Ah the Life of a Buffalo?

We admit day 4 of 4-H Animal Science Day Camp was a little less than traditional, but it was tasty and a bit of fun. We started the day at Double C A Farms in Saddletree. The owner, Ronnie Hammonds showed our youth how animals can be big business. We started by visiting his poultry houses. We saw how they work and learned about how many chickens they can hold. Then we moved across the road to the field to walk with the buffalo. No this is not a Kevin Costner movie, we actually walked in a field with buffalo and dodged any surprises they might leave behind. We not only learned about respecting such large animals, but how they live and their nutritional value. With a brief acronym we learned that red meat has Zinc, Iron and Protein (ZIP) which is good for our bodies. From there we headed straight to the barn where we indulged in fresh watermelon from the field and traced back how our food ends up in the grocery store. In an effort to be green we recycled our watermelon rinds by feeding them to a very nice horse that let all our youth climb up on its back and take photos. The horse, after having quite the feast and fun with all of us...then promptly went back to his pen where he rolled and rolled scratching his back and entertaining our youth.
From Mr. Hammonds farm in Saddletree we headed up to Lumber Bridge to visit 7 Branch Farms. While there we visited with Buddy Blackmon who is a national roping champion. He told us of his different competitions and even demonstrated his roping abilities. We met his famous horse and learned about the different opportunities and events this farm offers our community. One of the things that caught our youth's attention was a brand new youth summer camp opportunity where youth work with horses, go on trail rides, and in general have a horsey good time.

From Lumber Bridge it was a quick trip to Fayetteville for lunch and then down 401 to Raeford to visit Five Points Pet Resort. There we received a tour of a facility that offers a happy vacation stay for our small animal pets. Not just cats and dogs, they also take care of birds, gerbils, ferrets and in one case even geese. They taught us how taking care of an animal is 80% clean up and 20% care and play. We got to see the cat condos, grooming area, dog suites and even the Pawsendtial Suite. We learned things that are good for our animals and things that we probably should not do. We also learned about another business opportunity where you can care for animals but don't have to be a vet. It was a fun time with some of our furry friends.

Tomorrow is our last day and it might get a little scaly, as we visit with some of our friends who prefer hot weather and dry conditions. Read more tomorrow if you are wondering if any big tears will be shed (yes, another bad pun clue).

Lions, Tigers and Cows?

It was a rip roaring day for the campers who took part in the 4-H Animal Science Day Camp. Day three was filled with lots of information and sweet surprises. We started the day with a trip to a little known but wonderful place in Chatham County. Carolina Tiger Rescue (CTR), formally known as Carnivore Preservation Trust, is a rescue center for various wild animals that have been raised in domestic captivity. They also house animals that no longer have a home in zoos due to funding. Here the animals have room to roam, are kept from danger, and taken care of with feedings designed for their personal health needs.
On our tour we learned about each animal, their story of where they came from and how they got here, and even though they are cute it is not a good idea to get close. Some of the animals were allowed to have treats as we visited such as a chicken leg, piece of banana or in one case a jar of baby food. Each treat was given to the animal by specially trained volunteers who work with CTR.
Tigers and lions are just two types of animals that live here. Our youth also got to meet a bob cat whose previous owner declawed him. Three caracals also made an appearance on our tour. Three cervals especially Elvis made a big impression on our youth. An ocelot and two binturongs also made appearances for us despite the heat of the day. Of course hanging out with the Kinkajou was probably the most fun. He is adorable and devious all at once and smart as he showed off swinging from his tail for our day campers.
Some of our day campers brought items or funds to donate to CTR to help take care of these special guests. They are always in need of simple things such as paper towels, old phone books, plastic storage containers and more. If you would like to know more about helping the animals at CTR just click this link to view the organization's wish list.
After lunch at the S&T Soda Shoppe in downtown Pittsboro (an ice cream of course), we headed to Siler City. There with the help of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Chatham County Center, County Extension Director Sam Groce we toured Carolina Stockyards. There were learned how the stockyards work and how cattle sales take place. We also learned that cattle are not the only things sold at the stockyard. Goats, rams and other livestock also go up for auction at this facility which is considered the largest one in the state with more than 200,000 head of cattle going up for sale each year.

