Countdown, Count Back.

As we count down to the new year it is hard to believe that we are at the end of our old year. So many great things have happened in our 4-H year and we would like for you to be able to see the highlights. To that end, we have created a 4-H 2008 year in review with highlights from county programs, camp, clubs, and so much more. Just click on this link to view the photobook. You can download the book to view on your computer or if you would like to order one you can do that from this site as well. We hope that each of you has a great and safe New Year celebration and we are looking forward to our 2009 celebration! Stay tuned for more information.

Merry Christmas!

We just want to take a moment to say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to our 4-H family. Thank you for an incredible 2008. You might want to rest up over the holidays because we are going to celebrate in 2009. Stay tuned for more details.

Merry Christmas,

The Robeson County 4-H Staff

(Aggie, Penny & Shea Ann)

In the Spirit of Christmas and 4-H

In the spirit of Christmas and 4-H we had the opportunity to carry on a tradition this year of giving back to our community. As part of the County 4-H Youth Achievement night each youth brought a new toy to be donated to a child in the foster care program. The toys ranged from baby dolls to video games and our tree looked like it was going to be a great Christmas for everyone. Above members from our two clubs of the year, "Dirty Rascals" Junior Master Gardeners, and the Horsin' Around Horse club, helped collect all the toys that were donated and carried them over to the Foster Care Program. Vanessa Moore accepted the donation on behalf of the foster care program, and she said this year even more than ever donations were needed to try to serve all the families in the foster care program.
this is just one of the many ways our 4-H members give back to our community. If you would like more information on the 4-H community service projects just give Aggie Rogers, 4-H Program Associate or Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent, a call at the 4-H office, (910) 671-3276.

The Biggest Night of the Year

This is it! All the hard work, learning, fun, it boils down to one night to celebrate, and celebrate we did. Youth Achievement night is probably the favorite night of the year for the 4-H volunteers and staff. We celebrate the achievements of each youth and they receive a certificate listing all of their accomplishments during the year. Almost 250 youth completed projects and activities that would allow them to receive certificates this year. Some have completed so many they received two certificates for all their accomplishments. They also received a 4-H sling pack to take with them wherever they go to show off what a great 4-H member they are.

That is just the tip of the iceberg. We also celebrate our teen leaders, in the form of two awards. The members of the Junior Fairboard were presented with certificates by Peggy Hardin, member of the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair. Sadara Baker, Cierra Buckman, Kelsy Bullard, Sebastian Bullard, Triton Bullard, James Hurst, Rondell McMillan, Sharon McMillan, Jaboya Mouzon, and Yazmin Washington were all honored. The certificates represent a thank you for all their hard work planning youth events before the fair and work on those events, manning the information booth and taking care of lost children. They help at various events handing out ribbons, announcing, and helping calculating scores.

The second award is the "I Dare You" award. This award is presented to a teen who has shown their leadership abilities and is continually working to improve and expand on those abilities. The award was presented by James Moore, the Human Resource Director for the city of Lumberton but also the Chairperson of our County Extension Advisory Council. This year two teens, Cierra Buckman and Aljaquwon Nixon received this prestigious honor along with a book, and check. Cierra is President of our County Council, and Aljaquwon has served as Sergent at Arms for our county council. Both ran for County Council again this year and were elected as officers again for the upcoming year.

Also for the first time we presented the club of the year award. The club of the year is determined by preset criteria that include turning club paperwork in on time, percentage of members that take part in club, county, district, and state events, community service projects and more. This year for our first award we had a tie. Everett Davis, County Extension Director, presented this award and checks to each clubs. Jane Hurst organizational leader for the Horsin' Around Horse Club, and Missy Hoggard, Organizational Leader for the Dirty Rascals Junior Master Gardeners both accepted the award on behalf of their clubs.

The evening included entertainment, dinner, a slide show of the year in review, and lots of fun. For more information on 4-H on if you would like to become part of our community clubs please contact Aggie Rogers at our 4-H office, 671-3276.

Ringing in the Holidays the Clover Way

It's a tradition. You can not ring in the holidays in Lumberton without Robeson County 4-H. Thanks to the organizational and decorating skills of 4-H volunteers Libby Burney and Marilyn Merritt 4-H had the shiniest, most glamorous youth float in the annual Lumberton Holiday Parade. More than 40 youth and volunteers clamored aboard the flat bed truck that was decorated with traditional holiday decorations and 4-H clovers. A half dozen clubs were represented including; Dirty Rascals Junior Master Gardeners, Horsin' Around, Lightening Electric Club, Spiritual Generations, Voices in Praise, and Young Leaders. Everyone aboard the float helped to decorate and enjoyed their ride down the parade route waving and smiling to all those along the way. It might have been cold this year, but our group stayed warm spreading all their 4-H holiday spirit, and huddling under blankets. According to Libby Burney she has a whole hosts of ideas to make it even better for next year so go ahead and set the date aside on your calendar for next year as 4-H, and our float, will be bigger and better then ever.

State Council Conference is a Whirlwind!

What a week it has been! After leaving our incredible volunteers Friday night Yazmin Washington, Cierra Buckman and I headed to Raleigh early Saturday morning for 4-H State Council Conference. The two day event offers workshops in leadership areas and is also a chance for youth from around the state to get together to make decisions concerning the 4-H program state wide. There is also a battle for the state spirit stick which involves, skits, chants, and a whole lot of mystery points. Before we could even look at our schedules Yazmin, Cierra and DeAngelo Byrd from Scotland County, video taped a shout out for our Military troops stationed abroad and wrote messages on a banner that will be sent to them.
Cierra jumped into the swing of things first. She signed up for the Ambassador track of this conference. What that means is that she was learning about the 4-H Ambassador program and taking workshops to obtain her bronze level. 4-H Ambassadors are highly trained 4-H leaders. They teach workshops, recruit members and volunteers, and help make a difference in their community. By Sunday afternoon she had attended all the classes she needed to obtain her first level and now she is working on her portfolio and community service hours so she can move on to the silver level. There are four levels to the ambassador program, bronze, silver, gold, and emerald.

Yazmin was signed up for the straight track. What that means is she had the opportunity to attend workshops on a variety of topics including using play dough and Lego's to teach groups life skills, how to make thank you notes, media relations, public speaking, Geo caching and much more.
As part of the event the youth attend a state recognition banquet Saturday night. Yazmin was presented with the South Central District Volunteer Award for all of the work she does in her community thru 4-H, Girl Scouts, her church and school. It was a big shock for her but she seemed tickled pink (or should we say green) about it.
Please don't think I was kicked back and relaxing. While they were attending workshops and meetings I was teaching two workshops for silver and gold level ambassadors. This is a photo of the youth in the media one workshop they learned about doing interviews and writing press releases as well as how the media works. I charged them with downloading the photo and writing a press release for their county 4-H Agents to promote what 4-H is doing in our state. The second workshop involved youth learning about how to meet and greet lawmakers, donors and other important folks to 4-H. They had the opportunity to learn everything from how to dress for a meeting to how to make an appointment and how to make the most of their time with them. They were incredibly fun groups and I am looking forward to seeing everything they accomplish, as well as all that Cierra and Yazmin do with all that they learned over the weekend. As you can see from the photos we had a really great time in Raleigh, as well as the opportunity to learn.

