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 

Upcoming Livestock Events in the State

 

What: NC Sheep & Goat Roundup

When: June 5-7

Where: Randolph County Agricultural Center, Asheboro

Who: This event is open to youth who are showing Sheep and Meat Goats. There will be breeding, market, and prospect shows for both sheep and goats. Additionally, we will have other educational contests for youth to participate including a Skillathon Contest. Youth do not have to be showing sheep or goats to participate in the educational contests. 

What: Locust Hill Cattle Livestock Judging Contest

When: June 12

Where: Locust Hill Cattle, Pelham, NC 

Who: Livestock Judging Contest for youth wanting to put their livestock judging skills to the test.

What: NC 4-H Skillathon & Livestock Judging Clinics

When: June 15-16

Where: E Carroll Joyner Beef Educational Unit, Raleigh

Who: This event is open to youth who want to learn more about Livestock Judging and Skillathon Contests. It is a wide overview of Animal Science related topics and a good introductory level event.

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

When: July 30- August 1

Where: NCSU Campus

Who: This event is open to 4-H age youth in NC. These contests are designed to showcase the skills and knowledge surrounding the livestock industry.

What: NC Junior Beef Roundup

When: August 7-9

Where: Mountain State Fairgrounds, Fletcher,

Who: This is open to youth under the age of 21 who are showing Cattle. In addition to the livestock shows we will have other educational contests for participants. 

JMG News

 

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BIWEEKLY UPDATE | MAY 2026 Sprouts Foundation Grants Horticulture STEM Teacher Workshop Learn, Grow, Eat, & Go! Camp Open Nominations for JMG Group of the Month The Gardens Summer Celebration Dinner Tonight Recipe: Cowboy Caviar Enroll Your JMG Students for FREE!

Apply today for a Sprouts Foundation Grant!

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation is now accepting applications for several grants, each offering up to $5,000. Check out these two grant opportunities: Sprouting School Gardens Grant: This grant brings hands-on learning and nutrition education to life by supporting school gardens and classroom cooking programs. Grants are up to $5,000 and support school-garden program operations, program supplies, and educator stipends. Organizations must be schools or 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating programs on a school campus in communities where Sprouts Farmers Market operates stores in order to apply. Growing Healthy Kids Grant: This grant supports community-based programs focused on children’s nutrition access, nutrition education, and health and wellness. Grants are up to $5,000 and support hands-on programs for children and their families that emphasize nutrition education, physical education, mental well-being, or nutrition security. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in communities where Sprouts Farmers Market has stores in order to apply.  Grants are accepting applications now through June 1st. Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity! Click here to learn more and apply for a grant!

