The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round...

...and bring us home safe and sound but not after a little fun. We started the day with packing and breakfast, (a breakfast sandwich to fill our stomachs) before we hit the road. After packing up, cleaning cabins, and making sure we had all our stuff, we took everything to our county designated place and went to the Rec. Hall for our awards ceremony.

Each camper received an award from their counselors based on their work during the week. There were the ever popular super camper awards, triple A (all around awesome), most polite, thousand questions in a minute, and super trooper awards as well as some that were more personalized to the camper's personality. Everyone walked away with some designation from the people they spent the last week with. Who looked up to them and cared for them as we had a blast.

After the awards it was time to sit back and enjoy memories of the week at camp. Thanks to the help of the camp staff and contributions from the four 4-H agents we had quite a slide show. After the hugs, tears, and exchanging of addresses, cell phone numbers, and face book names it was time to load up the buses and head home.

After the most wonderfully uneventful ride home we pulled in to anxious parents and grandparents. There were hugs, tears, and sniffing of wet clothes that had been packed up (and amusing faces that followed) to take home. Everyone got a t-shirt and went home to tell their parents what a wonderful time they had.

Two to three hours later, facebook posts, and even reports from parents said although their child is exhausted, that they had not stopped talking since they got home. They were sure that they had gotten a narrative of the entire week in two hours. I assured them that was just a blow by blow of the first day and to wait for it....but they would be talking about this experience for a long long time, and would remember it for a lifetime.

Stay posted to our Twitter page and we will give updates as we add the final photos to the days from other agents and even campers.

We must say thank you to many organizations. First of all to our camping counties and agents this year of Richmond (Ms. Michelle), Chatham (Ms. Lauren), and Watauga (Mrs. Karee). Without you this experience would not be nearly as fun. To our volunteer Missy McLean who went, experienced, enjoyed and napped thank you for your fun and supervision. To Chatham County's volunteers Julia Austin and Chris Raisig. You have the calm cool approaches and don't mind tackling any subject from homesickness to financial management (got to earn those dollar bills). To the BJP staff thank you for an incredible year and your care and supervision of our youth. You are the front liners in this experience and you made it incredible. Also I would be neglectful if I did not say thank you to our financial supporters, United Way of Robeson County and Indian Education. Without their help the majority of our youth could not have this life building experience, so we must say thank you!

Is it Our Last Day Already?

This week has flown by as have some of our campers. Today was no different as we dove into our activities for the last time. Our youth took to the archery range, campfire pit, climbed on a horse and got into canoes to practice the skills they learned this week. Sun and Earth groups even took to the high ropes to enjoy flying through the air, and challenging their own fears.

On the archery range our youth were kick on the draw as they remembered range rules and how to fire their bows. They did an awesome job hitting the targets. Next door to the archery range was a campfire pit where the youth practiced their story telling skills while waiting their turn on the archery range.

Walking by the lake you couldn't help but notice our youth in the canoes and listen to their communication skills. I would like to say they were saying things like what a wonderful experience they were having instead it was comments such as, "figure out backwards now before we hit the bank," and, "ummmm how do you suppose we are going to get back to the dock?" Not to worry, no one beached their canoe, or missed the dock when it came time to come in. It was just a little scary for the first time out there by themselves and they did great.

Horseback riding was involved, especially for first timers. Not only did our youth learn about caring for horses, but the beginning lessons in how to ride, and they rode. Some of our youth rode for the first time and had a blast!

Our Trekkers travelled to Pilot Mountain for an overnight event. They travelled by canoe down a river, repelled down rock walls and cooked their food over a campfire. According to one Trekker it was more than fun, it was a lot of fun. they made it back this afternoon in time to clean up for dinner. After the make your own tacos night it was time for the main event. Our 4-H dance.

Our youth had a ball dancing, playing outside, and enjoying sno-cones made by their L.I.T.'s. Our very own Dr. Demetrius Jacobs spun the tuned that ranged from things before my time until way after my time. The Youth danced their hearts out, played outside with balls and hula hoops and in general, had a ball.

