Summer Fun Update

It is that time of year again and folks are signing up for lots of summer fun.  We just wanted to give you an update on our current programs. 

4-H Adventure Seeker Camp is currently full.  If you are interested we can put you on a waiting list in case someone should drop out.

  4-H Jr. Chef is currently full.  Again if you are interested we can put you on a wiating list in case someone should drop out.

4-H Jr. Master Gardener-We do have a few slots available for this camp.  When youth are done they will be nationally certified as a Jr. Master Gardener.  We will also be taking two field trips, to the NC Zoo and NC Life Science Museum in Durham.  Our other days will be at the office having fun planting, playing games, and making all sorts of things that will come home for our youth to teach you about.  This is a great week long experience and we hope your 9-13 year old will join us.  The cost includes supplies, lunch, two snacks, and field trips.

4-H Van Camp is for our 14-18 year olds.  This camp was designed and requested by our 4-H Youth.  They will get a behind the scenes of what it takes to run an entertainment business.  The opportunity to plan a trip, work within a budget, and learn about vehicle maintenance.  They will get to go to a variety of places and we will even have one night in Charlotte.   Cost covers hotel, food, and supplies for this camp.

4-H Biotech is an immersive sciences camp for our 9-13 year olds.  We will travel around the state to explore STREAM opportunities and have one day at the office for hands on technology fun.  This is a favorite of our youth and we work hard not to repeat any trips so that youth have a chance to experience new things every year.

4-H Cloverbud Day Camp is for our 5-8 year olds.  We will have a theme day everyday that week and they will get a chance to make their afternoon snacks each day.  Our hope is to get them back into a school schedule and learn about working as part of a team and increase communication skills as they get ready to head back into the classroom.  The cost includes lunch each day and two snacks a day.

To learn more about these camps or to register and pay please go to our Eventbrite registration at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988028093544?aff=oddtdtcreator 

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.

Meet Our New 4-H Program Assistant

 

Robeson County 4-H is excited to introduce our new 4-H Program Assistant, Jade McNeill. Jade has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management and a Minor in Commercial Photography from Appalachian State University. We are excited she is bringing these skills to this position. 

She is married to her best friend Lucas and together they have two beautiful children. She loves traveling and exploring new places. She loves breakfast food, coffee and trips to the beach.

Jade has previous work experience in 4-H and she is a 4-H alum from Robeson County where she showed a beef heifer from her family farm. Jade will be concentrating on 4-H Clubs and County Programs. If you would like to reach out to say hello her email is Jade_McNeill@ncsu.edu or 910-671-3276.

Gentle Reminder

 Gentle Reminder that we have deadlines approaching to register for two programs.

If you would like to register for the Holiday Tree Trimming Party that will be an open house this Saturday from 10am -2pm. The registration is....https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-holiday-tree-trimming-celebration-tickets-771668510287?aff=oddtdtcreator

Deadline to register is: December 13

Our STREAMing @ X8 Labs registration is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/streaming-x8-labs-tickets-

768280968057

Deadline to register for this program is December 14.

Also, 4-H Online will be coming off line this week so the state 4-H Office can collect Data and reset the system. That means we can not send text messages and emails until it is back online. Please keep an eye on our 4-H app and our blog for news and information.

You can download the app from your apple or android store. Go to 4-H Now! and you can download it for free. When you open it look for Robeson County 4-H for our program information. If you accept to get alerts you will get the text messages to let you know what is being updated. Also our blog can be found under news on your app or by going to: https://robeson4-h.blogspot.com/

Thank you for all that you do for 4-H.

Shea Ann

4-H Message

 Hey Folks,

  Due to low numbers of folks signing up for 4-H Appreciation night we will be canceling the event.  Please note a few more things will be added to our schedule so please see how we will be celebrating our youth and volunteers.

On Friday, December 8, we will be releasing a video of our Honors for our youth and volunteers.  We will email everyone a link.

