Summer Fun!

   

Well folks its that time of year!  4-H Summer Fun is ready for registration.  We are open for our 4-H members to register right now and on May 9 it will open to the public.  We are excited to say that registration and payment for all camps is available thru Eventbrite.  That is also linked to our app under programs!  To learn more you can download our brochure, find it in our app under programs, or click on this Eventbrite link to register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/robeson-county-4-h-summer-fun-tickets-323399565807

Below is a quick synopsis of our summer opportunities:

Citizenship Focus-(14-18 year olds), June 14-16: This program is for our older youth who would like to learn more about citizenship and government. A statewide program, we will be in Raleigh for three days and two nights, have the opportunity to meet lawmakers, and meet 4-H members from around the state. Youth will have the opportunity to learn about civic engagement, youth advocacy, and how to make a difference in their communities. Youth must complete an application and turn it in to the 4-H office by 5pm on May 6 to be eligible for this program.

Etiquette Mini Day Camp- (9-18 year olds), June 22: The first camp will be a single-day camp focusing on manners. We will start at 9 am and be ready to leave at 4:30. Parents will be invited to a mixer starting at 4 pm. Youth will have the opportunity to learn about in-person and online manners in a fun environment. This hands-on opportunity will include a very special lunch, identify rude behaviors, and youth will get to go home with a book to help guide them through life's sticky social situations. The fee includes manners lessons over lunch, books, travel for an educational field trip, and other supplies.

Jr. Chef Day Camp- (9-13 year olds), June 27-July 1: The menu will include youth learning how to cook international favorites, creating value-added products, and food prep like never before. We will also take field trips to learn more about the career opportunities in this growing field. If you have a child who loves food this is a yummy opportunity. Fees include lunch, snacks, educational field trips, and supplies.

Jr. Master Gardeners Day Camp- (9-13 year olds), July 11-15: Learning about food can also mean learning how to grow your own good eats. Youth who attend our 4-H Jr. Master Gardener day camp will have the opportunity to become certified Nationally as Jr. Master Gardeners. They will get to play in the soil, play detective, and eat things they grow. We will have two day long field trips with this camp. Fees include lunch, snacks, educational field trips, curriculum, and supplies.

4-H Congress- (14-18 year olds), July 16-19: State 4-H Congress is open to 4-H members interested in the capstone leadership experience of the 4-H year. This state event includes state presentations, workshops, community service projects, and being on the NC State University campus for four days. The deadline to register and pay is June 27. The cost includes lodging, breakfast each morning, two dinners, two lunches, and travel.

Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Overnight Camp- (9-14 year olds), July 24-29: If you are looking for a more traditional form of camping please join us for our week long overnight at Betsy-Jeff Penn. Youth will have the opportunity to take part in activities such as archery, rock wall climbing, and swimming. The fee covers transportation to and from camp, camp store, room and board, supplies, and a camp t-shirt.

Biotech Day Camp- (9-13 year olds), August 1-5: Let’s not forget our citizen scientists, because we make science fun. This is a hands-on camp for youth who like to ask questions and explore. Each day, we travel to the experts, so youth can accidentally learn about all sorts of fun topics. The fees cover lunch, snacks, educational field trips, and supplies.

Cloverbud Day Camp-(5-8 year olds), August 15-19: This camp meets from 8:30am until 3:30 pm to help get our youngest 4-H members back into the swing of school. Each day, we will have a different theme, and our youth will be immersed in hands-on activities. The fee covers lunch, snacks, and supplies each day.

To learn more you can download a printable brochure by clicking this link.  

Summer Fun, Fun, Fun!

  

 This article was written by our own Shea Ann DeJarnette for the Robesonian and can be found on our website.