The final campfire started out as a humdinger. However two songs in Mother Nature suggested a change in location. Thanks to thunder and lightening the youth then headed to the rec hall to finish their final campfire. As they said good night they headed back to the cabins for showers and to start packing. They were getting information from new friends so they could contact them when they get home.

It is bittersweet as we lay our heads down for the last night in our bunk beds. We will dream about coming home but be sad to leave all the fun and new friends we have made here. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post of coming home to Robeson County.

Are We Really Allowed to have this Much Fun?

It seems like around every corner, twist, and curve there are smiling faces, laughing, and just downright fun going on. Our Trekkers, our oldest campers, left the sight for their trip. As part of this the canoe in a river, repel off of real cliffs, and sleep out cooking their dinner over a camp fire. When they return tomorrow they will be tired, muddy and laughing at each other recounting all the fun their overnight adventure in detail. Our Adventurers travelled into the woods to work on GPS, survival skills and firebuilding. What a day they had.

The rest of us had normal camp activities today, horseback riding, archery, and for the youngest ones a trip back in time. No we do not have a time machine but they did enjoy the pioneer cabin. There the youth learned about the tools they used in the pioneer days, made their own corn bread (which was rather tasty if I do say so myself), and even made their own candles. It is a really neat step back in time that they all get to experience in a hands on way. Of course we did have to break for a lunch, chicken sandwiches, chips, etc. Then we went right back at it, hitting arts and crafts where they tie-dyed bandannas. The youth hit the swimming pool of course (what is a day at camp without getting wet?) and made some incredible ice cream. Our spaghetti dinner, with garlic bread and salad gave us energy for our evening adventure-the BJP Talent Show.

The talent show is done on a volunteer basis. Our brave youth stand up and show off their incredible gifts. Some sing, others dance, we even had a piano player and a magician this year. Of course the counselors and L.I.T.'s are also in the mix, having fun and showing us to enjoy ourselves. We even had a special visit from a very famous pirate, Jack Sparrow, and his friends. After that we hit the showers and everyone put heads on pillows, drifting off to sleep rather quickly. It is hard to believe we only have one full day of activities left. Our Trekkers will be back tomorrow afternoon, in time to clean up for the big evening event...the dance. Also please know if you are e-mailing your camper we will need it by noon on Thursday to make the final mail call before we head home. Stay tuned as our adventure begins the big wind down before coming home on Friday.

Tuesday is a High Flying Day at BJP

Up, up and away....to hug a tree? A great many Trekkers, Adventurers and Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) were excited about the ability to fly through the air and the many opportunities they had to test out their new wings Tuesday Morning. It all started on the ropes course. There the youth found several obstacles that challenged their problem solving and decision making skills while definitely putting them outside their comfort zone. When we first got there we found some of our youth on our favorite High Ropes obstacle, the zip line. Basically the youth, with the help of a ladder and metal rungs in the tree, climb a tree to a platform. There they switch safety rope, climb over a branch and then get hooked to a system that lets them sly through the air, down a hill to another platform. The youth have on safety harnesses, helmets, and are attached to safety ropes to make this adventure as safe as possible. We caught a couple of our youth having the time of their lives, and others doing a lot of praying before sliding off the platform.

Other obstacles on the high ropes course include climbing a telephone pole and standing on the top of it only to jump off for a swing, then if they catch it letting go and being lowered down. Climbing other trees and walking across telephone poles or cables that have been suspended between trees. All of this helps our youth increase their self esteem, self confidence, and helps them improve their decision making and problem solving skills while enhancing their team working ability.

After a morning on the ropes course our youth were exhausted as they headed to lunch. Our younger campers had spent the morning riding horses, shooting archery and hiking over to the beaver dam. We also had youth working on arts and crafts, climbing the rock wall and just plain busy having fun. A brief rain shower extended our rest time after lunch but by camp store time everything was back on and we were out running and playing again.

Cabin inspectors determined Cabin one on the girls side deserved the golden faucet award today while cabin five received the silver toilet seat for second. We understand this competition has gotten very difficult and the competitors are even trying some sabotage, but the inspectors are having none of it and are keeping the competition on the up and up. After all it is for the 256 K spray painted golden faucet.