Thank You

We say it too infrequently and they deserve so much more than just a mere thank you. I am talking about our incredible Robeson County 4-H volunteers. Nearly 75 of these special people joined us for our annual 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.

The room was decorated in black and silver to help kick off the upcoming State 4-H Centennial Celebration. Our volunteers were dressed to kill as they came to enjoy dinner, fellowship with other volunteers, and receive small tokens of our appreciation. Cierra Buckman and Yazmin Washington, both County Council officers, served as hostesses greeting our volunteers and pinning them with centennial pins while making sure they were armed with a ticket for some incredible door prizes. Everett Davis, the Robeson County Extension Director, welcomed everyone and served as our moderator for the evening. Bobby Rogers, a long time 4-H volunteer, gave the benediction and we all enjoyed an incredible dinner from Village Station. After dinner, the fun really began as we welcomed special guests including members of our specialized committee, County Commissioner (and 4-H volunteer) Hubert Sealey, and our North Carolina Cooperative Extension District Extension Director, Dr. Donald Cobb.

Valerie Humphrey provided incredible entertainment during the night singing some Broadway songs that took our breath away. Lt. Brian Duckworth of the Robeson County Sheriff's office was our speaker for the evening and reminded us about the special nature of volunteers and how our 4-H volunteers really are making a difference for the youth in our county. After all the formalities (and a few breaks for door prizes) it was time for what we all came for, time to recognize our volunteers for their service. We called them up by their years of service and gave them a small memento of our appreciation. The volunteers whose names are in bold were present to receive their gift and you can see them in our photos, grouped by year.
First Year Volunteers: Janet Calvin, Gwen Colvin, Jessica Drake, Margaret Crites, Pat McRae, Hubert Sealey, Linda Sealey and Tanya Underwood.
Second Year: Tony Bullard, Sandra Cox, Staci Kinlaw, Carolyn Lewis, Connie Locklear, Millard Locklear, Jane McMillan, Gail Rogers, Sonny Sampson and Arlene Smith.
Third Year: Sarah Baker, Joan Britt, Libby Burney, Retha Ekwunoh, Melissa Hoggard, Kusum Jahala, Vicky Pipkins and Larry Russ.
Fourth Year: Debra McBride
Sixth Year: Leonard Bullard, Sharon Bullard, Bessie Jones, Carolyn McMillan, Lillian McNeill, Gwen Rogers and Esther Wood.
Seventh Year: Renee Blue, Jane Hurst, Hattie Troy and Erica Willams.
Eighth Year: Sharon Byrd, Addie Mae Caple and Mary Grissett.
Ninth Year: Beverly Chambers, Sara Hunter and Debra Rogers.
Eleventh Year: Aletha Mebane and Cynthia Shipmon.
Twelfth Year: Laura Betha, Patrica Andrew-Ford and Sallie McCallum.
Thirteenth Year: Lorraine Chandler, Joyce Peay, Louise Ratley, Lula Ratley and Juanita Smith.

Fourteenth Year: Marilyn Merritt
Sixteenth Year: Kenneth Bethea and Hazel Sumner
Seventeenth Year: Linda Brown and Bobby Rogers
Nineteenth Year: Katherine Bethea and Roberta Grissett

Three volunteers received special recognition for their years of service. Ervin Ratlely was recognized for 10 years of service in 4-H. He is one of our long time Animal Science supporters and has worked with not only his children, but grandchildren completing 4-H projects. Deborah Mitchell was recognized for 15 years of service to 4-H. Joyce Jones, who was unable to attend, was also recognized for 25 years of service to 4-H serving in roles from club leader to Volunteer Leaders' Association officer and so much more in her 4-H career.

Before our evening was over the volunteers were treated to a slide show of all their exploits and learning activities of the year. In a special treat Libby Burney, 4-H volunteer with the Horsin' Around Horse Club, took the podium and recognized the 4-H staff with special gifts and also recognized volunteer Larry Russ, who has cooked for several events, with a special gift.

We hope our volunteers felt that this was a special night just for them and enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for them. Most of all we just want to say thank you for all that you do for your communities, our youth, and 4-H.

Winter Comes Early

Traditionally the South Central District Winter Enrichment takes place in late January or Early February. This year it came a few months early thanks to a very special celebration. In 2009 North Carolina 4-H will be celebrating its centennial. To get ready the District officers decided it would be best to start preparing before the beginning of the year to celebrate. So this year they moved winter enrichment up and turned it into 4-H Centennial Enrichment.

Two Robeson County 4-H members, Cierra Buckman and James Hurst attended this teen event. They took part in workshops that included learning about solar energy, finding their beat during a music workshop, and learning about centennial activities and planning 100 ways to celebrate in 2009. The day also included a business meeting where county reports were given, an update from the 4-H state council planning meeting, and getting prepared for next weekends 4-H State Council Conference.

The two delegates from Robeson County were among 75 youth in attendance from 15 counties. Everyone had a good time, and offered suggestions for teen retreat, a two day meeting that will take place in March or April. Stay tuned for more details.

November Means Elections

Twas the night before voting and all through the county there were creatures stirring, practicing their voting. Well, in all honesty they weren't really practicing, they were actually officially voting. Not the the country's highest office but for our county 4-H program's highest honors, the officers of the county council and leaders association. Five clubs were on hand to cast their ballots and make sure they were signed by the proper youth and adults for each club.
When the votes were tallied the county council officers elected are: Cierra Buckman, President; Aljaquwan Nixon, President-Elect; Yazmin Washington, Secretary; Kristen Sealey, Treasurer; Jaboya Mouzon, Reporter; Laquawnda Banks, Sergeant-at-Arms.
The Leaders' Association officers include: Renee Blue, President; Hazel Sumner, President-Elect; Sandra Cox, Secretary; Melissa Hoggard, treasurer; Kenneth Bethea, Reporter; Past President/Advisor is Jane Hurst. Marilyn Merritt, the South Central District Leaders' Association president is also serving as the district advisor to the association.
The officers were inducted into their offices during a traditional candlelight ceremony. their first official act of office will come on January 12 when they go through an orientation and learn about the responsibilities of office and about parliamentary procedure.
If you would like to know more about the county council or leaders' association and how you can become an officer contact Aggie Rogers, 4-H Program Associate, at (910) 671-3276 or Aggie_Rogers@ncsu.edu.