    “We’ll have fun, fun, fun until…” and that is where I will split from the Beach Boys. That’s because we are planning on having Summer Fun all summer long here in 4-H. We are excited that right now all our camps (day, mini, and overnight) will be in person and full of learning experiences. If you know a child between the ages of 5 and 18, we have a little something for all of them. Here is a sneak peek: 

    For our Cloverbuds (5–8-year-olds) we have a week-long day camp to get them back into the swing of school. Each day we will have a different theme, and our youth will be immersed in hands-on activities. This camp is scheduled for August 15-19. For our 9–13-year-olds we have a plethora of activities. 

    The first camp will be a single-day camp focusing on manners. Our 4-H Etiquette day camp is scheduled for June 22 and is open to our 9–18-year-olds. Youth will have the opportunity to learn about in-person and online manners in a fun environment. This hands-on opportunity will include a very special lunch, identify rude behaviors, and youth will get to go home with a book to help guide them through life’s sticky social situations. 

    The week of June 27-July 1 we will be cooking up some fun as part of our Junior Chef day camp. The menu will include youth learning how to cook international favorites, creating value-added products, and food prep like never before. We will also take field trips to learn more about the career opportunities in this growing field. If you have a child who loves food this is a yummy opportunity. 

    Learning about food can also mean learning how to grow your own good eats. Youth who attend our 4-H Junior Master Gardener day camp the week of July 11-15 will have the opportunity to become certified nationally as Junior Master Gardeners. They will get to play in the soil, play detective, and eat things they grow. We will have two day long field trips with this camp. 

    Let’s not forget our citizen scientists, because we make science fun. August 1-5 we will have our traditional 4-H Biotech day camp. This is a hands-on camp for youth who like to ask questions and explore. Each day, we travel to the experts so youth can accidentally learn about all sorts of fun topics. 

    If you are looking for a more traditional form of camping, please join us for our week-long overnight camp at Betsy-Jeff Penn. This will take place July 24-29 and is for our 9–14-year-olds. Youth will have the opportunity to take part in activities such as archery, rock wall climbing, and swimming. 

    For our 14–18-year-olds we have two fun events. Citizenship Focus will take place June 14-16 in Raleigh. Youth from across the state come together to learn about civic engagement, youth advocacy, and how to make a difference in their communities. Congress will also take place in Raleigh on the NC State University campus July 16-19. This leadership event includes state presentations, workshops, and community service projects. It is a summer packed with 4-H Fun. 

    To learn more about our programs or to register, you can go to our website at robeson.ces.ncsu.edu, our blog at robeson4-h.blogspot.com, or download our free 4-H app (4-H Now! in your app   store – choose Robeson County 4-H) and go to programs to register for Summer Fun.

4-H Top 4 for the Week of April 18, 2022

 

Good morning!  Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and if you had spring break hope it was great, and if you are on spring break now...what a perfect day to sleep in!  Here are some upcoming programs available for registration in the app.

-Adult volunteers, did you miss the Volunteer Leaders Conference this year?  Are you looking for an event to get all your training hours in for the year and maybe meet other volunteers from across this state and get ideas, have some fun, and maybe even come back energized for 4-H and life in general?  Think about registering for the 4-H Volunteer Spring Workshop which will take place Saturday, May 21 in Raliegh at the Jane S. McKimmon Center on NCSU Campus.  We will provide transportation to and from the event which will be from 8:30am to 3 pm.  The event will include lunch and a plethora of interesting workshops.  The cost is $35 dollars but thanks to our United Way funds you will only pay $18.  To register for this event you must be active in 4-H Online and register by using this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nc-volunteer-leaders-spring-training-tickets-261810431047 which can also be found on our app under programs.  Registration Deadline is April 21.  For more information please click on this link:  https://robeson4-h.blogspot.com/2022/02/nc-4-h-vla-spring-training.html If you have questions please feel free to contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at sadejarn@ncsu.edu.

-Young Leaders 4-H Club has their second meeting at our office on Tuesday April 26 beginning at 6 pm.  To register for the club meeting you can go to the app under programs or click this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-leaders-4-h-club-april-meeting-tickets-314715952887  Remember you must be active in 4-H Online to attend.  For more information about this opportunity please contact Wendy Maynor at wrmaynor@ncsu.edu.