Our evening activities were repeats of the night before. For the Sun and Earth groups (our middle age children) it was time for water sports. The youth hit the lake for free swim time and then the pool for games and complete exhaustion. The heads, heart, hands, and health groups hit the campfire for songs, skits, games, and stories. They also had a chance to make gourmet s'mores. Then it was back to the cabins and time for showers before hitting the pillows. What an incredible day. Tomorrow we have more fun in store including the pioneer camp site, rock wall and much more.

Our Whirlwind First Day of Activities

What a day! We started off fairly early with a wonderful hot breakfast of scrambled eggs, biscuits, and bacon. Of course there was also stuff like cereal and fresh fruit available to us as well. After our breakfast we made sure our cabins were clean and ready for inspection before moving on to our first of many activities.

I guess what is important to understand on the first day, is that we are all broken into groups based on our ages. There are the Head, Heart, Hands and Health groups as well as the Earth, Sun, Adventurers, and Trekkers groups. Each age group does different things based on their age, for example the Trekkers will go off site for almost two full days and a night camping out, canoeing in a river, repealing. They will cook their dinner over a campfire and other really cool stuff. The young groups such as the Head, Heart, Hands and Health groups do activities such as Arts and crafts, archery, making ice cream, visiting the Heritage center and other similar activities. Although the agents can't be everywhere all the time we try to hit as many activities as we can and take as many action shots as possible to record our camping experience and memories in photos.

Our campers started activities around nine am. They had adventures such as archery, swimming (in the brand new deluxe swimming pool) canoeing, arts and crafts and making ice cream. Arts and crafts this week is really neat, today they made photo frames, we understand that they will have the opportunity to do really cool pottery projects and maybe even some tye-dye-you just never know with this creative group. Today we even caught them doing a science project making goo. By using cornstarch and water the youth made a magical gooey substance that was hard as rock if you poke it, but if you scoop it is was ooey and gooey and funny to feel between the fingers. While goo and frames were being created another group was on a cooler mission, making ice cream (or actually raspberry sorbet) by hand. One camper would sit on the ice cream maker while the other would crank and they would take turns until they had a sweet cold treat.

Our adventures and trekkers also hit the dock and then the water practicing their paddling skills for expert canoeing. Other groups also took to the lake, some in canoes, some fell out of canoes and some just hit the water in their life jackets for the fun of it.

Of course after a day of fun we washed up for dinner (ham, mac and cheese, green beans, and corn bread) and then rest time. We all met at the flag pole to find out who has the cleanest cabin. You see every morning two agents or volunteers inspect the cabins for a very competitive cabin cleanliness award. In the end cabin one (the girls) won the golden faucet and cabin seven (the boys) took second place the silver toilet seat award.

Our evening activity centered on water if you were in Head, Heart, Hands or Health while the older youth took to the wall. The rock climbing wall that is. Our younger youth split up between the pool and the lake for some fun exhausting swim time which also included volleyball and a rousing game of Marco Polo in the pool. The older youth did their best to harness up and climb to the top of our rock wall, some even made it a competition climbing side by side.

After all this fun it was time to hit the showers and head to bed. After a hot exhausting day we all enjoyed laying our heads on our pillows and dreaming of all the fun we would have tomorrow. Stay tuned to the 4-H blog for more information on our adventures at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center.

Happy Campers All Around!

It is day one at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center. Robeson County brought 70 youth as part of our summer camping program and boy oh boy are they excited to be here. Mind you we pulled out of our parking lot at the O. P.Owens Agriculture Center at 9:45 this morning and with and made it to camp about 2:30 this afternoon. There were loud cheers from our campers as we announced on each bus welcome to camp.

As soon as our campers got off the bus there was a whirlwind of activity. Everyone had to unload their stuff from the buses and take it to preassigned areas. Then they checked in at the recreation hall before being given their cabin assignments. Then it was off to the cabins to unpack, meet cabin mates and settle in. Of course that didn't last long before the counselors had the groups out at the ball field and other areas playing games.