On Saturday, December 16 from 10 am - 2 pm we will have a Holiday Tree Trimming Celebration.  This is an open house event where youth and adults will be able to drop off items for our community service project, pick up their awards, gift, and help us trim the tree in the auditorium.  It is an open house so you can drop in at any time.  However we will ask that you register so we can make sure to have your items ready for you to pick up.  The registration is....https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-holiday-tree-trimming-celebration-tickets-771668510287?aff=oddtdtcreator

On Wednesday, December 20 from 9 am -3 pm we will be offering "STREAMing @ X8 Labs".  This is a hands on program for our 9-13 year olds where they will get to create a solution to a real world problem using the latest technology and science offerings, and pitch it in a shark tank environment.  This is a free event thanks to our partners at ETI (Emerging Technology Institute).  They will provide snacks and lunch for the event.  It is open to the first 30 youth that register and transportation will be provided from our office to UNCP Hub, where X8 Labs are located.  We promise this is a day they won't forget.  All youth must be registered in 4-H Online prior to December 11 to be able to attend.   The registration link is:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/streaming-x8-labs-tickets-768280968057 

If you have any questions please let me know.  You can reach me at sadejarn@ncsu.edu.  

Thank you for all that you do and we hope folks will be able to join us for these events. 

  

Saying Goodbye

   

  It is with a sad heart that we share the news of one of our own volunteers who has passed away.  Peggy Monk was a 4-H Volunteer in Bladen and Robeson Counties for almost two decades.  Peggy started her 4-H Club after starting to homeschool her children.  Her home school grew and she was looking for other outlets for socialization and learning for her children when she started her 4-H Club.  She was active in all aspects of 4-H and was recognized on the district and state levels for her volunteer work with the clubs.  She served as an officer for our leaders association and was always willing to help out.   Peggy was also the assistant club leader for our Dirty Dozen shooting sports club and loved leading the Citizenship section of any program.

  One of my favorite memories of Peggy was when she was trying to offer incentives to her home school students to pass their end of grade test.  She told them if they all scored above a certain percentage she would die her hair and let them choose the color.  It was no surprise the next time we saw her that her hair had gone from it's traditional white to a electric blue.  The only problem was the dye that was chosen was a permanent dye so it was months before it grew out enough to go back to her original color.  She took it all with stride and pride, being able to brag on her students and how well they had done on their tests.

  Peggy was kind, sweet, and had a wicked sense of humor.  What I will remember about Peggy most of all is her passion for her children.  She demonstrated daily, the lengths she would go to for them and prayed they would grow to be happy and capable adults.  She was a woman who loved deeply and fought hard for the right things.  We will miss her smile, her laugh, and her heart in our program and lives.  Thank you Peggy for all that you gave, and your heart of service.  

You can view information about services for Peggy at https://www.majesticfh.com/obituary/MrsPeggyS-Monk.  We ask that you keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Just an update...a visitation is planned for Sunday, September 17 from 5-7 pm at Majestic funeral home.

Carolyn Lewis

 

 It is with great sadness that we are informing you of the passing of one of our former 4-H Club leaders, Carolyn Lewis.  Carolyn was the co-leader of our first animal science club in Fairmont in the early 2000's.  She loved working with animals and youth.  Carolyn in later years was an avid gardener and even a member of our Extension Master Gardeners.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carolyn's family tonight.

Obituary posted on Floyd's Funeral Home website:  Carolyn Lewis, age 77, of Fairmont, NC passed away Friday, July 21, 2023 at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC. She was born July 20, 1946 in Hoke County the late Emory Lewis and the late Minnie Morris Lewis.

Ms. Carolyn was an avid horse lover, gardener, and farmer. She received a Master’s degree in Mathematics. She also was a member of the Robeson County Garden Club and the 4H Club.

Ms. Carolyn is survived by a son, Emory Conner Lewis of Fairmont, NC; a grandson, Emory Conner Lewis, II; an adopted son, Marcus Haire; three sisters, Teresa Evans, Brenda Mays and Barbara Glines all of Fairmont, NC; special friends, Hubert Locklear and Dennis Simmons and families.