-"Together We Shine"  is the theme for this year's SE District 4-H Teen Retreat.  Open to all 4-H members between the ages of 13-18 who are actively enrolled in 4-H Online, this event will take place in Johnston County and include a district meeting, district officer elections, leadership and art workshops, lunch, and a lot of fun.  The event will take place from 10 am to 3 pm.  We will provide transportation from Robeson County for our 4-H members who register and pay by April 29.  Registration is $25 and includes supplies, lunch, and a t-shirt.  Thanks to our United Way funds we are reducing the cost to our members so you only need to pay $15.  You can register through the app under programs or please click on this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/se-district-teen-retreat-robeson-county-tickets-318811803687 For more information about this event please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at sadejarn@ncsu.edu.

-4-H Animal Science is currently open for registration thru May 9.  At this time we are waiting on word from the state Veterinarian's Office concerning our chicken project.  Please note that if you have already, or are planning to register for poultry, we will offer a full refund if we have to cancel the project due to High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI).  We will keep everyone abreast of that conversation as it happens.  At this time the state plans to make a decision sometime in May about the project.  We would encourage you to go ahead and register for the projects because our deadline will be prior to the making of that decision.  You can register for the project on our app under programs or by clicking this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-robeson-county-4-h-animal-science-tickets-302928024877  For more information about this program please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at sadejarn@ncsu.edu.

Just a quick note....if you qualified for District Activity Day Ms. Wendy will be calling to set up your practice time or you could be proactive and set up a time with her in advance.....her email to schedule those one on one appointments is wrmaynor@ncsu.edu.  

Hope you have a great week and if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

Christy, Dominique, Wendy, and Shea Ann   

Mindful, Considerate, and Respectful

This article was written for the Robesonian by our own Wendy Maynor.

 How mindful, considerate, and respectful are you to the people around you in public? You know the feeling when you drive into a packed parking lot and see that one vacant parking spot waiting just for you? You are thinking, I timed that one perfect. You start to whip the car in, then frustration sets in – there is a shopping cart right smack in the middle of your parking spot. So, what do you do? Do you get out of the car, move the cart, then come back and park in the spot, or do you drive off frustrated? After shopping, do you leave the cart in the parking lot or do you return it to the cart return? Imagine if we all made a concerted effort to do what is considerate by returning the cart to the designated area after shopping.

What about cell phones? How many phone conversations have you been forced to hear while sitting in a restaurant, sitting in a waiting room, shopping, or standing in line at a store? There are usually signs posted in public places asking you to turn your phone off or not to use it in the building. I am guilty of this too. However, if I answer, I usually ask if I can call the person back if it’s not an emergency. Some people put the conversation on speaker, so now we are hearing their entire conversation that is none of our business. Most people really do not want to be forced to hear your conversation. Again, being mindful, considerate, and respectful of the people around us is important.

Think about table etiquette, and what we should and shouldn’t do when eating in public. There are the basics, such as gently placing the napkin in your lap, not putting elbows on the table, and not talking with your mouth full. Thanks to technology there are a few other things to think about, such as cell phones should not be placed on the table. Also, phone conversations and texting should wait until after the meal is over and you leave the table.

Let’s be honest, etiquette, which is essentially the rules and guidelines suggesting the proper and polite way to behave in society, has changed in the last couple of years. However, the importance of these life skills has not changed. Etiquette prepares us with confidence for those situations that might be out of our comfort zone. It also helps us be mindful, courteous, and respectful by doing simple, meaningful things.

That is why our 4-H program has created an etiquette program for youth. It is a fun and interactive way to learn about everything from cell phones to thank you notes, table etiquette and everything in between. To learn more about our    4-H Etiquette day camp, register your child in 4-H Online as a 4-H member. You will receive dates and times for this and all our 4-H programs.