Of course, being 4-H we had to get some food involved. Dinner was served on the ball field as we enjoyed hot dogs, baked beans, chips and fresh watermelon. Everyone enjoyed our impromptu picnic before cleaning up, playing a little bit more and then heading off to the Rec. Hall for introductions.

After a brief introduction to rules, and alarms we kicked back and had fun as all the counselors introduced themselves, with the kind of flair only summer camp counselors can have. Of course it would not be camp with a campfire. The youth headed over to our campfire area to enjoy skits, songs, and other cool campfire activities before heading back to the cabins. Once at the cabins it was time for showers, and climbing into bed. Everyone has had a grand day and is excited about what is in store for the week ahead. As I write this they are all tucked away in their beds with thoughts of swimming, archery and horses racing through their minds. What a great day Monday will be.

If you would like more photos or information about our camping experience you can also check out the Richmond County 4-H Blog at http://www.richmond4-h.blogspot.com/. They are also camping with us this week.

Our Last Day of Congress is Enterprising

This year North Carolina 4-H Congress ended a day early. However a day early did not mean less things to do. This year they were more enterprising than ever. As part of Thursday's events the youth took part in a job fair held at the McKimmon Center. Different N. C. State department were on hand to answer questions and recruit perspective students. After touring the booths everyone came together in the main meeting room for a panel discussion. The youth asked questions such as, "What type of S.A.T. scores do you need to get into N.C. State?" and, "What kind of students are you looking for?" After asking a multitude of questions and identifying areas that they think they might need improvement in to get into college it was time to turn our attention to food.

Lunch was a spectacular event involving chicken, lasagna and all sorts of sides. It was the perfect prelude to our digital slide show highlighting the top Congress events. Then Reba Green Holly, County Extension Director in Gates County addressed the group about the theme of the event, "4-H Dig in." She talked to the youth about making decisions and choices and being careful about who your role models are. She suggested that our youth invest in themselves and their futures and dig into 4-H to help make them the best they can be. After the speech it was time to adjourn our 2010 4-H Congress event and drive home. Our youth are coming back charged with the new "4-H Hungry to Help" initiative ready to share what they have learned with everyone back home.

Feel free to check out a few video high lights of our time at the 2010 North Carolina 4-H Congress.

Helping Others and Voting in New Leadership...All In One Day

Wednesday at North Carolina 4-H Congress started with an amazing and incredible project. Each year on Wednesday the Congress delegates take part in a community service project. It can be anything from cleaning off a gigantic kangaroo for UNC-TV or pulling ivy at the arboretum or cleaning up and organizing a food pantry. This year almost all the counties present took part in something special. To go along with our "Hungry to Help" theme the group travelled to Dorton Arena where they found about 50 palettes holding ginormous boxes filled with dried pasta. The youth gowned up with aprons, gloved up, and even put on hair nets to start packaging up the pasta into individual bags, filling empty boxes. When they got done they had processed 37,990 pounds of pasta or almost 32,000 meals. What an incredible job they did.

After the hands to service project the youth came back to the McKimmon Center for lunch. Waiting for them was a small bowl of rice and a small bottle of water. The point of the exercise was to let them know what it is like for people who are hungry who may live off of a small bowl of rice and water for an entire day, if they even have that much. After making the point, an hour later, organizers brought in burritos from Moe's to the thrill of all of those hungry teens.

In the meantime our 4-H Agent, was in the donor lunch across the hall. There Dr. Eddie and Mrs. Brenda Locklear, and Robert Wilkes were recognized for their efforts in starting endowment funds to support Robeson County 4-H. Also retired Extension Director Everett Davis and Shea Ann DeJarnette were recognized for starting a restricted fund that will benefit our county 4-H program.

After all the food, it was time to get down to business. The youth kicked out most of the adults and got down to the business of electing state officers. Each county casted their ballot. Their choices were between six well qualified candidates for four positions. In the running were; Justin Simmons and LeAnthony Boone for President, Sally Dixon for Vice President, Ashley Williams and Sarah Osbourne for Secretary/Treasurer; and Joshua Black for Reporter. When the ballots were counted the winners and 2010-2011 4-H state officers are: LeAnthony Boone, President; Sally Dixon, Vice President; Sarah Osbourne, Secretary/Treasurer; and Joshua Black as Reporter.