A graveside service will be held Monday, July 31, 2023 at 11:00AM at Floyd Memorial Cemetery 1549 Marion Stage Rd. Fairmont, NC.

Welcome Home!

 

We are so excited to announce a not new, but returning member to our Extension and 4-H Team in Robeson County.  Joanna Rogers, who served as our Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Assistant has returned to her previous position with us.  

What does this mean?  Well for our schools who enjoyed the food and nutrition education program she brought them in the classrooms, she is back with her series and will be able to schedule with you in the fall.  For our community programs she worked with in the summer, she is back!  For our High Schools and other youth audiences who have not had that chance to work with her now is the time to start scheduling because she books up fast.  You can reach out to Joanna at (910) 671-3276 or jnroger2@ncsu.edu.

Welcome back Joanna!  Can't wait to see the impact you make.

Saying Goodbye and Hello

   I am struggling writing this message to our 4-H family.  One of our own is leaving us this week.  Wendy Maynor, our 4-H Program Associate for more than 10 years is moving on to greener pastures.  Her last day with 4-H will be Tuesday, February 28.  She has been instrumental in leading our 4-H club and county programs and has been a positive light for our youth and volunteers, not to mention a great coworker, teammate, and friend to me.  I am sure that you will all want to wish her well on her new journey and thank her for all that she has given to our 4-H program.  I have no doubt she will take what she has gained from 4-H with her to her new position and thrive.

    That being said...on Wednesday, March 1 we will welcome our new Family and Consumer Science Agent, Wendy Maynor, to our Extension team!  We are so excited that Wendy is being promoted to this role.  She will continue to partner with 4-H in her new position (hello 4-H Jr. Chef Day Camp) and be responsible for programming health and nutrition, local foods, and food preservation education.  Not to mention some other fun things that will come up along the way.  So keep your eyes open for that.  We have no doubt she will do great and tasty things in this new role as she tried to get our residents to eat a little healthier and move a little more. 

  If you would like to send Wendy a word of Thanks, Congratulations, or other salutations please reach out to her at wendy_maynor@ncsu.edu.  I know she will be glad to hear from you.  Congratulations Wendy!  Thank you for all that you have done for the youth of Robeson County over the last decade.  Can't wait to work with you in your new role.   

  

  

It's That Time for 4-H Online!

 

  It's that time to go into 4-H Online and register for our 2023 year.  Please note members can not take part in programs until they are registered.  Volunteers must re-register, watch the video, and go through a background check process if it has been more than 3 years since the last one.  Our 4-H office will take care of those details....so please don't wait and register now!

If you have any questions or issues please contact Wendy Maynor, 4-H Program Associate at (910) 671-3276 or wrmaynor@ncsu.edu.

Congratulations to our AIRE Winner!

 

Summer Fun, Fun, Fun!

  

 This article was written by our own Shea Ann DeJarnette for the Robesonian and can be found on our website.

    “We’ll have fun, fun, fun until…” and that is where I will split from the Beach Boys. That’s because we are planning on having Summer Fun all summer long here in 4-H. We are excited that right now all our camps (day, mini, and overnight) will be in person and full of learning experiences. If you know a child between the ages of 5 and 18, we have a little something for all of them. Here is a sneak peek: 

    For our Cloverbuds (5–8-year-olds) we have a week-long day camp to get them back into the swing of school. Each day we will have a different theme, and our youth will be immersed in hands-on activities. This camp is scheduled for August 15-19. For our 9–13-year-olds we have a plethora of activities. 

    The first camp will be a single-day camp focusing on manners. Our 4-H Etiquette day camp is scheduled for June 22 and is open to our 9–18-year-olds. Youth will have the opportunity to learn about in-person and online manners in a fun environment. This hands-on opportunity will include a very special lunch, identify rude behaviors, and youth will get to go home with a book to help guide them through life’s sticky social situations. 

    The week of June 27-July 1 we will be cooking up some fun as part of our Junior Chef day camp. The menu will include youth learning how to cook international favorites, creating value-added products, and food prep like never before. We will also take field trips to learn more about the career opportunities in this growing field. If you have a child who loves food this is a yummy opportunity. 