Elementary & Middle School Teachers: Register for the Horticulture STEM Teacher Workshop! Horticulture STEM Teacher Workshop: Join us for a one-of-a-kind STEM workshop for elementary through middle school teachers, built around the science of gardens and natural systems. This highly interactive professional development experience will focus on horticulture, water science, entomology, garden tech, and soil science, with plenty of hands-on learning throughout the day.👏👏 Available Continuing Education Units (CEUs): 6 hours - Issued by Texas A&M University, certified by TEA Event Date and Time: Wednesday, June 17, 2026: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: The Leach Teaching Gardens at Texas A&M University 556 John Kimbrough Blvd. College Station, Texas 77843 Click HERE to register for the STEM teacher workshop! In College Station for Texas 4-H Roundup next month? Join JMG for our NEW Learn, Grow, Eat, & Go! Camp! Camp Dates: June 2-4, 2026 @ The Gardens at Texas A&M University Hosted by The Junior Master Gardener Program and The Gardens at Texas A&M University, this energizing camp is designed for young learners who are eager to explore the path from garden to plate. Rooted in the Junior Master Gardener Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! curriculum, this experience blends gardening, nutrition, and activity into an unforgettable adventure. Throughout the camp, participants will:  Learn how plants grow and what they need to thrive through hands-on gardening activities in The Gardens. Discover the importance of wholesome eating by exploring fruits and vegetables, tasting fresh produce, and making simple garden-inspired snacks. Participate in fun crafts, activities, and games that will deepen their understanding of how agriculture shows up in our daily lives and promotes an active lifestyle. Earn their Junior Master Gardener Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! Certificate! This half-day camp offers a meaningful opportunity for kids to connect with nature, build healthy habits, and develop a lifelong appreciation for gardening and wellness. Click here to learn more! Register HERE! Don't Forget: Nominate your students today for JMG National Group of the Month! NOMINATION CRITERIA:  A. Within the last 12 months, your group has utilized any JMG program curricula/resources to support your youth garden project at your campus/site. B. Within the last 12 months, your group has been registered as an Official JMG Group at https://JMGkids.us/enroll. There is no cost for registration. C. This nomination form is completed/submitted by the JMG group’s teacher/leader. Click here to apply for JMG National Group of the Month! Looking for some summer fun? Join us for The Gardens Summer Festival! When? Saturday, June 13th, from 9 am to 11:30 am Where? The Gardens at Texas A&M University The Gardens are turning 8, and we want to celebrate with you! Join us for a morning of family-friendly fun at our annual Summer Celebration. Enjoy refreshments as you stroll through The Gardens and visit our various educational demonstrations and activity tables. This is a free event open to the community! Click here to learn more! Dinner Tonight Recipe: Cowboy Caviar Cowboy Caviar is a fresh and colorful way to incorporate vegetables into your meals. Packed with ingredients like tomatoes, corn, black beans, and peppers, it provides fiber, vitamins, and protein that support overall health and daily nutritional needs. Click here for the full recipe!

 

Announcing the Dr. Kim Ingold NC 4-H Photo Contest.  Entries for the contest are due August 14th.  Information has been updated on the State 4-H Website.  There have been a few changes to this year's contest to streamline the process and make it easier to enter.  Please make sure you read the instructions carefully.  

NC 4-H Photo Contest Website

All entries are due by August 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST and must be submitted online at the link below. All youth participants must be enrolled and approved in 4-HOnline.

To enroll in 4-HOnline, please visit this link. 4-HOnline Enrollment

Click here to submit your entries.

North Carolina 4-H reserves the right to use submitted photographs for educational purposes with photographer credit.

Anyone can submit entries, and 4-H Professionals will be notified of their county's participation after the entry deadline.

Rules and Regulations:

• This contest is open to North Carolina 4-H members, ages 8-18, and adults, ages 19 years and older, as of January 1, 2026.
• All youth participants must be enrolled in 4-HOnline.
• All photographs must have been taken by the 4-H’er/adult submitting the entry during the contest year (September 2025 – August 2026).
• Participants must enter their photographs within the age division that applies to their age, as of January 1, 2026.
• • Cloverbud: Ages 5–7 (non-competitive)
  • Junior: Ages 8–13
  • Senior: Ages 14–18
  • Adult: Ages 19+

• Cloverbud, Junior, and Senior

  • 4-H in Action
  • Nature’s Beauty (No Animals)
  • Animals
  • Black and White

  Adult

  • 4-H in Action

If the 4-H Emblem appears in a photograph, it must follow official 4-H guidelines.

Entry Limits:

• • Cloverbud, Junior, and Senior divisions
    • One photograph may be entered in each category (Maximum of four entries total)
    • The same image may not be entered in multiple categories
  • Adult division
    • Maximum of one entry in the 4-H in Action category

  Category Requirements

  • Animal photographs should not be entered in the Nature's Beauty category
  • Black and white photographs must be entered in the Black and White category regardless of subject matter

• How to Enter

  Photographs must be submitted electronically through the contest submission form.