Fall Back into Fall Day

They drove to Robeson County in car loads and vans full to enjoy, learn, and work. What is it all about? The South Central District 4-H Annual Volunteer Fall Day. More than 50 people from 10 counties arrived Saturday morning to see old friends, attend workshops, and conduct business. After a brief welcome from district president Jim Hancock, the group broke down to attend two of four workshops for the day.

Bobby Rogers, a Robeson County 4-H volunteer created a woodworking project for the group. The shelves, which could be used as a spice rack or whatever the imagination can muster, were put together by each individual to take home. As part of the lesson they learned about different types of hammers, different sized nails, and how woodworking can be a great stress reliever.

Christy Strickland, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent in Robeson County offered some great ways to recycle and create money saving projects that will be especially handy during the holidays. Taking old magazines and catalogs, she cut strips and showed the crowd how to make bows for holidays packages, as well as jewelry beads, and even an eye glasses case. Many of the volunteers said they plan to take the projects back to teach other volunteers, youth in the clubs, and even church members how to do.

Mom, also known as Eleanore Getz, a Cumberland County Volunteer, told a packed room about the ACE Master Volunteer Program and how to get involved. The course which offers various levels of training and volunteer work is a state program that allows volunteers to create a portfolio and earn different levels of volunteer achievement.

As part of the ACE program Shea Ann DeJarnette, the Robeson County 4-H Extension Agent, offered a workshop on Jim Collins book "From Good to Great." The workshop explains the theories and principles in the book and allows volunteers to apply them to their 4-H volunteer work. The course can also be as part of the training used by volunteers who are trying to achieve their emerald level in the ACE program.

After the workshops, the group went into their business meeting to approve by-law changes due to redistricting and elect new officers for the upcoming year. Incoming officers include: Past President, Jim Hancock from Cumberland County; President, Marilyn Merritt from Robeson County; President-elect, Karen Cole from Moore County; Vice President, Hannah Dunlap from Anson County; Secretary, Jo Ann Lowder from Cabarrus County; Treasurer, William Byrd from Scotland County; Reporter, Aggie Rogers from Robeson County; Parliamentarian, Walter Brown from Scotland County. Mable Murray from Cumberland County and Alisha Brown from Scotland County are being nominated to run for the state reporter position.

Lunch which was prepared by the Robeson County staff and volunteers was served during a break in the business meeting. After the business meeting, just after 2 the meeting was adjourned and Fall Day was over, so that everyone could go home and set their clocks back awaiting the next meeting, which will be held as part of State 4-H Volunteer Leaders Conference in 2009.

4-H Members Making the Grade for College

They are making history and planning their futures all at the same time. These 4-H members are part of our first Robeson County 4-H intensive college prep program that began on October 31st. 12 youth were selected through a nomination process from club leaders, volunteers, parents and 4-H staff. To be part of the program they had to be in the ninth through eleventh grades, be an active 4-H member, and have the commitment they will need to be a part of the program. Letters and contracts were sent to each possibly participant and when all was said and done nine dedicated members decided to take part in the program that will help them be prepared and competitive for college. Our first workshops took place on a teachers workday. the youth arrived at the 4-H office and worked on exercises to help them follow directions filled out surveys, and we had a conversation to help shape future programs. April Mowery, with CFNC (the College Foundation of North Carolina), stopped by and walked them through the resources their organization offers, and how they can start using it to be better prepared for their futures. Janice Fields, our Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent worked with them on how to make healthy eating decisions when away from home and they even got a chance to do some dorm cooking (cooking from a microwave) they each prepared a dish for everyone to share at lunch and all I can tell you is it looked good and smelled even better. After lunch they had a chance to work with Christy Strickland, another Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with our Robeson County Extension Office. Christy worked with the youth on note taking techniques, time management and organizational issues. She also gave them an opportunity to be creative as they turned simple cookie sheets into colorful and inventive memo boards that they can use now and in college. Each of the youth enjoyed the program and seem to be getting excited about the possibilities that this program will offer them. Stay tuned for their future classes, lessons, and 4-H student life as part of this program.

4-H Makes Big News

If you read the Robesonian or Red Springs Citizen you might have noticed a few more mentions of 4-H lately. Everett Davis, the Robeson County Extension Director has a weekly column that has featured our 4-H program three out of the last four weeks. One of the columns is below (4-H a Good Investment) and I had the fortune of being the guest columnist that week and able to share those 4-H thoughts with everyone. Since then, Everett has shared his thoughts on the 4-H Animal Science program and our recent Vermiculture experiments. If you have the opportunity please click the link for each of these stories and take the time to read them. They are informative and interesting and I hope will give you a broader view of 4-H in Robeson County.

Livestock Shows a Mooving Experience

The drizzle and grey did not keep the lambs or heifers away from the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair's annual 4-H livestock show Saturday. The morning began early with weigh in for the 4-H lamb show. More than 30 lambs made their way into the show ring to help show why their youth should be seen as the top showmen and then they re-entered to determine the best lambs based on weights.

In the non-compeitive Cloverbud division (ages 5-8) showmanship category, Tate Naylor, Hunter Muse, Mason Hunt, McKenzie Love, and Mary Elizabeth Vorder Bruegge stole the ring and the audience's attention as they worked their lambs around the ring. Each received a special cloverbud trophy for their efforts.
In the 9-10 year old Junior age division Benjamin Herndon placed sixth, Isabelle Love went home in fifth place, Robert Seals took home forth and Ashley Wilson went home with the white third place ribbon. Eugenie Reba Vorder Bruegge and Drayton Hancock took the top showman spots.

In the Junior 11-13 year old age division Bubba McLaughlin took home the blue ribbon, Ruth Helen Vorder Bruegge placed second and Samantha Naylor followed in third place. Rounding out the division was Martha Anne Vorder Bruegge, Megan Baldwin, Steven Boudreaux, and Oliva Forbes.
In the Senior (14-19 years old) age division William Van Gilder took home first place, Heather Goodrich placed second and Jamie Boudreaux took home the white ribbon. Cooper Locke, Danielle Hunt and R. J. Trickett rounded out the division.
When it came to judging the lambs in weight classes Judge Hughes and to take his time to determine the best of the best. In the lightweight division the lambs weighed between 64 and 88 pounds. Of the 11 competitors Jamie Boudreaux placed first, Ashley Wilson with her lamb Walle placed second and Drayton Hancock's Pretty Girl placed third.

In the Middle weight division there were 11 more competitors whose lambs weighed between 90 and 124 pounds. Placing in the top three were Samantha Naylor, Benjamin Herndon with Susan and R. J. Trickett.

In the last weight division, the heavy weight division (125-144 pounds) Bubba McLaughlin took first place, William Van Gilder took second and in third place was Martha Ann Vorder Bruegge with her lamb Leroy.
The grand Champion Competition is determined by bringing all the first place market winners back into the show ring. Bubba McLaughlin walked away with the trophy and bragging rights that his goat is the best of the best. William Van Gilder took his place in the ring but it was Samantha Naylor who took home the Reserve Champion trophy.