Today we learned about large animals, and businesses that animal lovers can be involved in. Tomorrow we will continue the fun by visiting some local business with different animals and a new way for our youth to rope the animal business world if they want to in the future.

A Little Horsin' Around Might Have Smelled a Little Fishy Today

Yeehaw we had fun today!!!! Our Second Day of 4-H Animal Science Day Camp started with a meeting with a real life cowboy. More on that later. Actually we loaded up in our trusty vehicles and headed back to Raleigh. There we met with the wonderful folks at N. C. State University's Equine Unit. It is a place where research is done, horses are taken care of and new things to help horses and humans is learned day to day.
Our tour was lead by the manager of the unit and students. Our youth learned about some of the activities that go on at the Equine unit and what students learn and do there. We got the opportunity to meet vet med students as they examined a pregnant horse and then they got to meet a mare and her Phillie up close. As they learned about approaching horses, and where to and not to stand they couldn't help but be excited about petting the horses. The students answered all of their questions and were wonderful about holding on the horses as the day campers feel in love with these majestic creatures. After talking about various professions that involve horses our youth were lucky enough to meet an NCSU Mounted Police officer as he haltered his horse, Cowboy, and took him to the horse barn to meet the farrier. The youth also talked with the farrier and learned about the challenges of fun of shoeing horses.
After a wonderful, but hot tour we headed to the State Farmer's Market. There we enjoyed the most wonderful lunch. While our youth enjoyed the food our adults were tickled pink to accept the many compliments on how well behaved our youth were. We also enjoyed the best service ever as they made the entire experience wonderful for our youth and adults. We definitely suggest checking out the State Farmer's Market Restaurant if you are in Raleigh.

After lunch we headed to check out something fishy. We headed down the road to NCSU's Aquaculture center. There we learned about brine, fresh water, salt water, cold water fish, and fish that do well in warmer temps. We also got to see hybrid striped bass that were being raised at the farm. Of course the biggest thing we saw was a big bag of fish poop. No joke, they pump the fish waste into this bag and then the clean water leaks out of the bag, through the rocks and into the pond. When the bag gets full the open it up and a backhoe loads up and uses the waste on nearby pastures as a natural fertilizer. It was really cool.

Stay tuned as we check out some exotic animals tomorrow and expand the possibilities of learning and future careers.

So You Want to be a Vet?

If you love animals and want to know more about them and careers that involved them than this week of Robeson County 4-H Summer Fun is just what you are looking for. Animal Science Day Camp started today with a trip to Raleigh. Our 17 youth along with a teen volunteer and Michelle Shooter, Extension Livestock Agent and Miss Shea Ann our 4-H Agent loaded up and headed north. We began the day at the North Carolina Natural Science Museum. There we saw animals from the beginning of time to present day. We also got to see frogs being fed, baby turtles and lots of stuff that lit up, made noise and in general was just sort of cool. The special exhibit on the oceans involved an art form that was studied in Arts and Crafts day camp, Batik. It was really neat.

After a brief lunch in the courtyard of the museum we headed to North Carolina State University for a little education on what it takes to become a veterinarian. We had a tour of the Vet Med School and saw some really cool things.

When you walk into the main part of the school we saw some really neat skeletons. Everything from a whale to a gorilla and even a tiger. As we were learning about the different animal structures we found out that a giraffe (yes there was one of those too) has seven vertebrae in its neck just like humans. We learned what and how different whales eat their food. We also saw a horse going for an x-ray. Did you know a dairy cow produces 100 pounds of milk a day? For those of you who are wondering that is 11 gallons. Did you wonder who helps injured turtles? Yes, they have a turtle clinic at the Vet Med school. Now if you are wondering interesting factoids are not all we learned. We also found out what we need to do to get accepted into Vet Med School. It takes a lot of work and really good grades to begin with. Then after you have majored in some kind of science in college, and have volunteered with a vet, not to mention other things like 4-H animal science projects you can apply to the school. More than 700 apply each year and only 80 are chosen. Now that is tough competition.

