Robeson County 4-H

Here we go again.  Just as you are getting used to the blog, shutterfly, Twitter, and finding us on the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Facebook page we had to add one more.  We have resisted doing this but in an effort to share our leadership learning we had to start our very own Instagram account at 4-H Congress.  So if you are one of those Instagram groupies here is your chance to follow Robeson_4H on Instagram.   Now don't  fret if you are reading this thinking I really don't want to add another account, but I'm scared I'll miss something if I don't do it.  Photos posted on any site will wind up on Shutterfly and linked to our blog.  So if Instagram is your thing, look us up you can find us there.  If it's not your thing...not to worry.  Tune in here for all the best shots all the time.

It was a little bittersweet as we packed the van this morning knowing that at the end of the event we are headed home.  However before we can hit the road we had a few more things to accomplish before NC 4-H Congress is officially over.  As we headed back to our official work home in Raleigh, the McKimmon Center, buses were in front of the building loading the members who took part in the Citizenship track of Congress this year.  They were headed to the legislature to meet with our law makers and talk with them about 4-H.  In the meantime our leadership track participants were in a workshop polishing the skills they hope to use when they get back. To get everyone up and moving there was a rousing game of Simon Says in which our world champion workshop leader maintained his title.  Then the youth broke into groups and worked on some team building skills.  As a group they had to follow instructions and try to build the tallest free standing structure usin...

Monday at 4-H Congress kicked off with quite a start as we headed back into leadership workshops.  Lead by the leadershape group, our youth took hold of leadership, tried to define it, and once again learned how 4-H offers our youth the chance to be leaders and make an imprint on the world.  Our youth took time to define leadership and share it with the world via instagram.  Then they had the chance to see leadership in a variety of forms via video.  Our youth also took the time to say thank you to the leaders in their lives writing notes that they would give to those who meant a great deal to them.  Lots of discussion was offered and opinions went around the room to help them form what would ultimately be their leadership goal. Lunch was from Moe's and offered our youth lots of options (just like leadership).  On the program for the lunch speaker was the 4-H secretary who gave his farewell speech and mentioned the people who meant a great deal to him a...

It was time to hit the road running this Sunday morning of Congress .  Literally hit the road running as part of the 4K for 4-H.  Each county delegate was asked to get sponsors for the run/walk.  The 4K had two main focuses: the first to raise awareness of health and fitness needs in our state; the second was to raise money for a non profit back in our county.  Our 4-H Delegates were ready and raring to go at the start line, stretching and prepared to finish this challenge.  When the signal sounded they were off and walking really fast.  Two of our delegation jogged the entire course and were the first two across the finish line at just over 40 minutes.  The next member of our delegation came across the line about five minutes later and the last two made it in at just over 50 minutes.  By finishing the course they raised $250 dollars for United Way of Robeson County. After that thrill of excitement so early on a Sunday it was time to hit the ...

Admittedly it was an early morning as we loaded up at the Extension office at 6 am to head to Raleigh for one of the biggest 4-H days of the year.   Saturday now marks the official start to 4-H Congress with State Presentation day.  We had six competitors who won gold or silver at district making them eligible to compete at District.  Also at the same time we are packing those up who are attending a week at Congress.  After traveling the roads and dodging a foot race, we arrived safely on the campus of NC State's Campus. First up was Promise Thorton with the Voices in Praise 4-H club.  She was competing in the 9-10 year old division of public speaking.  After wowing the judges on why they should use 911 she was rewarded with a silver medal.  Imagine going all the way to state and placing second your first year out. Way to go Promise! Up next was Christian Tice with the St. Paul's  4-H Pony Club.  Christian competed in the 11-13 ...