After all the work, and business was concluded it was time to get back to the dorms and get ready for the big banquet. We heard from our outgoing officers and were introduced to our incoming officers. Then we walked to the Dorton Arena where our youth created a 4-H clover. Dr. Marshall Stewart, Department Head, State Program Leader, Department of 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences, installed the incoming state and district officers during this candlelight ceremony that has a long standing tradition at the North Carolina 4-H Congress.

After the candle lighting ceremony it was time to celebrate. The youth travelled back to the expo center and danced the night away. They said goodbye to the old officers, congratulated the incoming officers and had fun with their new friends.

Thursday will be our last day at 4-H Congress, and we know it will be jam packed. Stay tuned to the 4-H blog for what happens and photos from the day.

Robeson County Brings Home Precious Medals from State

Day two of Congress is where the real competition is. Youth who place first or second at their respective District Activity Days have the opportunity to travel to Raleigh to speak their way into gold, silver, or bronze at the state level presentation day. The event which is held at Athens Drive High School each year brought the best of the best in North Carolina 4-H head to head to see who really is the best. Three of Robeson County's finest went on to compete here. Megan Hurst of the Horsin' Around 4-H Club, Alexius Jones and Chi Chi Hill both of the Inspirational Youth Leaders of Rex came prepared to show the world who the best of the best is. Alexus was up first in public speaking. In a tough category, with this being her first year, it is awe inspiring that she walked away with the silver medal. Following in her footsteps was Chi Chi Hill. Chi Chi was up against three other competitors in public speaking, the 9-10 year old age division. When it was all said and done Chi Chi's speech on drug abuse also brought home a silver medal. Then in the most extensive category this year, small and companion animals Megan Hurst educated a rather large audience on how to raise an orphan puppy. Up against five other competitors, unfortunately Megan did not win, but she represented our county well and made us all very proud.

The outdoor cookery divisions took place at the L. R. Harrill building at the state fairgrounds. At 8:30 am youth lit their grills, prepared their meat (chicken, pork, turkey, or beef), and cooked up a storm. Robeson County's own Jaylyn McNair, of the Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club in Rex, was a first time county presenter. That did not matter as he won gold at the county and then district competition receiving the opportunity to square off against two other competitors in the Chicken Bar-B-Que category. After a grueling day in the heat, cheered on by family and friends, Jaylyn walked away with the gold medal in his category and age division. This is the first state gold winner for Robeson County in more than a decade.

Youth who are not competing in presentations, and not there to observe the presentations, but are attending Congress have the opportunity to take part in workshops. These leadership workshops can not only add to their impressive skills but also help them achieve 4-H Ambassador status. This year the workshops included taking a college tour of N. C. State, Advanced public speaking, Parliamentary procedure and planning for college to name a few.

After all of this fun we headed back to the dorms to get ready for a review of the 4-H Eco-Challenge and find out about "4-H Dig In" held at the Expo Center at the state fairgrounds. The Eco-Challenge was where teams spent two days designing and implementing room designs. The teams had to use items that were recycled, re purposed, and or reused. The advisor for the project was Edward Walker of Trading Spaces fame. Of course each team had a limit on the amount that could be spent and donated. And the rooms turned out fantastic.

During the program after dinner we all learned about hunger. Not hunger around the world but right here at home, in North Carolina. The director of the Northwestern North Carolina Second Harvest Food bank was the featured speaker. He talked about the issues facing families, individuals and youth here in North Carolina. He relayed stories of families where the members take turns eating different meals each day, and how dire this situation is. Then it was time for to meet the state officer candidates. Our candidates gave a two minute speech or skit and then spent the rest of the evening meeting and greeting the voters. At the end of the night the Robeson County delegation will issue their 16 electoral votes for the candidates that they feel should lead us over the next year.