This was our first day of our new adventure. Stay tuned as we saddle up for a new learning opportunity tomorrow.

Bringing Home Precious Medals

District Activity Day is a tradition for 4-H and Robeson County and this year was no different. For those of you who are not familiar with District Activity Day let me give you a little history. In April our 4-H members competed in County Activity Day which is a public speaking and demonstration speaking competition. For the youth who placed first or second in their age division and category they have the option of moving forward to District Activity Day (DAD). Each year DAD is held in each of the six districts. This year the South Central District (which is made up of 15 counties) was held in Wadesboro which is in Anson County. Those who win here may have the opportunity to move up to state competition.

It was an early morning as our five public speakers, seven presenters, and two entertains participants as well as parents, siblings, friends and clubs leaders climbed aboard the 4-H bus and 15 passenger van. We left the parking lot at the office and about two hours later arrived at the middle school in Wadesboro. There we were met with a smile and kind words from Mr. Larry (no not our Mr. Larry but another one). He helped us pull up, get everyone unloaded and sent our drivers to their parking spaces.

After checking in and getting everyone their meal tickets it was time to head to our respective rooms. First ones that we got word back on were our two Entertains participants, Maurice Rogers of the Young Leaders 4-H Club and Megan Hurst of the Horsin' Around 4-H Club and Dirty Rascals 4-H Junior Master Gardener Club. Both performed for the judges early in the day. Next up, public speaking. Usually they started with the youngest competitors however today was a little different. Out of no where we heard that Alexus Jones with the Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club and Zaire Baker with the Voices in Praise 4-H Club had finished their speeches. Then Jamal Bennet of Spiritual Generations had finished his presentation in Dairy Foods.

In the meantime we had just started with the Junior Division in the rooms hosting Healthy Lifestyles and Careers and Entrepreneurial Activities. This room had the bulk of our presenters, five, competing. Tyron Alford of Young Leaders and Dirty Rascals Junior Master Gardener 4-H Club gave her presentation on Volleyball. Not to be shown up shortly thereafter by her brother Tyson who gave his speech on Basketball. As they were presenting our Public Speakers were knocking out the judges with their words. Elijah Leach of Voices in Praise 4-H Club, Michicko Hill of Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club, and Camry Ocean of Voices in Praise 4-H Club all gave their speeches and headed to lunch before Shawndora McNair of Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club gave her presentation on Asthma. Kim McNair spent the down time running between her daughter Shawndora's presentation and her son Jayln's outdoor cookery presentation. It wasn't long before she announced he was done and the burgers he cooked were all gone.

We were still plugging away in the Career and Entrepreneurship category. Jeshaiah Moore of the Young Leaders 4-h Club knocked the judges out with her presentation on designing and painting nails. Shabreya Vample of Young Leaders 4-H Club was our last presenter and drew a wonderful portrait of her future career in fashion design.

When it was all said and done what they all wanted to know was if there was precious medal waiting for them. Maurice Rogers and Megan Hurst both got blue ribbons for their performances. Tyson Alford was given a bronze medal for his basketball presentation. Shabreya Vample, Tyron Alford, Shawndora McNair, Eljah Leach, Michicko Hill and Zaire Baker all brought home silver. While Camry Ocean, Jamal Bennet, Jeshaiha Moore, and Jaylyn McNair brought home gold. All gold winners in the 9 to 10 age division are eligible to move forward to State competition. All first and second place winners in the 11-13 and 14-18 age divisions are eligible to move on to State competition in July.

Just as a quick side note we need to give a special thanks to the parents and volunteers who worked with our youth to make sure that they were prepared for this competition. Also a special mention and thanks to Mac Malloy our new Robeson County Crops Agent. He served as a person in charge of a room at DAD and this was his very first time doing this. We were very proud of the job he did and appreciate the judges for their hard work as well. Also one last special thanks to the Anson County Cooperative Extension Staff who made it a smooth and wonderful day. Thank you for your hard work and help.

Certified Fun

One of the staples of 4-H Summer Fun for the last two years has been our Babysitting Day Camp. Two years ago we offered the first certification opportunity then last year we offered a recertification for these youth of their CPR. The Red Cross partners with us to offer the course for our youth and this year was no different.

Five of our six youth returned to get recertified in CPR. All of them worked hard all morning and part of the afternoon working on their adult, child and infant lessons as well as the hemlich maneauver. After the all passed their recertification tests it was time for lunch and then a little fun.

We headed over to Lumberton Bowling Alley to celebrate and boy did they celebrate. Three games of bowling turned into quite the compeittiion. The first two games it was the babysitters against the trainers. The last game we split up into even teams of babysitters and trainers and had a close game. With sheer exhaustion setting in we headed back to the office just in time for their parents to pick them up (and in some cases practice their driving skills). We hope to offer our full babysitting course again next year. If you are interested please call our 4-H office at (910) 671-3276 to let us know.

Celebrating Local Food

Did you know that because we as a nation do not eat the right foods that our children will have shorter life spans then we do? All it takes is a little effort to find food that is good for you, and is grown locally. On Saturday we celebrated the opening of the Downtown Farmer's Market in Lumberton. As part of the celebration the entire Robeson County Extension Staff pulled out all the stops and had a dozy of a local foods celebration.

Prep work started long before the event with veggies being donated by local farmers. Our resident healthy cooking guru, Janice Fields, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Agent created some really great concoctions that would be thrown on the grill the next day. Variety was the name of the game and the offerings ranged from traditions grilled veggies to pizza and waters.

On the morning of the big event everyone arrived around 7 am. Our resident griller, Larry Russ took his cooker to the event and grilled a variety of things from green tomatoes, zucchini, squash, corn and even pizza. He even loaned us a burner so we could use a pressure cooker for corn. One of the things that we created that day was garlic bread with garlic that had been grown locally. Janice and Christy kept the tent going with free samples and even an offering of cucumber, lemon and mint water which was very cold and refreshing. Janice also made a zucchini carrot bread that was made with local honey.

More than 100 people came out and enjoyed the samples and prizes that Kerrie Roach, the Horticulture Extension Agent offered as part of the event. It was a hot day not only temperature wise but food wise as we were smoking it up and promoting healthy local vegetables. The Downtown Farmer's Market is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings beginning at 7 am. If you are looking for some healthy and local alternatives, check it out.

Sewing it Up

It is hard to believe that the last day of our first full week of 4-H Summer Fun is behind us. What fun we have had and Day five of 4-H Arts and Crafts Day Camp was no different. It was known as fabric day. In other words everything we did involved some type of fabric.

We started with the ancient art of Batik. It involves taking a fabric and coating with with wax to make a design then dying it. After it dries you protect that color with more wax and then dye it in a darker color. The wax will crack as it dries and allow for unique characteristics in the dye patterns. We used pillow cases and a combination of bees wax and paraffin wax. The bees wax has properties that allow the wax to better adhere to the material. As the youth finished their designs we used dyes to color their pillow cases. We let that dry over the course of the morning and then painted the pillow cases after lunch and dyed them again. Two days later the wax was ironed out of the pillow cases and will be sent home for washing and use.

As this process went on we had a lot of time on our hands to wait. So we needed to do a few other things to make sure our hands were not idle.

As we waited for our pillow cases to dry we worked on Fleece blankets. Each person got to pick a piece of fleece and tie the ties on the ends. Of course this meant when they were done they wanted to test them out so everyone hit the floor and covered up and thought about taking a nap. Mind you there was way to much giggling, talking, and movement for actual naps to have taken place but they thought about it.

After lunch we batiked again and then settled back in to pop our balloons. You may remember the craft we started on Wednesday, while we took a few minutes to finish them today. Then it was time for a new type of Tye-dye, Sharpie Tye-dye. We used cotton bandannas and used Sharpie pens to created circles. Then a few drops of alcohol are added and the color spreads but does not come out. The effect is neat, and different every time.

After dying the world we switched to fabric markers for our last two activities. We each got a couple of squares of fabric on which we designed our name on one and our favorite activity of the week on the other. Miss Shea Ann will then put the squares together and display them at the office to show all the work we did as part of Arts and Crafts Day Camp. After that we rounded things out with bags. Canvas bags I should say that all the the items we made can fit in. Of course we had to add our own creative touches to the bags. There were basketballs, flags, stars, squiggles, and other designs add to our bags that we can use day to day and be green.

It has been a long and fun week. We want to thank everyone who took time to be part of this 4-H adventure. Especially Barbara McCormick who worked with us as part of her college internship. Her help this week and company was greatly appreciates. Thanks to another wonderful 4-H volunteer it looks like an Arts and Crafts club may start in September. Stay tuned for date and time of this newest and creative club.

Hot as Lava

It was an early morning as we hit the road at 8:00 am for a new Arts and Crafts adventure. Our goal was to be in Wilmington before it got too hot because for this trip every degree counts. Our first stop was at the Burchetta Glass Blowing Studio for a demonstration on glass blowing. Our youth had the opportunity to see John Burchetta and his staff hand make glass sea shells for the local chamber of commerce. It is a process that we learned can take several days. It started the day we arrived with glass that was as hot as lava which is why it glowed bright white, red and orange. We learned how they color the glass with pure color that they have shipped in from places such as Germany. We watched as they shaped the glass and quickly moved it from oven to oven to keep it the right temperature to work with it. It is very hot in the studio with several ovens and a machine that holds gallons of molten glass. The artists actually look like they are sunburned from being so close to the heat sources and wear a protective garment on the arm that gets close to the glass blobs to protect from burns. When they get done with the objects they go into an oven overnight so that it can cool slowly, otherwise it would crack. We also worked on not touching anything because you never know what might be hot, or sharp in a place like this.

One of the other things we learned about was how they repair items, and make items such as stemware, and glass serving platters. Since these items are all unique and not made in molds sometimes they have to sand down the bottom of pieces so they will sit flat. The studio is filled with tools that we have seen in other settings but you would not imagine how they are used in glass blowing. We also got to see a "happy accident" as they worked on replacing a glass hummingbird feeder. That was one of the most exciting parts of the tour for our youth.

Then it was time for lunch and a tour of the Cameron Art Museum. We had a very special tour and then had the opportunity to go on our own treasure hunt. The museum had four exhibits. One of our favorite was the room filled with North Carolina Artists. The room was filled with different colors, paintings, photos, sculptures, just about anything you can imagine. Each one of our youth sketched their favorite piece in the room. Then we went to a room that had an exhibit from a local art teacher with a carnival background. We learned a great deal about art and carnivals and got a glimpse into a lifestyle that our youth are not familiar with. Then we viewed an exhibit of sculptures made from papermache from an artist in the bayou. Then the final exhibit highlighted a water color artist which reminded them of the activities they did on Monday. After the treasure hunt our youth got stickers and free family passes to go back and visit again, with their families.

Only one day left for our 4-H Day Camp...how do you think we will sew it all up?

Tough As Nails

It was a hard pounding day that involved muscles, brains, and an electric current. Day 3 of 4-H Summer Fun Arts and Crafts Day Camp involved noise, natural materials and a whole lot of fun and creativity.

We started the day with long time 4-H volunteer and woodworking extraordinaire Bobby Rogers. He came with a woodworking project that literally lit up a room. Each youth worked with Rogers to design and nail together a wood lamp that they can decorate for their rooms. As part of the project they learned about wood design, carpentry skills and of course used a hammer and nails. They also learned about some basic wiring skills as well as gained some knowledge about electricity.

After the lamps were constructed and lunch was over it was time to get even more creative with our construction projects. Our youth used wood letters, numbers and shapes to personalize the lamps. Then they each received their own lamp shade and had the opportunity to use paint pens, bows, glitter, and other misc. objects to create their own design to polish these lamps up as their own.

Not wanting to abandon our wood working roots of the day we then turned to wood burning. Each youth received a poplar disk that they could draw designs on. Then they learned about using a wood burning tool and each took a turn burning an image into their own wood disc.

Learning about creating images we moved from wood to glass as each youth taped off a mirror and used glass etching acid to permanently impose the image on the mirror. It was like magic as they caked on the pasty substance and waited for it to frost over the mirror. As it was rinsed and the tape came off their design was neat to see their creations.

Although that seems like a lot there was at time for at least one more project before we left. A little fun with water balloons (filled with air), yarn, glue, and glitter we made ornaments fit for a king, or queen. It will take a couple of days to dry then we can pop the balloons. So this item should be ready to go home on Friday.

Tomorrow is another day on the road and we are excited about the fun in store. Stay tuned for all the hot and colorful news tomorrow (that's a hint...guess you will have to read tomorrow to see if you guess what it is!).

Buzzing About Our Fun

Did you hear the buzz? If not read on while we tell you about the honey of a day we had. Yes, the puns are bad but our day was really sweet. Day 2 of 4-H Arts and Crafts Day Camp was one spent on the road with some great stops.

We started at Robeson Community College with Ed Hunt from the BioAg Network. He gave our day campers an up close look at bees. Hunt keeps hives at the college and was able to load a frame of bees from his hive into a box for our youth to see up close and personally. They learned about the life span of bees and the need for different types of bees. One of the items the youth used to craft with on Monday was bees wax which they saw the bees making in the frame. They will also use bees wax later in the week. Hunt also taught the youth about the medicinal purpose of the bees and then gave them a tour of the campus. They saw different learning areas such as a science lab, greenhouse, and kitchen for cooking and catering lessons. The youth said they learned a great deal and are looking out for all the natural elements that can be used in making Arts and Crafts.

After lunch we headed up to Fayetteville. Just Clayin' Around is a shop that has pottery which you can paint and they will fire for you. Our group chose plates and mugs. After a brief and wonderful lesson we set out to paint. Each time we painted something we had to let it dry and paint over it three more times so the color will come out bright and strong when it is fired. One of the most difficult parts is not knowing exactly how the piece will look as you paint it. After painting the owners have to let the piece dry overnight and then they glaze it and fire it in a kiln which can get up to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit. Now that is hot. In about a week we will be able to pick up our pieces and see how we did.

Tomorrow we will be back at the 4-H office with various volunteers and fun. Stay tuned as we put it all together tomorrow.

It's All About Crafting

One thing you can say about our 4-H members is that they are colorful. That has never been as true as it is today for the members who are taking part in our first ever Arts and Crafts Day Camp which is part of our 4-H Summer Fun Program. The five day camp is targeting crafts that will stay with our youth for the rest of their lives. Our first day, in case you have not figured it out, centered on color.

Our first activity involved making our own name tags with a twist. We used Shrinky Dinks. For those of you not familiar with Shrinky Dinks, they are thin pieces of plastic that you can draw on with color pencils or permanent markers. Then the sheets are placed in the oven and you can watch them shrink down and get thicker and very hard. Our youth did a great job expressing themselves in plastic (and watching it shrink and shrivel).

After that it was time to paint. Jane Hurst came in to give some neat watercolor tips. Our youth practiced with water color pencils first learning how the colors blend. Then they played with something really neat, glow in the dark paint. Then they tried their hands with water colors. Part of the fun was using rock salt, table salt, wax and other items to create textures and patterns in their designs.

After a fantastic lunch we hit the colors of yarn. Jane stayed and helped us learn to crochet. Then we moved to knitting with our knitting looms. We began with baby caps and will go from there. Then we moved on to latch hook before the afternoon ended. All of the supplies from this afternoon and designs from the morning went home with each of our youth. Everyone said they had one thing that was their favorite, each had a different favorite activity of the day.