    Learning about food can also mean learning how to grow your own good eats. Youth who attend our 4-H Junior Master Gardener day camp the week of July 11-15 will have the opportunity to become certified nationally as Junior Master Gardeners. They will get to play in the soil, play detective, and eat things they grow. We will have two day long field trips with this camp. 

    Let’s not forget our citizen scientists, because we make science fun. August 1-5 we will have our traditional 4-H Biotech day camp. This is a hands-on camp for youth who like to ask questions and explore. Each day, we travel to the experts so youth can accidentally learn about all sorts of fun topics. 

    If you are looking for a more traditional form of camping, please join us for our week-long overnight camp at Betsy-Jeff Penn. This will take place July 24-29 and is for our 9–14-year-olds. Youth will have the opportunity to take part in activities such as archery, rock wall climbing, and swimming. 

    For our 14–18-year-olds we have two fun events. Citizenship Focus will take place June 14-16 in Raleigh. Youth from across the state come together to learn about civic engagement, youth advocacy, and how to make a difference in their communities. Congress will also take place in Raleigh on the NC State University campus July 16-19. This leadership event includes state presentations, workshops, and community service projects. It is a summer packed with 4-H Fun. 

    To learn more about our programs or to register, you can go to our website at robeson.ces.ncsu.edu, our blog at robeson4-h.blogspot.com, or download our free 4-H app (4-H Now! in your app   store – choose Robeson County 4-H) and go to programs to register for Summer Fun.

Mindful, Considerate, and Respectful

This article was written for the Robesonian by our own Wendy Maynor.

 How mindful, considerate, and respectful are you to the people around you in public? You know the feeling when you drive into a packed parking lot and see that one vacant parking spot waiting just for you? You are thinking, I timed that one perfect. You start to whip the car in, then frustration sets in – there is a shopping cart right smack in the middle of your parking spot. So, what do you do? Do you get out of the car, move the cart, then come back and park in the spot, or do you drive off frustrated? After shopping, do you leave the cart in the parking lot or do you return it to the cart return? Imagine if we all made a concerted effort to do what is considerate by returning the cart to the designated area after shopping.

What about cell phones? How many phone conversations have you been forced to hear while sitting in a restaurant, sitting in a waiting room, shopping, or standing in line at a store? There are usually signs posted in public places asking you to turn your phone off or not to use it in the building. I am guilty of this too. However, if I answer, I usually ask if I can call the person back if it’s not an emergency. Some people put the conversation on speaker, so now we are hearing their entire conversation that is none of our business. Most people really do not want to be forced to hear your conversation. Again, being mindful, considerate, and respectful of the people around us is important.

Think about table etiquette, and what we should and shouldn’t do when eating in public. There are the basics, such as gently placing the napkin in your lap, not putting elbows on the table, and not talking with your mouth full. Thanks to technology there are a few other things to think about, such as cell phones should not be placed on the table. Also, phone conversations and texting should wait until after the meal is over and you leave the table.

Let’s be honest, etiquette, which is essentially the rules and guidelines suggesting the proper and polite way to behave in society, has changed in the last couple of years. However, the importance of these life skills has not changed. Etiquette prepares us with confidence for those situations that might be out of our comfort zone. It also helps us be mindful, courteous, and respectful by doing simple, meaningful things.

That is why our 4-H program has created an etiquette program for youth. It is a fun and interactive way to learn about everything from cell phones to thank you notes, table etiquette and everything in between. To learn more about our    4-H Etiquette day camp, register your child in 4-H Online as a 4-H member. You will receive dates and times for this and all our 4-H programs.

For more information and easy access to all 4-H programs, including 4-H online, download the Robeson County 4-H app. Simply go to your App Store and download 4-H Now! When you open the app, you will be prompted to pick a program to download. You will need to choose Robeson County 4-H. Also follow us on the Robeson County 4-H blog at http://www.robeson4-h.blogspot.com

For more information, contact Wendy Maynor, Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Associate, at 910-671-3276, by Email at Wendy_Maynor@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at http://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/.