For more information and easy access to all 4-H programs, including 4-H online, download the Robeson County 4-H app. Simply go to your App Store and download 4-H Now! When you open the app, you will be prompted to pick a program to download. You will need to choose Robeson County 4-H. Also follow us on the Robeson County 4-H blog at http://www.robeson4-h.blogspot.com

For more information, contact Wendy Maynor, Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Associate, at 910-671-3276, by Email at Wendy_Maynor@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at http://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/.

AIRE Announcement

 

    Save the date and get ready folks AIRE will be here before you know it.  AIRE stands for Application, Interview, Resume, and video Essay.  This is open to 11-13 year old 4-H members in a noncompetitive capacity, and for 14-18 year olds to compete for national trips such as National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference.

   To participate 4-H members can register (starting on May 1) through their 4-H Online accounts.  Youth will need to fill out the application, and complete a resume to send in.  Both Ms. Shea Ann and Ms. Wendy are available for assistance with this process.   AIRE Program Information and resources including the 2022 AIRE Prep-Packet is linked her for your reference. Once the event registration closes (June 10), Dr. Mitzi Downing with NC 4-H will contact participants directly to schedule your interviews. Note: she anticipates that interviews will run from June 27 - July 15. 

    If you have any questions please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent at sadejarn@ncsu.edu

4-H Club Meeting Registrations

 

For our 4-H Clubs meeting in April we wanted to give you another location to find your meeting registrations.  At the beginning of each month we will post a list of meetings with dates and registration links.  You can also find them on the app under programs.  Don't forget you need to register for the meetings prior to the club meetings.  Volunteers may cancel if not enough members have signed up and they need time to get supplies and other materials ready for your meetings.

Titans 4-H Club meeting-April 11 @ 6pm:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/titans-4-h-club-meeting-april-tickets-314703124517

Dirty Rascals Jr. Master Gardener 4-H Club,-April 12 @ 5:30pm:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dirty-rascals-jmg-4-h-club-meeting-april-tickets-314702342177

Young Leaders 4-H Club-April 26 @ 6pm:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-leaders-4-h-club-april-meeting-tickets-314715952887

Teen Leaders 4-H Club-April 28 @ 5:30 pm:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teen-leader-4-h-club-tickets-322719722377

Overcoming a Picky Eater

   

This article was written by our Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, Jessie Jones for the Robesonian and also appears on our Extension web site.

    As a parent, grandparent, or even an aunt or uncle, you may be concerned with what and how a child or children in your life eats. You may be worried they are not getting enough to eat, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, or eating too much of one particular food. If I told you not to worry, this is normal and can be overcome, would you believe me? Well, it is true! What many refer to as picky eating can be easily overcome with a little bit of patience and keeping the following guidelines in mind. 

    The most important concept to remember when feeding a child is the division of responsibility. As a caregiver you have certain responsibilities, as does the child, when it comes to feeding and eating. The caregiver is responsible for choosing and preparing the food, providing regular meals, showing the child how to behave at mealtime, and being considerate without catering to the child. Responsibilities of the child are to know the amount they need, learn to eat the foods their parents/caregiver provide, grow as they should, and learn how to behave well at mealtime. To aid in the division of responsibility, keep these key points in mind: 

        -All food is new to a child. They have never experienced this food before, so it may or may not be liked the first time they try it. All young children are more or less picky about food. 

        -You are a child’s biggest example – what they see you eating and doing, they are more likely to eat/do themselves. 

        -A child may eat a food, but not every time it’s offered to them. 

        -A child is unlikely to eat some of everything – if all they eat is one or two items, that is okay. 

    If you find yourself faced with a picky eater, here are a few ways to avoid picky eating: 

        -Pair familiar foods with unfamiliar foods. 

        -Stop counting what your child is eating. Remember it is only your responsibility to provide him or her with nutritious meals. 