  Participants will be asked to provide:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • 4-H county
  • Age as of January 1
  • 4-H professional name and email
  • Age division
  • Photograph category
  • Title of photograph (three words or fewer when possible)
  • Brief description of the photograph for historical reference

  File Requirements

  Photographs must be saved using the following format:
  AgeDivision_Category_LastName_FirstName_Title_Year

  Note: File names should list the participant’s last name before their first name.

  Use underscores (_) between each section of the file name and avoid spaces or special characters. In the examples below, “Clover” is used as the last name.

  Examples

  • Cb_Animals_Clover_Charlie_MyCalf_2026
  • Jr_Nature_Clover_Chris_MorningTrail_2026
  • Sr_BlackAndWhite_Clover_Carol_CityLights_2026
  • Adult_Action_Clover_Clarence_HandsToService_2026

  Additional requirements:

  • Submit photographs at the highest image resolution possible
  • Files must not exceed 10 GB
  • Only PNG and JPEG files are accepted
  • Submit the original digital photo file whenever possible; screenshots and photos of printed photographs should not be submitted

JMG News

 

View as Webpage CAMPS, CAMPS, CAMPS! | MAY 2026 Horticulture STEM Teacher Workshop Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! Camp Bugs-n-Blooms Camp Elementary & Middle School Teachers: Sign up for the Horticulture STEM Teacher Workshop! Horticulture STEM Teacher Workshop: Join us for a one-of-a-kind STEM workshop for elementary through middle school teachers, built around the science of gardens and natural systems. This highly interactive professional development experience will focus on horticulture, water science, entomology, garden tech, and soil science, with plenty of hands-on learning throughout the day.👏👏 Available Continuing Education Units (CEUs): 6 hours - Issued by Texas A&M University, certified by TEA Event Date and Time: Wednesday, June 17, 2026: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: The Leach Teaching Gardens at Texas A&M University 556 John Kimbrough Blvd. College Station, Texas 77843 Click HERE to register for the STEM teacher workshop! In College Station for Texas 4-H Roundup in June? Join JMG for our NEW Learn, Grow, Eat, & Go! Camp! When?: June 2-4, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (daily) Where?: The Gardens at Texas A&M University Hosted by The Junior Master Gardener Program and The Gardens at Texas A&M University, this energizing camp is designed for young learners who are eager to explore the path from garden to plate. Rooted in the Junior Master Gardener Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! curriculum, this experience blends gardening, nutrition, and activity into an unforgettable adventure. Throughout the camp, participants will:  Learn how plants grow and what they need to thrive through hands-on gardening activities in The Gardens. Discover the importance of wholesome eating by exploring fruits and vegetables, tasting fresh produce, and making simple garden-inspired snacks. Participate in fun crafts, activities, and games that will deepen their understanding of how agriculture shows up in our daily lives and promotes an active lifestyle. Earn their Junior Master Gardener Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! Certificate! This half-day camp offers a meaningful opportunity for kids to connect with nature, build healthy habits, and develop a lifelong appreciation for gardening and wellness. Click here to learn more! Register HERE! Don't miss out on the fun! Register now for the 2026 Bugs-n-Blooms JMG Camp! When?: June 9-11, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (daily) Where?: The Gardens at Texas A&M University Hosted by The Junior Master Gardener Program and The Gardens at Texas A&M University! This exciting camp is perfect for learners who are curious about the wonderful world of garden insects. Throughout the camp, participants will: Discover the interconnectedness of insects and plants through hands-on activities and guided explorations around The Gardens. Learn about different types of insects and plants, their lifecycles, and the important roles they both play in our ecosystem. Participate in fun crafts and games that will spark their imaginations and deepen their understanding of the natural world. Earn their Junior Master Gardener Golden Ray Insect Series Certificate! This half-day camp is a fantastic opportunity for kids to connect with nature, make new friends, and develop a lifelong love for the environment. Click here to learn more! Register HERE! Junior Master Gardener Program | juniormastergardener@gmail.com CONNECT WITH US: