Robeson County 4-H

We had a long but great trip to Chapel Hill today to visit the campus of the other North Carolina University  (4-H is part of N.C. State University so in the spirit of our organizational entity we're playing coy).  We had the opportunity to visit Moorehead Planetarium and Science Center .  There we saw the program "Solar System Odyssey."  We learned about space exploration and the importance of preserving our planet because there really aren't any other options for colonization of other planets, or moons.   After our excellent space adventure we attended a program on earthquakes.  We learned about plates shifting and different shifts create different land formations.  We even got a chance to create different waves (P and S waves) and create our own seismic activity.  Did you know there is an earthquake every minute of the day.  Most of them are not big enough for us to feel but they are earthquakes none the less.   When we wer...

Our second day of 4-H Biotech day camp and we didn't have to travel to far in terms of miles for our awesome learning experience.  Our first stop was at Southeastern Community College where we met with member of their biotech team to learn about future careers and how to get degrees in these potential careers. We also learned about micro propagation.  This is where, using scientific techniques, plants can be rapidly multiplied.  Economically it is a great opportunity and also in terms of our rapid use of plant material, such a technique can be helpful to our environment.  We saw the green houses both indoor and out that house rapidly growing violets and Venus flytraps.   We then traveled to the landfill.  Not because we needed to clean out the vans but because that is where their latest innovation is housed.  A ginormous greenhouse sits on the premise.  A greenhouse isn't a new innovation but how it is powered is.  The heaters tha...

Wow!  It's our first day of our fifth year of 4-H Biotech day camp and we are once again striking out for new territory.  Our group loaded up this morning and headed for the Cape Fear Serpentarium in Wilmington .  There we met the groups from Bladen and Hoke Counties who we will be traveling with this week.  We were a little early so we did a walk on the river walk and got to see all sorts of stuff in the water and learn about the economic importance of the river area to Wilmington.   Then it was time to head into the Serpentarium .  There we saw snakes of all shapes and sizes.  We learned about venomous snakes, constricting snakes, and other reptiles.  They had iguanas, alligators, and a ,on arch lizard to see and learn about.  We also had a lot of fun talking with the parrots in the lobby area.   After learning new and interesting facts about the reptile world we loaded up and headed to Fort Fisher Aquarium .  After our lunc...

We woke up bright and early this morning to finish packing up and enjoy our last breakfast and morning together.  When we got all our luggage hauled to the appropriate spot it was time to head to the rec hall for the awards ceremony.  Every camper got a little something, whether it was the Curious George Award or Most Courageous.  Every counselor told the stories that made everyone laugh and we all sat down to watch the slide show of our events at camp.   When we were done Damien dismissed us by county and we boarded our buses and headed home.  It's been a long week away from loved ones but please know we had a lot of fun and will remember our time at BJP forever.   If you are interested in attending camp next year we should have dates available in August and look forward to seeing any of our campers again.  Just give us a call at the 4-H office and we will be happy to give you any information we have.

Thursday is our last day at Betsy Jeff Penn before coming home and we made the best of it.  We hit the ground running hard this morning doing our daily chores and having fun during our activities.  We made our last attempts at canoeing archery and rock wall climbing.  Everyone made their last round through the arts and crafts area gathering up their creations to bring home and prepared for the big evening event.  Tonight our evening activity was a dance.  Now for those who don't dance (which is a large number of younger campers) we had games.  Balls, sidewalk chalk, and corn hole were just a few of the things available outside while campers gathered in the rec hall for music and dancing.   One of the things that keeps the dance moving is the heat in the rec hall.  The dancers find themselves outside a great deal to cool off.  One of the traditions of cooling off on our last night are the snow cones.  Each one made with the efforts o...

Wednesday is our halfway point here at camp and things are going smoothly.  We have had a chance to try out almost all of our daily activities and in some cases we are on the second round.  Everyone is adjusting to the schedule and have figured out the best ways to make beds and get cabins clean for inspection.   One of the great things about camp is the little bit of free time we have, like at camp store, for everyone to see each other.  We get to socialize, share our day, and there are smiles all around.  Barely a day goes by when the counselors don't get everyone up and dancing or at least moving to make sure there is a smile everywhere.  This is a caring, crazy fun, staff that makes this week truly special. One of he things every camper gets a chance to learn at camp is flag ettiquette.  Every age gets a chance to read inspiratio nal quotes and fold the flags as they are taken down just before sunset.  The entire camp congregates at th...

  Our second full day of camp is amazing!  We settled into our activities and routine and experienced even more new things than ever before.  Of course we started our day in the usual fashion with cleaning cabins and breakfast.  Then it was one.  Archery, arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding and rock wall climbing was just the beginning.  There was also the ever popular hike to the beaver dam today which is an awesome place to go visit.   The newest adventure came for our Adventurers, Trekkers and Leaders in Training (L. I. T's)as they took to the high ropes course today.  Obstacles like the pamper pole, and zip line offer these campers the opportunity to challenge them selves and do things they never thought possible.  Setting goals and reaching those goals, expanding their limits those are just a few of the things that this group learns by taking part in these special activities.   One of the special activities t...

                               It is our official first full day at cam p and it sure was jam packed with activities and fun!  Wake up is bright and early at 7 am.  The younger campers headed straight to breakfast while the older campers worked on chores, like making their beds and cleaning their cabins.  After everyone met at flag raising the age groups switched with the younger ones working on chores and the older ones getting a little something to eat. By 9 am it was time to head to activities.  Our crafters were working on projects based on age.  The youngest ones working on recycled art projects while the older ones built dream catchers.  Some of the groups got the chance to jump in the pool.  We also had some groups hiking the beaver trail, riding horses, practicing archery, and even canoeing. Just after ten in the morning we were switching activities and even a...

                                      There is something special about that first day of camp.  It could be because we are filled with anticipation of this new event, or excited to make new friends.  No matter what the reason the first day of camp is almost magically. After leaving we stopped at Golden Coral in Asheboro where the staff took very good care of us and made sure our stomachs were full for this new adventure.  After pulling in to Betsy Jeff Penn our adventure started.  We checked in and were excited to find out which cabin we would be sleeping in.  We moved in and met our counselors and others in our cabins.  Mother Nature kept us indoors for cabin rules and icebreakers but she let up long enough for us to have our picnic lunch near the craft shelter.  Hot dogs, chips, baked beans, watermelon, and chocolate chip cookies were on the menu. ...