Tomorrow is a day of field trips and learning about nature and crafts. Stay tuned it will be fun.

It's All Business

At our last club meeting Lucas, the one member to show
up, learned the importance of breath control, sight alignment and sight
picture. After a little practice he posted a very impressive 10 out of 10. What
was so impressive about it? The target was only 2" x 2 3/4" in size.
Looks like Lucas has set the standard the rest of you have to achieve. Just
goes to show what you can accomplish with just a little practice.

Our next club
meeting will be held Saturday, July 9th at the range. See you there.

Submitted by Dirty Dozen 4-H Club Leader Larry Russ

Delivering Caring

This morning it felt a little like Christmas. You know that feeling when you see the look on a person's face as they open a gift that they really enjoy, especially one made with love. That is what Friday morning felt like as we visited Southeastern Regional Medical Center to drop off the rest of the knit-in items from the United Way Day of Caring.

A large group made up of knit-in participants, Day of Caring organizers, and others met in the lobby of the hospital. Beth Ivey, the Director of Volunteer Services, met us and carried us up to our location on the Maternity ward. There we presented caps, blankets, and pillows. She told us the items are particularly needed at this time, as they have had a large number of births (14 one day and 11 the next) lately.

Those at the drop off included; Margaret Crites, Shea Ann DeJarnette, Jessica Drake, Jane and Megan Hurst, Rod Jenkins, Sandra Oliver and Tanya Underwood. Beth Ivey said the items will last for quite awhile and will be given to those who are in need.

The group is already planning for a second event next year. Would you like to be a part of it? Just e-mail me at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu to join our e-mail list with updates about the event.

Minding our Manners for Our Future

When people say the word etiquette images of tea parties, fine china and pinkies raised in the air come to mind. However in 2011 when 4-H teaches etiquette we aren't talking about your great grandma's etiquette. We are working on things that will help our youth now and in the future. Day 2 of 4-H Summer Fun Etiquette Day Camp is no different. We worked with youth in a variety of areas and even gave them the chance to practice their new found skills.
The evening started with an ice breaker on the top 10 rudest dining behaviors. Things like chewing with your mouth open, flatulence, and cell phones at the table made that list. After having a little fun with that we broke into groups again and hit the rotating workshops. Tonight the 15 minute workshops involved everything that has to do with eating. Christy Strickland, Family and Consumer Science Agent worked with the youth on place settings. Knowing where cups, forks, plates, and other miscellaneous tale setting go can be tricky. Mande Swisher, Tourism Extension Agent, worked with the youth on handling the tricky nature of a round table setting. Sometimes people grab the wrong plate, napkin or fork. Knowing which is yours can be an art form and is as easy as making a b and a d to determine what belongs to who. Aggie Rogers, 4-H Program Associate, reviewed all forms of etiquette when they played the etiquette board game. When is too late to call someone? How do you handle a rude caller? They covered it all and had fun playing the board game. Kerrie Roach, Horticulture Extension Agent, played rude behavior charades with the group. Each one drew a rude behavior and acted it out while pretending to be at a dinner. The group had to guess what the rude behavior was. Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent, worked with the youth on how to use utensils. Should you line up your peas on a knife and roll them into your mouth? Learning what utensil to use when, and how to hold them and use them is important because it sends a message about you.
After the workshops the youth had a chance to practice. They were assigned two to a table and had to set their tables and host adults at their table. For the most part this was their first time meeting the adults who came in to have dinner with them. It was the youth's job to introduce themselves and make sure the conversation continued during dinner while minding their manners at the table. After a wonderful dinner the adults reported that they were quite impressed with our youth and their manners. Especially those who spontaneously offered their hand and introduced themselves. They were also quite impressed with the level of conversation and how well behaved the entire group was. Our youth reported that they feel more comfortable introducing themselves to an adult and carrying on a conversation with them. They also said they just might go home and start setting the table for mom and dad.
We would like to thank our volunteers who came in to help with this program, our youth and especially our parents who felt that this would be a good opportunity for their child.