After a 20 minute break, and a chance for some of the lambs to load up to go home, it was time for Judge Hughes to break down the 4-H Heifer and Steer Competition. All the competitors this year were in the Senior division, and after 20 minutes in the ring asking questions and observing the showmen with their heifers he placed Matthew Slover in fifth place, Stephanie Carter in forth, Katie Pesta in Third, Sarah Herring in second place and placing top in the showmanship division is Nick Kiker.

In the market show there were three division based on birth date. The first division were the heifers born in 2008, Sarah Herring with Marley placed first and Stephanie Carter with Hot Chocolate placed second. in the 2007 division the competition was a little stiffer. Stephanie Carter and her heifer Cayenne took home the white ribbon while Katie Pest with WPH Miss Time placed second and the blue ribbon went home with Nick Kiker and WPH Miss Dream. In the 2006 division Matthew Slover with Gloria placed third, Stephanie Carter with Mercedes placed second and in first place was Sarah Herring with Margarita.

Just as in the lamb show the first place heifer took over the ring again to determine the Grand Champion. In a unique turn of events Sarah Herring with Marley took Grand Champion and She also took reserve champion with her heifer Margarita.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

Turning the Barn Inside Out

There was hay flying, turkeys rolling, and children laughing through the livestock building at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair Friday night. More than 30 youth came in to see the animals and stayed to play old fashioned barn games. There were traditional games like sack races and horse shoes, some old games with new twists like pin the tail on the cow, frozen turkey bowling and roping a bulls head, and then the game that topped all games....jumping in the hay stack. A large pile of hay was in the middle of the ring and the kids had a chance to jump in and look for prizes. Everyone had a chance to leave with armloads of prizes which included cups, stickers and educational games. You could say they had an utterly wonderful time!

Feathers Fly at the Fair

Can you tell the difference between a laying hen and broiler? If you had attended the Robeson Regional Fair 4-H Poultry show Thursday night you could have had a lesson in everything from how to carry a chicken to what makes an award winning broiler. Judge Summer Russel took time in the ring with each participant talking to them about their experiences, lifting wings, and checking meat areas to determine winners.
In our laying hen cloverbud division, or five to eight year olds, Raven Daughtery, Eli Daughtery and Jospeh Hardee entered the ring with their hens. Our five to eight year old division is non-competitive, it allows the youth to have a chance to learn how to show an animal and have this count as a great learning experience. Each participant left the ring with a trophy for their hard work.
In the junior laying hen division Benjamin Herndon took first place and Ian Daugherty took home the read ribbon in a competition that Judge Russell said was very close. Jeremy Beavers took first place in the senior division as well.
The broilers took center ring next. Our cloverbuds Eli Daughtery and Raven Daughtery showed our judge all the new things they had learned and practiced their showing skills again. In the junior division Judge Russel said it came down to one broiler having just a little more meat on its hip then the other and Benjamin Herdon took home the blue ribbon while Ian Daughtery took home the red.

Judging for the Birds

More than 80 youth from area high schools and counties took part in the annual 4-H poultry judging competition at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair on Wednesday. The youth had six different areas of competition including, judging past production laying hens, giving oral reasons, grading chicken carcases, determining chicken parts, grading breakout eggs, and candling eggs. It took about an hour and twenty minutes for the youth to move through the tough competition this this year and when the scores were totaled the top three junior (9-13 years old) and senior (14-19 years old) individual winners and teams were award trophies.

In the Junior Individual Division Lumberton High School swept the category with two junior competitors. Kelli Alexander walked away with the first place trophy and in second place was Daniel Nance.
In the Senior Individual Division Purnell Swett's Stan Locklear took first place (thanks to getting perfect scores in two areas of competition). Allen Monk took second place thanks to a perfect score in one area and just missing a perfect score by four points in oral reasons. Lumberton High School's Austin Britt came in a close third.
In the Senior Teams Division Lumberton High School FFA team 4, made up of Allyson Ivey, James Pate and Kayla Britt took third place. Purnell Swett High School FFA team 1 made up of Dustin Locklear, Jordan McGirt, Vacques Hines and Stan Locklear took second place. While St. Pauls High School FFA team 4 took first place. Andrew Johnston, Tucker Tharrington, Jacqueline Cuneo, and Shannon Dorch took the biggest trophy and bragging rights back to St. Pauls High School hanks to their excellent judging skills.
Congratulations to all of our competitors.

Getting a Snootfull at the Fair

They were squealing with excitement as the pigs trotted into the show ring at the Robeson Regional Fair Tuesday night. More than 25 pigs strutted their stuff while trying to win Grand Champion pig and the more than 15 youth did their best to steer the pigs in the right direction.
In the 4-H Youth show cloverbud Keshawn Cooper walked away with a trophy for his showmanship effort and a blue ribbon in the lightweight division with his pig. In the Senior division Joshua Bessone took the ring by storm and walked away with two blue ribbons one for showmanship and one for middle weight division as well as a second place ribbon for one of his middle weight pigs. Triton Bullard received a red ribbon for showmanship and a blue ribbon for his heavy weight hog. Triton's brother Sebastian followed in his brother's footsteps with a third place in showmanship and a second place in the heavy weight division.

Following the 4-H show was our youth market hog show. Our 4-H members had the opportunity to participate in this show as well as youth from around the area that do not participate in 4-H animal science projects. In the light weight division Kennon Clark took first place followed by A.C. Locklear and Dakota Locklear in third. The middle weight division was a tough division for judge Will Byrd as he took his time determining which big should go home with the bacon. When the dust settled Joshua Bessone placed first, Trey Lowry second and A.C. Locklear in third. The heavy weight division definitely had some heavy hitters, as A.C. Locklear walked away with the blue ribbon, Trey Lowry took the red and Karli Moore took third. A.C. Locklear's heavyweight hog was named Grand Champion and Trey Lowry's heavy weight hog was placed as Reserve Champion.

When Judge Byrd was done judging the hogs he moved on to the showmanship competition. In the 5-8 year old division Dakota Locklear took first and Lenora Moore took second. A special showman, Joshua Jones took home a special participant ribbon for helping all of the older youth show their hogs (Joshua is 3). In the 9-13 year old age division Try Lowry added another blue ribbon to his collection while Christian Strickland took second, Kennon Clark got a white ribbon while Lavin Lowry took home a yellow participant ribbon. Before it was all said and done there were still three senior showmen that judge Byrd needed to place and after watching them show the hogs, talking with them and thinking back to all their previous rounds in the ring he placed A.C. Locklear first, Joshua Bessone second and Karli Moore third.

Easter at the Fair?

