – the freshest way for kids to learn about roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and more through the power of rhythm and rhyme.  Join us as we break it down (literally) and explore the plant from the ground up—with catchy beats, colorful visuals, and science that sticks. Whether you're a student or teacher, this video will have you singing along AND learning at the same time.

Click HERE to watch the JMG Plant Parts Rap YouTube video!

THANK YOU for a Great TAMU Hullabloom Fest! Over 1200 people attended the 2025 TAMU Hullabloom Fest on Saturday, April 26th in The Gardens! The Junior Master Gardener Program led youth in a pollinator flower activity throughout the event, and ended the festival with the butterfly release! JMG Mother's Day Flower Craft JMG Family: Here is a fun and thoughtful way to say “I love you, Mom!” This flower finger painting craft is the perfect handmade gift for Mother’s Day—created by little hands with big creativity.  Materials Needed: paint, a paint brush, scissors, brown construction paper, white cardstock paper, a glue stick, and a marker.

Junior Master Gardener Program | juniormastergardener@gmail.com

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Club Meetings for May

 

If you are looking for Club meetings going on in May Check these out and feel free to click the link to learn more about each meeting and register if you would like to attend.  These are also on our app under clubs.

Art Hub 4-H Club-Meeting on Saturday, May 10 at 10am:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-hub-club-meeting-tickets-1345774470669?aff=oddtdtcreator

Dirty Rascals 4-H Club Meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at 5:30pm:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jmg-may-meeting-tickets-1342066700629?aff=oddtdtcreator

Titans 4-H Club meeting on May 5, at 6:00pm:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1342082207009?aff=oddtdtcreator

Young Leaders 4-H Club Meeting on Tuesday, May 27 at 6:30pm:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1342066991499?aff=oddtdtcreator