Ways to Be Kind

   

    This article was written by our own Shea Ann DeJarnette for the Robesonian and can be found on our Extension website.

    We have talked a lot about being kind to one another. In many respects, that statement referred more to respecting where people were on the spectrum of COVID protocols and not shaming them. But what does it take to truly be kind? I just attended a conference where the atmosphere was different because people expected everything to be just like it was pre-COVID, but it wasn’t. So how do we practice being kinder?

    One of the first bumps this past week was greeting people. Some folks wanted to shake hands or hug like they always had. Halfway through the action of whipping their hand out or bringing up arms to give a hug, they would stop, their eyes would get really big, and they would say, “Oops! I’m supposed to ask first.”  Some people will just take a step back if you try to shake hands or hug to let you know they aren’t ok with it; however, that action leaves you feeling a little foolish. So how do we handle this? I think if you are someone who wants to engage in a physical greeting, getting in the habit of asking how the other person feels about shaking hands or hugging is exceedingly respectful and acceptable. Whether they say it is ok or they would prefer not to, you haven’t put them or yourself in an awkward position. If a physical greeting is not your style, leading off with a brief wave or head nod can go a long way, making everyone feel comfortable.

    How else can we convey simple kindnesses? Verbal cues are a great place to start. If you notice something about a person that is positive, take the time to tell them. You have no idea what a brief comment like “I love your shoes” will do for someone’s demeanor. At this conference, I saw a VFW member go up to a soldier in uniform and thank him for his service to his country. The young man had been sitting alone on his phone when the older gentlemen approached. The solider jumped to his feet and engaged in conversation, standing taller the longer the conversation continued and leaving with a smile on his face. Just witnessing that exchange from across the room made my day, and I shared that with the VFW member (which, I think, may have made his day).

    If all else fails, fall back on the simple rules of etiquette. Remember, when you’re with people, there are rules of politeness to follow. I can’t tell you how many air-escaping-body sounds, talking with food in the mouth, and demands made on waitstaff (without a please or thank you) I witnessed. Truth be told, all the time we were at home allowed us to be comfortable and not practice some of our basic etiquette skills. Now that it is time to be amongst each other, we have forgotten being that comfortable really isn’t always appropriate.

    With all of that being said, Robeson County 4-H is planning a basic etiquette class working with elementary school teachers in the fall; the thought being, if we can start our youth out on the right foot and they practice in the classroom, they are likely to teach their other family members simple etiquette, thereby practicing it in the home. If it is being practiced in the home, perhaps it will be practiced outside the home. If it is practiced outside the home,  it will become more commonplace to be polite, and in that essence, being kinder to each other.

    For more information, please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Youth Development agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at 671-3276, by email at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at https://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/.

Update to the Robeson County 4-H Mask Policy

   

 With numbers of positive cases in Robeson county and statewide declining it is time for our mask policy in 4-H to be updated.  Based on recommendations from our state 4-H office we will follow in line with our local school system.  So starting Monday, February 28, 2022 masks will be optional for 4-H indoor events.  We will continue to try to social distance and encourage hand washing and other sanitation measures as much as possible.  

   Masks are currently not required for youth for outdoor events and we will continue to try to social distance outside.

  When traveling in vans our current plan is to continue to have less people in the vehicles and wear a mask.  This is an enclosed space and at this time we feel this is best to keep everyone safe.  Please note we will follow the guidelines of the locations we go to concerning masking.  If the location requires it we will mask at that location.

  Please note this is a fluid plan and is subject to change based on a number of factors.  We will relay those changes to our 4-H members and volunteers as necessary.   Please note we will be doing our best to ensure a safe environment for our youth and volunteers while we move towards a more normal reality.  We ask that everyone be kind and respectful of anyone's choice to wear or not wear a mask.

  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at sadejarn@ncsu.edu.

Update on 4-H Mask Policy

 Please see the following update provided today by Dr. Mike Yoder.  Please note that Robeson County Public Schools do have a mandatory mask policy and therefore we will continue to wear masks indoors with youth.