        -It’s okay to take “no thank you” as an answer. If your child says they don’t want something, kindly let them know that is what is available, and if they are not hungry, it will be available when they are. Do not take the time to prepare a special meal just to get your child to eat – this encourages picky eating. 

        -Repeated exposure to a new food is key – it can take up to 20 tries before a child decides they actually like a new food; this is where the patience comes in to play. 

    The last thing to keep in mind is your child will grow into the right body for them. Many parents/caregivers worry when their child doesn’t “look” like the average child. The only cause for concern is when your child’s weight or height dramatically or abruptly changes. You, as a parent/caregiver, are responsible for helping your child grow into that body that is right for them. This is done by feeding them in the best way, limiting time on electronics and encouraging outside activities, and making sure you and your child feel good about the body they have. For more information, please contact Jessie Jones, Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at    910-671-3276, by E-mail at jessie_jones@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at https://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/.

NC 4-H Photo Contest

 Formally known as the NC 4-H Photo Contest, this statewide annual contest highlights NC 4-H’ers photographic achievements.  The winning photos will be displayed on the NC 4-H Photo Contest website.  

In addition to 4-H In Action and Nature's Beauty, the new category for 2022 is SPECIAL EFFECTS.  

Special effects could be almost anything like positioning a friend so it looks like a tree branch is growing out of their mouth. Maybe take a photo where everything is blurred except the focal point. Create an image of someone that has an extra set of hands or legs. Use a crystal ball to capture a reflection. Maybe take a photograph of your friend holding up a building with the palm of their hand.  

We want you to EXPLORE photography. Be CREATIVE! Take time to research how to take the best picture possible and Practice, Practice, Practice. We want you to Have FUN!!

Electronic entries are due August 12 to Shea Ann DeJarnette via email at sadejarn@ncsu.edu. Please include the following information and make sure to attach the photo, taken by the 4-H member.

Name of Photographer 

Photographer email address (that is checked regularly) 

4-H County 

4-H Age as of January 1 

Age Division: 

    Junior Division (Ages 8-13) 

    Senior Division (Ages 14-18) 

Category: 

    4-H in Action 

    Nature’s Beauty 

    Special Effects 

Title of Photo: Please give your photograph a title and give any details about your picture.

To learn more about the contest or to see previous winners please see the state 4-H website at:  https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/youth-3/north-carolina-4-h-photo-contest/  If you have any questions please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at sadejarn@ncsu.edu

Message on Embryology From Mary Fosnaught

 To all Agents & Teachers with 4-H Embryology Projects, 

I just spoke with Dr. Rebecca Mansall, our state poultry veterinarian, who confirmed with Dr. Mike Martin, our state veterinarian, that due to current issues with the spread of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) all further placement of eggs and incubators in classrooms as part of the 4-H Embryology program will be suspended until further notice.  

All eggs currently being incubated in classrooms will be able to finish in the classroom.  

Thank you for your cooperation as we all work together to protect all flocks.  

Sincerely,

Mary  

--

Message on HPAI From Dr. Mike Yoder

 Good evening,

Effective immediately, all 4-H poultry events and activities, including poultry shows are to be stopped until further notice.  Please see the following link for the press release provided by NCDA&CS earlier today.

 https://www.ncagr.gov/paffairs/release/2022/PoultryShowsandpublicsalessuspendeduntilfurthernoticeduetoHPAI.htm 

Embryology projects are affected in the following way.  Those projects that have had eggs placed and are currently underway may continue but no new eggs will be placed.  If you have chicks in place for a fall show, those birds can stay in place until further notice.  Strict adherance to bio-security protocols, including checking birds daily for signs of HPAI should be practiced.  Dr. Mary Fosnaught will provide further guidance regarding these projects and others that may currently be underway.

Extension and 4-H stand with NCDA&CS in  their attempts to curtail the spread of this disease, thereby protecting the North Carolina poultry industry.  Please direct all questions to Dr. Mary Fosnaught or one of the Area Poultry Agents. 

Mike Yoder