Who is Horsin' Around in the State?

You can keep up with what is going on in the 4-H Horse program around the state by checking out their newsletter right here.  This edition has 4-H Horse Show results and much more.

Learning with the Commissioners

A big thank you to Amaria Rogers, Titans 4-H Club member and Secretary/Treasurer of our 4-H County Council, for attending the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners' Youth Summit (NCACCYS) this weekend and representing 4-H.  Amaria attended a County Commissioners meeting in August and had to write a report on the meeting of less than 500 words.  She traveled to Greenville to attend this 6th annual event.
  In her report Amaria detailed issues that our County Commissioners are facing and interviewed both Raymond Pennington and Tom Taylor.  In her report she said, "After interviewing these members of the board of commissioners I could see that they truly enjoyed what they do.  I noticed how light the room was instead of it being full of bad energy and stuffiness.  I saw that each of the members of the board had the best interest of the community at heart.  During the meeting they were engaged in issues at hand and handled the meeting with humor as well as professionalism and seriousness.  They allowed each person to speak before addressing them and they were understanding and compassionate.  After attending the meeting my perception of County meetings have changed and I look forward to being a more informed citizen,."
  The NCACC partnered with 4-H on this multi-year initiative to increase youth involvement in county government.  This initiative aims to overcome the mindset that many youth are disengaged and lack trust in government.  Amaria was one of over 100 youth and adults from 80 counties in North Carolina who attended this event. She attended workshops, breakfast with the county commissioners, and learned more about local government and how it works. The event is sponsored and supported by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.

Technology to the Rescue!

Below is an article written by our own Shea Ann DeJarnette for the Robesonian and Robeson Journal.

Did you ever watch Green Acres?  For those of you who were not fortunate to watch it the first time around, or in reruns over the years, it’s a sitcom that focuses on a New York lawyer and his rather sophisticated, socialite wife who move to Hooterville to run a farm they bought, site unseen.  Whenever there was a question about the farm, they’d turn to the local county agent, Hank Kimball.  Mr. Kimball frequently lamented that one day computers (or technology) would replace him.  That day may be here.

We are trying something new at the fair and, in all honesty, it’s not to replace our Extension Agents but to enhance the experience 4-H youth have at the fair.  You may have heard about avian influenza, which is a disease that has wiped out poultry in other states and the reason behind the jump in egg and poultry prices around the country.  In an effort to keep the disease from spreading to North Carolina, the state veterinarian’s office has temporarily suspended all poultry shows and exhibits at fairs as well as the sale of poultry in the state from August through January.  That’s because they are concerned that migratory birds may bring the disease into the state, and this is the best preventative measure to make sure the disease does not spread.

Consequently, that means we can’t have a 4-H chicken show at the fair, or can we?  The Fair Board President, Allen Faircloth, was happy to try something new when asked.  So we will be using technology to have a chicken show.  Our 4-H youth will record a video of them handling their chicken, pointing out parts, and for the seniors, showing where the strengths and weaknesses of their birds are.  We may not be able to have the actual birds in the ring, but the competitors will still be there with the video of their chickens they have been raising since May, along with the judge.  We are using technology to enhance the learning experience for our youth, allow the show to go on, and assist our Extension Agents in continuing to teach youth about agriculture when, in the past, disease issues would have otherwise halted the education process.

If you have a chance, come out to the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair (October 2-10, 2015) and see how we have worked together to make sure our youth still get top-notch agricultural education through hands-on opportunities.  See Mr. Kimball, technology isn’t going to replace the Extension Agent; it will merely enhance the opportunity to learn about agriculture!

For more information, please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension 4-H Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at 671-3276, by E-mail at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at http://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/.  North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.  In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.

We Want You!

This article was originally written to be published in the Robesonian and Robeson Journal.

Come and join the fun! Robeson County 4-H wants you to become a member of our positive youth development program. The 4-H program offers a variety of structured fun and learning. Youth will acquire skills in public speaking, goal setting, leadership, citizenship, self-confidence, communication, and other essential life skills that will help shape them into productive, successful adults. In fact, youth who participate in 4-H are 20 percent more likely to attend college and be successful in their adult lives. Robeson County 4-H offers something for everyone between the ages of 5 and18, and club membership is free.

Specialty clubs are more concentrated on one particular subject, while community clubs usually focus on projects based on what the club leaders and members decide. Community service projects are an important part of both clubs. Community service helps youth to understand the importance of giving back and building their community. There are many fun and exciting programs where youth have the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities in safe and nurturing environments. Some children love animals; others enjoy arts and crafts, gardening, or shooting sports; while others enjoy being a part of a community club.

The standards and expectations of our youth are set at a high level. The 4-H motto is “To make the best better.” The four values that members work on through fun and engaging programs are: Head, which represents managing and thinking; Heart, which represents relating and caring; Hands, which represents giving and working; and Health, which represents being and living. In addition, 4-H has a pledge that represents what each member and leader stands for – it is as follows: I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

Teaching our youth ethics, responsibility, and leadership are essential skills they will use throughout life. In addition to the weekly or monthly club meetings, there are other activities throughout the year. Teen Retreat is a weekend leadership/team building program that is fun and educational. Summer Fun offers several specialty day camps and a weeklong overnight camp for the adventurous camper. The Robeson County Fair is a fun and exciting time for 4-H members. Each 4-H club will create an exhibit booth that represents their club. Individual 4-H members will show their animals at the fair competition or enter items into the art exhibit.

Doesn’t 4-H sound like the perfect opportunity for YOU? No matter what type of club you would like to join, it is easy to get started. Just call or E-mail me today for an enrollment form, medical form, and code of conduct and start attending the club meetings immediately. Robeson County 4-H wants you to be a part of this awesome youth development program.

For more information, please contact Wendy Maynor, Extension 4-H Program Assistant with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at 671-3276, by E-mail at Wendy_Maynor@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at//robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.