Twitching noses, thumping paws, and nervous children can only mean one thing...no it's not Easter in October, it's the annual 4-H Rabbit Show at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair. More than a dozen youth had the opportunity to show their furry friends and let judge Glen Privette question, look, and handle rabbits in mid-air and chose the best of the best. During the pre-show conference, judge Privette gave our senior showman the opportunity to show their leadership skills by assisting our Cloverbuds, those 5-8 year old's develop their show skills in the ring.
Joseph Hardee, Logan Spivey, and Ashley Rogers entered the ring with their adorable bunnies and each got a few minutes with the judge to learn the tips they will need to be top competitors when they turn nine. After speaking with the judge they each walked out of the ring with their bunnies and a trophy for their hard work and initiative.
Anthony Bullard and his rabbit Rex hopped home with the blue ribbon in the Junior Division. Ally Spivey and Jordan Rogers received a red and white ribbon respectively for their efforts raising and showing their rabbits respectively.
In our Senior Division, the competition was fierce. Judge Privette walked up and down the line several times trying to determine the placings. When it was all said and done Triton Bullard placed first, Allen Monk took second while Joshua Snodgrass placed third. Kelsey Bullard received a participants ribbon for her efforts as well.
Congratulations to all of our participants!

The Robeson County Fair Goes to the Goats

It was the unmistakable sounds of sheering, goats dragging their feet, and the smell of Billy's that lets you know that the goat show was here. More than 100 goats butted heads to get to this event and as always we had a humdinger of a good time.
The afternoon started with the 4-H Showmanship category. In this category the youth are broken into four age categories and compete against each other for best showperson. As always the Cloverbuds, our 5-8 year old's stole people's hearts and the show when they entered the ring. Delani Reep, Bailey Coffer, and Lucy Harvell walked into the ring with their goats in one hand and walked out with a trophy and ten dollars in the other hand when it was all over.
In the new Junior 9-10 year old age Division the competition was tight, but Judge Randal White did an excellent job determining the best of the best. Michaela McInnis walked out of the ring with the blue first place ribbon, Jordan Carroll came in second, and Andi-Ann Davis third. Participants in this round included Christian Deese, Matthew Acorn, Preston Hall, Melquan Dinnerson and Justin Ford.
There were two heats of Juniors in the 11 - 13 age group and took time to determine the top tier. Walking away with the blue ribbon was Morgan Rockwell, Elizabeth Deese came in second, and Ryan McInnis in third. Jeremy Fehlman, Trey Mcinnis, and Sarah Maske rounded out the top six with Grayson McQueen, Dalton Coffer, Theresa Fehlman, Catherine DeBerry, Elizabeth Harvell, and Meranda Dennis.
The Senior Division exploded with competition as almost 30 youth were viaing to be the top contenders in this division. Participants included Amanda Ropp, Jay Joiner, Leah McCauley, Darren Lefler, Erain Montalvo, Patrick Roach, Blake Hunter, Dillion Dennis, Joshua Snodgrass, Garrett Williams, and Jeremy Beavers. Walking away in top slots were Michael Ezzell, Nathan Ezzell, Paige Harrelson, Allen Monk, Sarah Herring, Erin Brewer, Jose Hernandez, Dixie Acorn, and Dana Warwick. John Walton took third, Stephanie Carter took second place, and Johanna Carter took first place.
Showmanship was just the beginning of this competition. After weighing in, participants had the opportunity to compete in weight classes. The Lightweight Division was first up and goats weighing 21 to 55 pounds entered the ring. Dillion Dennis with Alvin took first, Jeremy Fehlman with Chocolate took second, and Michael Ezzell placed third. In the Middleweight Division, the weight spread was from 57 pounds to 79 pounds. Ryan McInnis took first place in this division with his goat 7-Up. Keeping it in the family Trey McInnis placed second with Blossom, and Johanna Carter walked away with the white ribbon thanks to her goat Gayle. In the Heavyweight Division, the goats weighed from 80 to 135 pounds. John Walton ans his goat Star Dust walked away with the blue ribbon in this category while his goat Classic took second. Following up in third place was Theresa Fehlman with her goat Pistol.
Our 4-H Grand and Reserve Champion awards went to John Walton, his goat Star Dust took Grand Champion and his goat Classic took the Reserve spot.
Many of our 4-H members stayed on to take their shot in the Adult/Youth Show that followed the 4-H shows. The Adult/Youth Shows are divided into percentage does, full blooded does, percentage bucks and full blooded bucks. Within those four categories the goats are shown by birth date. The doe shows have numerous entries each year. Below is a list of the top three winners in each category that had entries as well as the Grand and Reserve Champions for the does and bucks.
Percentage Doe Competition
Born after 6/30/08
1-Joyce Evans with Susie
4/1/08-6/30/08
1-Davis Moye with Little Dipper
2-Michael Ezzell with 0011
3-Catherine DeBerry with Annabelle
1/1/08-3/31/08
1-Davis Moye with Star Light
2-Kelly Bell with Brittany
3-Trey McInnis with ???
10/1/07-12/31/07
1-Ryan McInnis with Ginger
2-Davis Moye with Star Dust
3-Jordan Carroll with Dolly
4/1/07-9/30/07
1-Jay Joiner with 820
2-Davis Moye with Fire Fly
3-Hillary Whitley with Boots
9/1/06-3/31/07
1-Johanna Carter with Annette
2-Evan Whitley with Goldylocks
3-Terry Whitley with Sugar
8/1/02-8/31/06
1-Evan Whitely with Annabelle
2-Cary Lewis with Torn Ear
3-Pam Whitley with Sissy
Born before 8/1/05
1-Davis Moye with Dori
2-Cary Lewis with o and L 99
3-Tommy McPhaul with Sammie
Full Blooded Does
Born after 6/30/08
1-Cary Lewis with O and L 112
2-Stephanie Carter with Cecila
4/1/08-6/30/08
1-Jay Joiner with Surprise
2-Davis Moye with Daffodill
3-Morgan Rockwell with Amy
1/1/08-3/31/08
1-Earnest Dial, Jr. with Rebecca
2-Morgan Rockwell with Daisy
3-Evan Whitley with Gracie
10/1/07-12/31/07
1-John Ronald Walton with Classic
2-Cary Lewis with O and L 109
3-Johanna Carter with Gail
4/1/07-9/30/07
1-Earnest Dial, Jr. with RM 791
2-Cary Lewis with Fancy 103
3-Samantha Dial with Robin Erin
9/1/06-3/31/07
1-Lewis Brooks with No Name
2-John Ronald Walton with Chicken Plate
3-Stephanie Carter with Min-Gin
8/1/05-8/31/06
1-Leon Joyner with J.J.R. Cindy
2-Pam Whitley with Wendy
3-Evan Whitley with Rebecca
Born before 8/1/05
1-Leon Joyner with 2020
2-Jay Joyner with 2048
3-Cary Lewis with Mountain Creek 20
Reserve Champion Doe-Earnest Dial, Jr. with RM791
Grand Champion Doe-John Walton with Classic
Percentage Bucks
Born after 6/30/08
1-Hillary Whitley with Sambo
Full Blooded Bucks
4/1/08-6/30/08
1-Roscoe Oxendine with Earnst
1/1/08-3/31/08
1-Tommy McPhaul with Bud's Bad Boy
2-Earnest Dial with B Mack Drive
3-Justin Dial with Powerstroker
10/1/07-12/31/07
1-Dustin Marcinsky with Hotwire
4/1/07-9/30/07
1-Pam Whitley with Pocket Knife Case
2-Richard Evans with Pocket Knife Treebrand
8/1/05-8/31/06
1-Tommy McPhaul with RM Bud
Born before 8/1/05
1-Cary Lewis with Bull City Chad
2-Richard Evans with Brooks
Reserve Champion Buck-Tommy McPhaul with RM Bud
Grand Champion Buck-Cary Lewis with Bull City Chad
Congratulations to all of our winners!