After our program it was time for the youth to hit the dance floor. Our youth had a great time, made new friends, and definitely had some laughs (not mentioning any names). then we headed back to the dorms to prepare for another big day that will start by helping others. Stay tuned for more information.

Getting Started and Sharing Ideas

North Carolina 4-H Congress is the biggest state 4-H event there is all year long. Youth from around the state come together on N.C. State University's Campus to work, learn and have fun. Already in our first day we are doing just that.

We started the day by getting checked in and moved into our dorms. We traditionally stay in one of the three high rise towers on the main campus. Our Robeson County delegation is made up of 7 youth: Laquwanda Banks, Christopher Bullard, Christian McRae, Korina Pittman, Keheria Richardson, Ashley Sealey, and Kristen Sealey; one volunteer, Marilyn Merritt, and our 4-H Agent Shea Ann DeJarnette. It took a little time to lug everything from the van and the trailer up to our rooms but we finally made it in time to go get lunch. After lunch it was time for our meetings the youth in one room and the adults in another. During these meetings we are given a brief introduction to living on campus, the rules, and what is coming up. After the brief introduction to procedures we broke out into our district meetings and that is where the real work began.

We have six districts in the state with approximately 15 counties per district. The youth representatives from their counties are involved with a special project this year communicating youth issues to our county commissioners at their conference. Each county youth delegation wrote their top ten issues that concern youth in their county. There were repeating themes to some such as teen pregnancy, drug abuse and education. However the Robeson County delegation also listed things such as finding ways to improve the education system, being competitive to not only get into college but receive scholarship funds, and gang issues. The lists were collected from each county and will be compiled into a top ten issues list to be presented at the county commissioners state meeting.

Of course after all that hard work we needed food. So we headed off to the N.C. State dinning hall for dinner, our first of several meals that we will enjoy just as if we are college students. Then we loaded back up in the vans (we are on the move a lot this week) and headed to the Expo Center at the N.C. State Fairgrounds for the opening ceremony. There we meet our outgoing district officers, watched an electronic county flag precession, and learned about some of our upcoming adventures. We also had the chance to complete an electronic survey about our thoughts on drugs, alcohol, and other risky behaviors. We were treated to live entertainment by other talented 4-H members and the state fashion show. Entries this year included everything from a duster to a wedding gown. Very impressive stuff. Then we loaded back up in the vans and headed back to the dorms for our first nights rest.

We have a busy week ahead...and that includes breakfast tomorrow morning at 6 a.m.

Stress Relief in the Classroom

The third and fourth grade students at W. H. Knuckles summer program had no idea they were getting ready to bust a move when the 4-H Agent walked into their classroom on Wednesday. Some of them said they thought we were going to play with germs, others hoped we would do something scientific, but when the music started they were excited to try our new experiment.

Just like the sixth graders the third and fourth graders at W. H. Knuckles talked about the kid of stress they deal with. They mentioned things like siblings and parents who get angry (although they admitted that they often instigate the anger). After talking about stress and what causes it, and what it can do to you they were ready to have a little scientific fun.

Our youth numbered their page from one to twelve before we started kicking up the tunes. The songs that got the best reactions may have been a surprise to many adults, "Lean on Me", "Amazing Grace", and Beyonce's "Single Ladies" got their attention. Other songs were unfamiliar but the youth were receptive to how the songs inflict stress or relaxation by listening to it.

As we talked about how the songs made them feel they all agreed they would think about the choices they make in music when planning activities whether it is homework, relaxing, or getting ready for a sports competition. They also said they would turn to music to help them relax rather than turning to risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking or drugs to help handle their stress.

Way to go W. H. Knuckles!!!!

The Fork Goes Where?