Good morning,

With COVID-19/Omicron numbers declining across North Carolina and the Nation, I believe the time is right to modify North Carolina 4-H guidelines accordingly.  During the past couple of weeks, we have seen various county school boards vote-in a "mask optional" policy for their public schools.  

Therefore, with regard to the wearing of masks at 4-H events/activities, beginning immediately, all indoor, face-2-face 4-H programming should follow local public-school and applicable county guidance.  If the county public schools are operating under a "mask-optional" policy, then indoor 4-H programs may operate under the same policy.  An exception would be when the policies set for individual buildings/facilities vary.  If a building in which a 4-H activity/event is taking place requires masks, then that guidance should be followed.  As local government/public school guidance changes, you should feel free to follow that change.  

I am hopeful that this change will provide a higher degree of freedom for each of you to make the decisions necessary to keep your COVID-19 guidelines, in-line with those of the county.  As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Thank you for all you have done to keep 4-H moving forward throughout the pandemic.

Mike

Fresh Fuel For Change

This article was written by Wendy Maynor, 4-H Program Associate, for the Robesonian.

Do you like change? Do you find it difficult to accept change? If so, you are not alone. Change is difficult for a lot of people. Maybe it is the fear of the new when we are so accustomed to the old way. Sometimes we just become comfortable with the way things are because that’s the way it has always been, “just like grandma did.”

Change is usually good; it forces us out of our comfort zone, which ultimately allows for growth by learning new ways. It seems younger people are more accepting and adapt easier to change than older people like myself. I guess we get stuck in our way of doing things – the way they have always been done, “just like grandma did.”

Well, over the past two years, I would say we all have been forced to change on some level because of COVID-19. Since 2020, nearly every aspect of our lives has been altered. We all have been affected by COVID, directly or indirectly.

Reflecting back, we have experienced lockdowns, one shortage after another of essentials and non- essentials, wearing masks, working remotely, and curbside pickup. The shortage of coins and having to pay with exact change or electronic payment, remote learning, sickness, death and healing are also some changes we faced.

So, how will change affect the Robeson County 4-H program? How do we bridge the gap of what was and what is now, all forced by change? As we move forward into 2022, we will rebuild and make the Robeson County 4-H program stronger and more resilient than ever, for our youth and volunteers. We are adapting to the situation that has forced change, and embracing it with the opportunity for the 4-H program to grow and enable youth to grow even stronger. We will maintain a high degree of vigilance. Follow all COVID guidelines given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NC State University, and Robeson County. Our volunteers are also trained in our COVID protocols to keep youth safe.

It is easy to be a part of this exciting 4-H Program. We offer summer fun day camps, overnight camp, fun hands-on educational activities, and a variety of clubs for youth ages 5 to 18. So, take control and make a positive change by signing your child up for 4-H today. Make it family fun by signing up to be an adult volunteer. We encourage family involvement.

For more information and easy access to all 4-H programs, including 4-H online, download the Robeson County 4-H app. Simply, go to your App Store and download 4-H Now! When you open the app, you will be prompted to pick a program to download. You will need to choose Robeson County 4-H. Also follow us on the Robeson County 4-H blog at http://www.robeson4-h.blogspot.com

One thing is for sure, life constantly changes. We as an organization, county, community, and program, have the capacity to embrace change, adapt, and thrive to greater heights.

For more information, contact Wendy Maynor, Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Associate, at 910-671-3276, by Email at Wendy_Maynor@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at https://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/. 

2020 Gives Us A Different Perspective

     This article was written for the Robesonian by our own Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent.

     Welcome to 2022. What’s great about a new year are the possibilities and hope for a positive future. We have lots of things we are looking forward to in our lives, communities, and world this year. That being said, we have a lot of things to look forward to in 4-H. We started back, masked, face to face last year and even had overnight camp. So imagine how much more we might be doing this year. 

