NC 4-H Outbound Program for 2026

Announcing: 4-H Outbound Exchange Programs for 2026!

Email Caitlin Clineff for more information on how to apply to be a chaperone at nc4-hinternationalprogram@ncsu.edu

Applications are officially open! Next summer, NC 4-Hers will have the opportunity to travel abroad and experience new cultures and languages in 5 different countries through our partnership with the States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs. Apply by November 1 to start your life-changing journey!

-We will be hosting a meeting for interested youth and parents on Zoom October 7 from 6:30-8:00 PM. Learn program details and hear from participants who went abroad through these programs last year! Register here for the zoom session: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/Aas5wRIYScu3--wm1iAXtA

-Adults 21+ with 4-H volunteer experience or Cooperative Extension staff members may be eligible to participate as chaperones! Email Caitlin Clineff for more information on how to apply to be a chaperone at nc4-hinternationalprogram@ncsu.edu.

-More information and costs for all of the trips can be found on our webpage: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/youth-3/nc-4-h-international-exchange-program/

-Please note that age is counted as of the date of departure.

Taiwan - July 8 to Aug 7

*Ages 12-18

*Homestay with 1-2 Taiwanese 4-H families 

*Urban exploration in Taipei 

*Host sibling of same age not guaranteed

Argentina - July 11 to Aug 3

*Ages 15-18

*Homestay with an Argentina 4-H family in Córdoba 

*Includes some structured group activities, Spanish lessons, and 4-H events

*Argentina 4-H has two focuses, soccer and orchestra, so it’s recommended that applicants are interested in one of these areas

*Host sibling of same age not guaranteed

South Korea - July 15 to Aug 14

*Ages 12-18

*Homestay with 1-2 Korean 4-H families 

*Urban exploration in Seoul 

*Host sibling of same age not guaranteed

Costa Rica - June 25 to July 24

*Ages 15-18

*Homestay with a Costa Rican 4-S family 

*Sightseeing and cultural excursions in San José 

*Two-day excursion to a national park 

* Host sibling of same age/gender not guaranteed

Japan 4 week - July 8 to Aug 7

*Ages 12-18

*Homestay with a LABO/LEX Japanese family, with a host sibling of similar age and interests

*Attend LABO or LEX Camp 

*Visit LABO or LEX clubs with host family

Japan 8 week - June 10 to Aug 7

*Ages 15-18

*1st Month: Intensive group language-learning program in Tokyo, including cultural excursions in and around Tokyo. Host sibling not guaranteed. 

*2nd Month: All the same components as the Japan 4-week program (see above)

Application Deadline: Nov 1, 2025

Application Links:

Youth Delegate: https://smr.to/p104148

Chaperone: https://smr.to/p104664

Contact State Coordinator Caitlin Clineff at nc4-Hinternationalprogram@ncsu.edu if you have any questions!

4-H Goat Show

   Folks the weather prediction for Saturday, September 27 is a little frightful so let's talk about what the plans are.

  If the fair decides to remain open we will be taking in animals for the barn starting at 8 am and that will run through 11 or until everything is full.  We are asking participants with poultry to make sure they arrive prior to 11 am to make sure their birds get blood tested.

Goat weigh in for the show starts at 11 am.  We are aiming to start the show around 2 pm.  Participants need to arrive at gate 7 at the fairgrounds-which is behind the livestock building (3750 Martin Luther King Jr Drive in Lumberton).  Please note this is the plan weather permitting.  If the fair decides to close or delay opening we will determine if there is going to be a goat show on this date or if we will reschedule it for the following Saturday.

Best way for us to communicate is via this blog and our Remind App.  We have set up a 2025 Livestock Show classroom and you can access it at @9fekhc on Remind,  As soon as we know something we will share with everyone.  Our primary concern is for your safety and that of your animals that you are transporting. 

We appreciate your patience with this process.  We can't control Mother Nature, and we need to listen to work with our partners to make sure everything goes smoothly.  We will let you know as soon as we know something.

Thank you for your patience,

Shea Ann

State Fair

 

The NC State Fair is quickly approaching from October 16-26, 2025. We wanted to remind you of the various opportunities you can participate in at the fair.

You can view the premium book and all the competition details online at:
NC State Fair 4-H Competitions

Click the Competition Information Section.

Entry Deadlines:

Please refer to the deadlines listed under each section in the premium book.

For 4-H Crafts, Exhibits, Entomology, Photography, Haybales, etc.:

• Entry Deadline: Sunday, September 15, 2025

• Haybale Decoration Time: Specific times will be allocated.

Exhibit Drop-Off Times:

• Deliver exhibits to the Education Building Saturday, October 11; Sunday, October 12 from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm; and Monday, October 13 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. • Exhibits released from other fairs will be accepted until 3:00 pm on Monday, October 13 with entry tag from prior fair. Call 919 839 4513 for details.

• Location: Education Building

• Haybale Decorating must be completed on Saturday, October 10 thru Monday, October 13. Location:  Grassy area in between of the Kerr Scott Building and the Administration Offices.

• Pick-Up Date: Monday, October 27, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Please see this section for specifics on when you can bring your items. Ensure you allow enough time to complete your entry process by Noon on the deadline day. We are open the weekend prior to the fair, so please avoid waiting until the last minute.

Competitions:

• County Exhibits: Pre-assigned with one per Extension District. The following counties—Perquimans, Onslow, Orange, Hoke —have been contacted and are working on their booths to represent each district. Must be completed by Sunday - October 12.

• Categories Open to Any 4-H’er:

• 4-H Crafts

• 4-H Photography

• 4-H Entomology

• 4-H Hay Bale Decorating (1 entry per county; submission must be coordinated by the county 4-H agent and registered as the County 4-H Program.

Competition Guidelines

• Competition is open to North Carolina residents only, and youth must be registered in 4-H online.

• Two entries per exhibitor, per Class.

• Entry registration deadline is Sunday, September 15, 2025

• NC Substitute W-9 forms are required to receive prize money.

• Deliver craft exhibits to the Education Building Saturday, October 11; Sunday, October 12 from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm; and Monday, October 13 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. • Exhibits released from other fairs will be accepted until 3:00 pm on Monday, October 13, with an entry tag fromthe prior fair.

• General Rules and Regulations of the Fair will govern this department.

• The point system used for judging in each class aids the judges in selecting winners, but is not the sole factor in the awarding of ribbons and placements.