On our second evening at UNCP with the Upward bound participants we got down right rude. Actually we kicked the evening off with the top ten rude behaviors. On the list were things like burping at the table, picking your teeth and believe it or not, the number one rude behavior, talking on your cell phone at the table. That got everyone's attention.
Then we moved forward to table settings. The participants were all at small tables (four to a table) and we passed out our fancy 70's xeroxed china and silverware. Then it was up to our youth to try to make it all work. Although there were some comments to the effect of, "I would never use this much silverware," and, " who has this many dishes at one meal," they worked really hard to get it all in order. As we shared some tips with them (things like fork which has four letters in the word goes on the left which also has four letters while knife and spoon have five letters each and go on the right which also is made up of five letters) they were brave and got up to assemble a place setting in front of the group. The last thing to be put in place was the napkin. As we discussed where it goes and where it doesn't go (tucked in the neck of a shirt or the belt of your pants) we learned some tricks to handling napkins. Of course napkins lead to wiping your mouth and what do you wipe off your mouth? That's right food.
Our next venture was a little dessert celebration where our youth had the opportunity to practice what they had learned and learned what not to do. Things like piling two plates high is not necessarily the way to go when you need a hand free to shake hands. They also learned what foods are easy to eat with fingers and what foods are not. It was a delicious learning lesson.
Before we left there were gifts for everyone. Christy and I gave out our 4-H Etiquette Books so they would always have a little reminder in case they need it in college or other social situations. The gifts did not stop there, the student President of the Upward Bound program gave Christy Strickland and myself an official Upward Bound t-shirt and memory sticks. Very wonderful and useful gifts. We may have to check our etiquette books to check the guidelines on writing thank you notes for that.

Musical Stress Relief

Do our youth face stress? If you ask the group of sixth graders at Carroll Middle School on Tuesday you would find out that they do. The youth told us that things like tests, EOG's, and social issues can be stressful for them. They shared with us great ways for stress relief such as bubble baths, playing sports, and sleeping. But an hour later they had a new twist on an old tune to help as well.

When asked who liked to listen to music all of them raised their hands. Their music tastes ran the gambit from classical to R&B. Each sharing their individual favorites which help them to identify who they are. The youth also shared that they like to listen to music when they study and before going to bed at night, among the many other times in the day that they tune in.

Working with an activity from the "Health Rocks" curriculum we talked about using music as stress relief. The youth numbered a sheet of paper from one to ten. They laid their heads down on their desks and listened to a minute of music. The ten songs ranged from classical to rap, country to rock with a few interesting twists thrown in between. After listening to each selection the youth assigned a number to the song from one to five. One was for songs that made them hyper, they could not concentrate, it changed their mood, drove them to distraction. Five was for songs that were peaceful and calm. With the numbers in between being assigned to songs that ranged among the octaves.

When they got done they realized many of them felt the same way about similar kinds of music. All of them heard at least one kind of music they had never heard before. All of them concluded that they would think about what they are going to listen to based on what they are doing and not listen to songs that might stress them even more when they are in a stressful situation. One other big learning point for them this day...they said they would try listening to music or some other stress reliever so they would not need to turn to risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking or drugs.

Did they have a favorite song? Sure, they each did and now might even be a little more tolerant of music from other generations as well. Stay tuned while we try this fun stress less experiment at W. H. Knuckles tomorrow as part of their summer program with third and fourth graders.

"It is a pleasure to meet you..."

That is one of many phrases students as part of UNCP's Upward bound program practiced when 4-H Etiquette class arrived on Monday evening. We were honored to be asked to come replicate our 4-H Etiquette Day Camp with these rising High School Junior and Seniors. However, with 40 youth we changed how we approached the topic not what we talked about. Christy Strickland, Family Consumer Sciences Agent and Shea Ann DeJarnette tackled the topic that most youth think is not necessary, or that they know all about.

We started the evening with a fun interactive power point presentation. Including video and photos illustrating proper and improper behavior. At times we stopped and practiced what we learned with each person having an opportunity to practice their handshakes, introducing themselves, and the art of conversation. We talked about cell phone and social networking etiquette and tried to impress the importance of their actions and possible consequences on the Internet. After going over a myriad of information it boiled down to a jeopardy type quiz game. Four teams paired off and answered questions on topics such as; "Pig Out!", "Snail Mail and Tech Talk", "How do you Do?", "Ring! Ring!", and "Out and About". In the end we may have determined a winning team however everyone did a fantastic job so they all received a sweet surprise.