     I am going to qualify all of this by saying we will make sure everything we do involves a safe environment for all our youth and volunteers. Right now, what that means is smaller numbers and everyone wearing a mask when we aren’t outside, socially distanced. We have found our youth really have no issue wearing masks or following the guidelines. Most of the time they tell us they are so excited to be in a different environment they will do whatever they need to safely enjoy the experience. We appreciate their need and want to be together and enjoy hands-on learning opportunities. We are going to do our best to make the world a little more normal for them in 2022. 

     What is planned for this year? The easiest way to find out is to download our free Robeson County 4-H App (4-H Now!) from your app store. We are including a QR link for the app if you would like to download it. On the app is a calendar button which shows our programs month by month. You can even add the programs and deadlines to your own calendar or share them with friends and on social media if you would like. 

     We have several new SPIN clubs starting. The clubs meet for at least 6 hours (or more if they decide to) and work on specific projects. Our Teen 4-H club will start meeting in February, and we are excited about these new opportunities. These youth will be making a difference and we can’t wait. Also expect to see more information from our Art Hub 4-H Club, Hooks & Needles, a Video Gaming Club, as well as a host of other opportunities. 

     Besides clubs we have county programs; these include our public speaking competition, animal science program, and our summer day camps and week-long overnight camp. We will have leadership opportunities and community service opportunities for our youth. For adults we have training and some social outlets for our volunteers who love networking. Again, this is listed in our calendar, which can be found on our app and on our 4-H blog, https://robeson4-h.blogspot.com/.

     So, join us in 2022 for some 4-H fun. We are always full of possibilities and hope for our future working with youth. Wouldn’t you like to be part of it too? Looking forward to seeing you this year.

     For more information, please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Youth Development with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at 671-3276, by E-mail at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at http://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/

Announcement from State 4-H Office Concerning State Volunteer Leader's Conference

 

We have made the decision to cancel Volunteer Leaders' Conference for 2022 due to COVID.  The Association does have business to conduct, so we will hold a virtual business meeting on Saturday, February 5 from 10:00 - 11:30 am.  Following a short statewide business meeting including electing State officers and voting on bylaw and constitution changes , districts will have the opportunity to go into breakout rooms for district business meetings.  To attend this meeting, please register here and more information will be sent to you. 

We miss seeing everyone face to face and our plan is to have a face to face Spring Training Day where we will recognize award winners, will have workshops, and have networking opportunities.  As soon as we know that date and more, I'll be back in touch.  Please go ahead and mark your calendar for February 3-4, 2023 for Volunteer Leaders' Conference 2023.

Stay Well, 

Sarah

4-H Eastern Center

 

Nested on the shores of the beautiful Albemarle Sound in Columbia, NC, The Eastern 4-H Center provides a stunning year-round conference and retreat facility.

The center hosts small retreats, large groups, and weddings with first-class meeting spaces, onsite meal services in waterfront dining facilities, and overnight accommodations in lodges and cabins. The Eastern 4-H Center follows COVID-19 protocols determined by NC State University based on current federal and state health guidelines. Protocols are subject to change based on current circumstances. Call the center at 252-797-4800 for the most up-to-date information on virus response and preparedness. Reserve your next event by calling the center at 252-797-4800 Questions should be directed to Sara Lilley Phelps slphelps@ncsu.edu

FACILITIES & SERVICES The center has versatile meeting spaces, overnight accommodations including 20 hotel-style rooms and 4 group cabins that sleep up to 24 guests each, and onsite dining services for up to 150 guests. On-site wifi is available to all guests at no additional charge. The center accommodates most special dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Click here for more details on The Eastern Center's beautiful facilities.

RECREATION & PROGRAMS The Center adheres to the highest standards for safety and program quality. Programming is provided by professionally trained staff and includes: archery & shooting sports, canoeing & kayaking, high ropes, team challenge courses, coastal ecology classes, and more. Click here for a full list of program offerings.

Every program and event at The Eastern 4-H Center is customized based on the needs and goals of the group. The group's leadership works with the Center Director and staff to plan programs, facility use and dining services. Pricing is based on the needs of your custom program or event. Call us at 252-797-4800 to reserve your next event.

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