4-H A Good Investment

I just filled my gas tank up and nearly cried. Each time I turn on the news, I am bombarded with debates on recession and depression, bailouts and failures. Every time I turn my head to one side or another, there is something in the headlines about a youth who made a wrong decision or a series of wrong decisions and is now behind bars and will probably be there for life.

After all of that, I turn completely around and look at the youth in this county who are involved in 4-H, and I smile. I smile because here they are having fun; they are in a safe and nurturing environment and learning. Each time they figure out a concept, like how electricity runs through a circuit; each time they finish a community service project; each time they figure out that they can make a difference, they smile. That smile is contagious, and it makes me smile. If a child, who is grinning from ear to ear because they just figured out something on their own, can't make you smile, stop reading now, because this celebration isn't for you.

We have an abundance of things to celebrate in 4-H. Yes, even with the way the economy is, or should I say especially because of the way it is, we should find reasons and positive things to celebrate. October 5-11 is National 4-H Week. Our county commissioners have graciously declared it 4-H week here in Robeson County. Why? Maybe it is because they know we touched the lives of more than 3,700 youth between the ages of 5 and 19 last year alone. These youth learned and demonstrated leadership skills and goal setting, and they made public speeches and presentations. These 4-H'ers gave back to their community by making kits for victims of the Rape Crisis Center; they got up and lead a countywide meeting; they started a recycling project; and they made a positive difference in these and many other ways. They didn't make headlines when they won gold for a presentation or wowed the crowd with their public speech, but this week, we will celebrate them and their accomplishments.

However, it's not just our 4-H members we are celebrating this week. We are also celebrating our 4-H adults, our parents, and our volunteers who make this all possible. Over the last nine months, our volunteers have raised money to send kids to 4-H camp, got on their hands and knees to teach them how to use a hammer and build something, and stood out in 100-degree weather to cook hamburgers and hot dogs for youth events. Our volunteers have taken their time to receive training, filled out endless forms, and donated their time to make a difference in these children's lives. They have opened up their homes for club meetings, stayed up late fixing spelling errors on presentation posters, and taken time off of work to travel to District Activity Day and 4-H Congress to give moral support, hugs, and praise. They do not get paid, or should I say they do not receive money for what they do; they do get paid in smiles, hugs, and seeing the achievements of these youth. It takes a special person to be a 4-H volunteer, and we are fortunate that we have so many volunteers who give so much of themselves, and they deserve to be celebrated during National 4-H Week.

In Robeson County, 4-H also celebrates United Way this week. United Way provides 100 percent of our programming dollars. The money goes directly to our youth (not salaries, benefits, or copy paper). The money allows us to provide programming for our youth year-round. It helps us provide curriculum in the classroom, such as second grade embryology where youth get a chance to see eggs hatch into chicks and learn about life cycles and third grade soil solutions where youth get to play in dirt and learn the importance of soil. This money allows us to provide camping opportunities for youth whose families could not otherwise afford to send them to camp. It allows us to conduct a College Prep Program for youth in ninth through eleventh grades to encourage them to stay in school and continue on to college. United Way dollars are an investment in our youth and the future of our community, and for that, we celebrate them and all those who give as well.

I keep talking about celebrations, but how are we celebrating? Come out to the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair next week and take a look around. There will be club displays, animal science projects and shows, youth activities, and 4-H members in the information booth who are part of the Junior Fair Board. We are celebrating our youth by highlighting what they do, their projects, their clubs, and their leadership skills. Walk up and shake their hand and talk with them; they just might impress you.

Not far away from a 4-H member, you will probably see a 4-H volunteer, parent, or 4-H staff member. Feel free to ask them about 4-H. You won't be able to miss the tone of voice -- it is pride -- when they talk about the 4-H members. Although "thank you" seems inadequate and too infrequent for these folks, that seems to be the greatest gift we can give them and is like fuel propelling them forward to the next event. So if you feel compelled, say "thank you;" it will mean the world to them.

We started this column talking about money . . . and my point so many thoughts later (and with a smile on my face) is no matter how bad the economy is, no matter what they say on the news, there is a safe investment in your future and in our county and that is investing in our youth. It might not be an investment of cash; it may be an investment of your time. And that investment is positive and priceless.

For more information on 4-H and how you can invest in Robeson County youth, contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, Cooperative Extension 4-H agent, at 910-671-3276 or Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu.

4-H Takes the Fair in Style

If you drive by the fairgrounds this week you can't help but notice the ferris wheels, crowded parking lot, and colorful lights. Yes, the fair is officially opened and it is ten days loaded down with fun, activities, and shows. The great thing about this county fair, and what separates it from other fairs, is that this is an old time agriculture fair. We have exhibits, booths, cake competitions, homemade wine competitions, the national chicken bog cook off, and live farm animals. If you look closely you can even see that popular four leaf clover with the 4-H's in almost every building.
My favorite place to see the 4-H clover is in the Al Parnell Home Exhibits Building. In that building you will find four of our clubs that worked hard to create educational booths. They are some of the most creative offerings I have seen in a long time and offer fair goers an idea of some of the things that go on in 4-H.
Young Leaders 4-H Club created a booth titled "4-H is Always in Season". They decorated with green and white greenery (after all 4-H colors are green and white)and spread various pieces of curriculum out so people can see the different things that you can experience in 4-H.
Voices In Praise 4-H Club created a booth that made me want to put on a sweater while making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The theme for their booth was "Fall into 4-H" and it had a colorful fall theme complete with falling leaves and a scarecrow. Each leaf had a different activity that youth can complete in 4-H, and trust me that means there are a lot of leaves in that booth.
The Horsin' Around 4-H Club took second place in educational booths with their "Horses From Around the World" theme. Between the saddles, stick horses, and other western attire there were photos, maps, and descriptions of horses from all corners of the world. If a person could take enough time to read it all they could learn about horses we have never even seen or heard of in this country.
The "Dirty Rascals" Junior Master Gardener 4-H Club took first place and best overall educational booth with their "Sun Down on the Farm" booth. This solar exhibit showed how our youth are thinking "green" by using and promoting solar energy. The youth also had flyers on how to make a solar oven, solar s'mores, and a solar coloring book. You could say it was a very bright idea for a booth.
The booths are just one part of the 4-H fair experience. Each day there is at least one, if not several 4-H events. Those events are just the tip of the iceberg. For more information about the fair, schedule, and events check out the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair web site at www.robesoncountyfair.com. You will also be able to see photos of the different events and people at the fair.