We had so much fun with this group of amazing teens that we plan to head back tomorrow night and work on more traditional etiquette topics such as table manners, rude behaviors, and more. Check out the 4-H Blog for more information.

Getting Expressive about Horses

To be part of the state 4-H horse show you don't have to have a horse, or even ride. You can compete with hammer and nails, paint, pen, pencil, or even a camera and come home with state honors. This year Robeson County was on the map with eight entries for the state 4-H Horse Expressive Arts Contest. Members of both the Horsin' Around 4-H Club and the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club entered multiple and fantastic entries.

In one of the toughest competitions, photography we had the most entries with six incredible photographs. Receiving medals in the cloverbud division were Christian Tice of the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club and Dakota Strickland of the Horsin' Around 4-H Horse Club. In the junior division Megan Butler and Brianna Cryer of the St. Paul's 4-H Pony club and Megan Hurst of the Horsin' Around 4-H Club offered fantastic entries. Brianna Cryer's entry was entitled, "New Hat" since the horse is wearing her then new horse club hat which is now filled with pins and awards from her club work. Megan Butler's photo was entitled, "Birth-day." In this photo the mother is licking the her new foal clean, right after giving birth to it. Megan Hurst's entry was not titled, but shows a wonderful expression on this small horse. This is one of the toughest competitions year and after and as you can see the Robeson County entries were spectacular.

Megan Hurst also offered entries in the drawing and painting categories and her club mate Rachel Jhala also offered a beautiful painting for competition as well. In the end Megan placed fifth in age division competition for her painting

Other categories include craft and sewing. This is an annual competition which requires preregistration in May. If you are interested in competing in this competition next year contact the 4-H office at (910) 671-3276.

"Dirty Dozen" Take Aim

The members of the "Dirty Dozen" Shooting sports club took aim on Saturday working with a new member and learning new ways to focus their skills for possible future competition. It was fortunately cool and overcast as the members took to the range to practice shooting in a standing stance. As the day got hotter so did their aim. So their club leader changed their targets to help them figure out how to better determine where they are shooting to see if they can create tighter groupings.

During breaks the club members talked about upcoming projects and even a possible club field trip. Then they hit the shooting lines and worked on perfecting their shots. Their club leader hopes that with practice the group will be ready to create a competition shooting team and compete against other 4-H shooting sports clubs in near by counties.

The next club meeting will be in August. For more information about this club please contact the 4-H office at (910) 671-3276.

Robeson County 4-H makes History on Horseback

It was another first today. A fabulous first today. One that we have come close to in the past but today, thanks to a sister team, put Robeson County on the map.

Caylee, age 11, and Taylor, age 9, Holden of the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club travelled to Raleigh with on thing on their agenda, competing at the 4-H State Horse Show in Presentations. Now if you are wondering, this is not a new riding category. It is the same demonstration speech that most of our youth will give during 4-H Congress in a couple of weeks. The difference is all horse public speaking and presentation categories on the state level are given two weeks earlier as part of the 4-H state horse show. The Holden sisters were one of two team presenters and one of 21 presentations from around the state. There were also 12 public speakers from around the state competing at the same time.

The girls got up very early to hit the road by 6:30 a.m. Travelling with them were their dad, Perry Holden, club leader Libby Burney, our Extension Intern Amanda Hiott, and of course their 4-H Agent Shea Ann DeJarnette. The crowd hit the road early because this presentation which takes place at the Jim Graham building on the State Fairgrounds, is a first come first serve event. The ladies were 14th in line to compete, which meant they watched the ones before and after to make sure they didn't forget anything.

When it was their turn the sisters got up and showed a room full of people how to make a horse first aid kit. They not only had a power point presentations but an actual kit they had made especially for this event. The judges asked a few questions and then it was all over. Just waiting for the others to present and then the judges decision.

Since they are a mixed age team they compete in the age category for the older member. That means they were competing in the 11-13 age division. They placed 6th in their age division and first in our Robeson County History as the first team from our county to compete in the Horse Division at the state level!

Congratulations Holden girls and the St. Paul's 4-H Pony club on this incredible honor.