4-H Animals get their official health papers

It could have been the mooing or the head butting from the goats, or even the state vet on his knees that gave us a clue that fair season, but more importantly, Livestock Show season is in full swing.
More than 20 folks came out to the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fairgrounds to take advantage of our free health certificates for 4-H members showing in this years livestock events.
Bruce Akers, got down on the ground and talked with the animals, listened with his stethoscope and put his hands in places the animals weren't too happy about (mainly their mouths and eyes) to make sure they were healthy and eligible for their health certificates. Michelle Shooter, Extension Livestock Agent, sat and helped fill in the blanks on the paperwork with the help of the animal families. Even Mercedes, a very gentle heifer belonging to Stephanie Carter, seemed to have an utterly mooving experience now that she is ready for show season.
We want to thank Bruce, all the parents, and 4-H members who came out and wish everyone the best of luck this show season. Can't wait to see you at the Robeson Regional Agricultrual Fair in a couple of weeks!

4-H Back to School Fun Day

Before everyone gets up early Monday morning to head back to school, Robeson County 4-H wanted to give our members one last blast as a proper send off. We packed more fun into four hours then anyone has ever experienced before. From making stepping stones and sculptures to signature crayons and snack cookbooks everyone walked away with something new and fun to share with their families at home. We also had incredible snacks and the best game of bingo ever. When everyone left they had a back back filled with schools supplies and games to help them make friends on their first day. Not to mention a t-shirt to let everyone know they are a proud 4-H member.
We hope our 4-H members have a great first day of school and incredible school year. Click here to check out all of our Back to School Fun and please contact our 4-H staff at (910) 671-3276 or our web site to check out all the opportunities we offer during the school year.

Cloverbuds Keep Us Going

They cooked, they cleaned, and they had a blast during our 4-H Cloverbud Day Camp. It was five days of fun, learning, and bathroom breaks as our five to eight year olds took over the O. P. Owens Agriculture Center and turned it into their camping and educational center. Each morning they worked on project books, played games that gave them a little exercise, and worked on a variety of 4-H projects, such as insects, vermicomposting, and learning the 4-H pledge.

After a snack break everyone had a chance to attend Tooth School with Christy Strickland, our Family and Consumer Science Agent. They learned why it is important to take care of their teeth and the best foods to eat for their teeth and overall health. The youth also had a chance to get cooking in the kitchen making healthy, fun snacks that they ate each afternoon.

After lunch a variety of people came by for stories and fun. Stacie Kinlaw from Exploration Station stopped by to tell stories, sing, and color fun projects. Tanya Underwood with Robeson County Partnership for Children stopped by and helped the youth learn how to accept responsibility by creating and caring for pet rocks (and even made everyone a balloon animal too). Margaret Crites and Jessica Drake with The Rape Crisis Center took an hour to share their favorite childhood stories and song with the cloverbuds. Some of our 4-H volunteers and youth stopped by to share their favorite activities with the youth. Bobby Rogers created a small everything box for the youth to make and got on the floor with them to help them hammer everything together. Megan Hurst and her mother Jane, stopped by and showed the youth how to create a bunch of different origami projects, including a horse, of course (Jane is one of the organizational leaders for our Horsin' Around 4-H Horse club). Howard Wallace, our area Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent, worked with the youth on their fruit, vegetable, and plant knowledge teaching them how to create grow cards, and a hamburger plant.

We also took off on a special trip to the Robeson County Planetarium. The youth learned about Mars and robots on Mars. Their favorite part, was seeing the night sky and learning about the upcoming meteor shower and how they might be able to view it from their homes.

A special thank you to all our partners, volunteers, and parents who supported this program. Just click here to view the fun our cloverbuds had thanks to your help and support. We are looking forward to sharing this experience with five to eight years old again next year. If you have suggestions or ideas on how to make it better, please let us know. If you would like to work with the future of 4-H or our youth, please contact us at the 4-H office at (910) 671-3276.

We're Back!

The mood all over the camp was somber Friday morning as campers got up and finished packing before going to breakfast. Everyone was tired, sad to leave their friends, but so happy to have had this experience. Before we left the counselors gave each camper an award, some were for archery, or swimming, others for being inquisitive. We even had a few campers of the week. Then a great slide show, recapping our week's fun, was played for everyone to enjoy. Then it was time to say thank you and goodbye before boarding the buses and heading home.
Thank you to the friends and family members who have been checking the photos. It came to my attention that it was taking a lot of time to load photos from the link so I have gone ahead and separated the photos from Sunday to Tuesday and then Wednesday thru Friday. Since these are two different links it should be faster to upload and view. We hope you enjoy the photos and please share them with your campers.
Now that I have had a little time to catch some sleep, I need to say thank you as well. First of all to the camp staff, thank you for all your patience, knowledge, and guidance with our youth. As always you did a spectacular job in every aspect. To Myra and Vicki, our Robeson County volunteers, thank you does not cover it. You walked on to the buses and kept control, tried everything there was to try at camp, and even took a hike in the woods, and loved every moment, and still want to go back next year for another adventure. You kept us on our toes, laughing, and enjoying. To Chris and Julia it is now a tradition that we all camp together and I can't imagine camp without your enthusiasm and humor. To my fellow 4-H agents, Lauren and Michelle, I know this is our job, but weeks like this have made it my pleasure.
Most importantly, thank you to the parents, campers and sponsors. Without all of you this week would not have been possible. We hope you will consider camping with us again and sharing your camp comments either on the blog or via e-mail or phone because we would love to hear what you have to say. Thank you again for this year.

Please feel free to subscribe to the posts on this blog so you can keep up with everything going on in Robeson Count 4-H.

Packing it in.

Unfortunately all our fun had to start winding down at some point and after another action packed day, tonight's festivities were the perfect way to start saying good-bye.

After another full day of traditional camp activities like swimming, archery and canoeing as well as some non-traditional activities like GPS challenge, repelling, and corn husking, our campers were ready for the big evening finale.
After dinner we held our traditional Thursday night dance. While some enjoyed the toe tapping music, others took advantage of the night to play a few games with their newfound friends. Everyone had the chance to enjoy snow cones made by the L.I.T.'s (Leaders In Training) and cool off from the heat generated by all the fast paced songs.

After the dance we had our final campfire complete with a fireworks display. What a better way to end a terrific week. The campers headed back to their cabins to pack and exchange addresses and phone numbers. While the volunteers and staff took a few minutes to recap the week's funniest moments (sorry we can't repeat it because what happens at camp stays at camp), which I am sure campers will repeat the moment we arrive home on Friday.

Just a quick note to all the parents, family members and friends who have been checking our blog, photo web site, and sending e-mails to our campers, thank you. Not only for sending your child on this wonderful adventure but for supporting them through encouraging words and laughter as you watched the shenanigans so far away from home. We hope everyone feels like this was a wonderful experience and we hope your camper will consider coming back with us next year. Keep an eye on our blog because we will let you know as soon as we have dates and prices for 2009.

All our campers are sound asleep right now. In the morning we will pack up and head home. Tune in again tomorrow for our last 2008 4-H camp update, and all the updates of future 4-H programs.

A Wednesday to Remember at BJP

What a gorgeous morning to take a hike and learn more about nature, architecture, and the history of the 4-H camp we are all enjoying. Some of our campers had a chance to take a real hay ride to Chinqua Penn Plantation and tour the grounds and main house today. The house which was built by Jeff and Betsy Penn in 1925 as a place for them to experiment with different techniques of raising animals, an opportunity for them to showcase their tastes derived from many different cultures they experienced in their travels, and most importantly their home where they loved to entertain. Betsy and Jeff Penn did not have any children together but loved youth so much they gave the land for the camp we are learning at and enjoying this week.
Not everyone got a chance to experience the tour however. Our younger youth learned about the pioneer days, and learned how to make cornbread over an open fire, how to dip candles, and how to churn butter. All without electricity of course. Our older youth, in Trekkers, spent the day off of camp grounds and are sleeping out under the stars tonight after canoeing, hiking, and cooking today. The Adventurers are currently sleeping in tents at the pioneer settlement after learning how to build a campfire and survive in the outdoors. For those of you who would like to see more photos of our adventures this week, please feel free to check out our photo web site. You will be able to save and download the photos of your favorite scenes and campers so that you can enjoy these memories for a lifetime.

Day Two or Tuesday at Camp

The first day of camp was just an appetizer for our youth as they continued toward the best of activities. The Trekkers (our oldest youth) got hung up on all the fun as they learned the proper way to hug trees. Actually, they had the opportunity to work on the ropes course, climbing a 25 foot pole and jumping to catch a swing, walking on logs suspended in mid-air, and yes, zipping to the bottom of the hill on a zip line. The course tested their resolve, broke down barriers, and forced them to work together to accomplish tasks (plus it was a great adventure, even if they were screaming as they let go of their fears and grabbed hold of the fun). The Adventurers learned how to make shelters and build a camp fire for their sleep out at the outpost tonight. Some of the youth had a chance to check out the water games and slide down a slippery tarp, get dizzy during the water noodle race, and play a neat game of pool tag. By the time the sun set our campers just wanted to shower and lay their head on their pillows to dream about tomorrow's adventures.

First Full Day at Camp

It has been a long day of fun, excitement and adventure as our campers got a chance to try a variety of activities. After breakfast and flag raising the groups did everything from hike to the Beaver pond to walk on a rope 25 feet in the air. Each youth is getting a chance to show their artistic side by creating a tye-dyed pillow case (what a restful way to remember camp) while others are practicing their aim by taking a shot at the bow and arrow (a.k.a. archery). While some of the campers had a chance to cool off in the pool, others climbed up on a horse and took a little ride.
Each of the activities are repeated during the week so that the youth have the opportunity to practice and increase their skills (after all who reaches the top of the rock climbing wall on the first try????) With each attempt a new level of self confidence is reached and a whole new level of fun is achieved.
The Earth and Sun groups played chef tonight as they roasted marshmallows over an open fire and made their own s'mores. Currently they are sound asleep under the starry skies. Speaking of sleeping soundly we had the chance to celebrate another birthday tonight. Jardin LeSane turned 11. She and her cabin mates had a chance to celebrate with a little ice cream party before bed tonight (we have been told that the celebration was just enough to let them quickly take a trip to see the sandman).

Heading to Camp

Well we made it! 54 youth from Robeson County signed up to attend a week long overnight camp at Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center in Reidsville, NC. We left around 9:30 Sunday morning and arrived at camp just after 2:00 p.m. Everyone was anxious from our long trip and it did not take the campers long to get registered and find out where they would be living for the next week and who their cabin mates would be.
After unpacking and a few icebreakers everyone headed to the craft shelter for a huge cookout. After filling up on hot dogs, chips, and watermelon campers had a chance to meet all the staff and volunteers and learn one interesting thing about them. They learned everything from the international staff members strange eating habits (ketchup on pizza) to who has a dog that likes to unpack suitcases. After that it was time for line dancing, square dancing and just general fun.
To cap the evening off everyone enjoyed the opening night campfire which included skits and songs before heading back to their cabins and diving into bed. However, before sleepy time hit one cabin they had to celebrate an important milestone. Brion Oxendine celebrated his 11th birthday complete with ice cream for everyone in his cabin. What a way to cap off the night!

4-H Lets Worms Invade Library

Eight hundred seventy worms made their way into the Robeson County library and into the hearts and hands of almost 50 youth who attended the weekly youth program at the Lumberton Branch of the Public Library as they learned about the process of vermicomposting.
The youth had the chance to learn the importance of earth worms and composting worms in our environment. As Ms. Shelly read them a story on a worm and butterfly, 4-H volunteers and staff from the Robeson County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service prepared a very special bedding for the worms. They soaked a brick of coconut fiber in a bucket of water to start the vermicomposting exhibit that will be available to travel to area schools, educational programs, and youth programs in the future. The exhibit known as "A Can-O-Worms" currently has close to one pound of worms in it thanks to the help of the youth at the library. All of them lined up and used spoons or their hands (how brave is that?!?) to move the worms from cups into their new home lined with coconut lining. Some were so excited that they even wanted to take the little critters home as pets, which was discouraged by every parent and grandparent in the room. After loading the worms into their new home volunteers prepared a blanket of wet newspaper and the youth tucked in their friends for their busy new life.
Composting worms, the most popular of which are red worms, can eat half their body weight each day in vegetable and fruit scraps, wet paper, and coffee grounds. The worms are considered vegetarians, and even though they will eat egg shells they will not eat the inside of the egg or anything that involves animal fat. The castings they provide will produce an organic fertilizer for plants while the liquid waste known as "worm tea" is considered a fantastic liquid fertilizer for plants. It will take approximately a month for the worms to get settled in their bed and start the composting process.
The worms will reproduce up to 20,000 in their new environment but will regulate their population so that there are not more worms then food. There is no odor to the can as the worms eat the food scraps before it rots. It is an organic way to recycle and a wonderfully fun educational tool for youth.
The Can-O-Worms will be tended to during the year by members and volunteers of the "Dirty Rascals" Junior Master Gardener 4-H Club, and 4-H staff. If you are interested in bringing the Can-O-Worms to your classroom or youth facility, please contact the 4-H staff at (910) 671-3276.