Let Your Inner Child Shine

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

I admit it.  I’m a great big kid at heart.  I still love all the things I loved as a child.  One of those things is the fair.  I remember my mom would take me to the county fair for one afternoon (three to four hours if I was really good while she dragged me through the exhibits) and would let me ride the rides.  I thought it was the greatest treat ever.  It’s an excitement that really hasn’t subsided.

            In an effort at full disclosure I must admit, I am a little more involved in our county fair than the average 4-H Agent because I am also on the fair board.  That just adds to my excitement level.  In my paid position I am organizing livestock shows, poultry judging, and helping out in the livestock building.  In my volunteer position, well, that list is a little longer.  What I can tell you is there is a lot of work, from a lot of volunteers, behind the scenes to make nine days of family fun that will etch memories for a lifetime, and make you want to come back a year from now.

            The first thing most young people ask about is the rides.  We have rides of all sizes, for all ages, and of varying speeds (for those who do not want to risk their corn dog coming up as they spin around). Many of these rides leave our fair and head directly to the state fair.  Not many county fairs can boast such top notch rides.  Although that was my attraction as a child, my sights have shifted to the other aspects of the fair and the real reason we have it - to celebrate agriculture.

            In the exhibit buildings you will find booths from our 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) clubs.  You will see competition from who grows the best corn, grapes, and gourds to who bakes the best cake, sews the nicest quilts, and makes the nicest crafts.  You can see blue ribbon animals, get free gardening tips, and learn about unique groups such as the Robeson County Beekeepers.  I must admit, if I were not on the fair board I would probably enter the Chicken Picking Contest, National Chicken Bog Cook-Off, and probably try my hand at entering crafty things into the home exhibit areas.  (Hint, hint - there is no reason you shouldn’t go for it, and enter one of these great competitions.)

            So if you would like to let your inner child loose, come on out to the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair October 2-11.  Think about competing in one of the hundreds of home exhibit entries or in one of the many contests.  To learn more about all the incredible things going on at the fair, check out the fair website at www.robesoncountyfair.com.  If you have a smart phone, download our free app (something brand new this year); the link is: http://my.yapp.us/2FYW4Q.  The app will keep you up to date with the schedule, allow you to check out our Twitter feeds, let you post pictures of your favorite fair experiences, and much more.  If you see me, or someone in a fair shirt, be sure to stop us and let us know your inner child’s favorite part of the fair.

            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.

4-H Volunteers and Membership Elect New Officers

It was an exciting election as members of the 4-H County Council and Volunteer Leaders’ Association met at Mr. P’s Skateworld to exercise their voting rights and bodies.  The group met and introduced the candidates for office.  This year, both groups had a full slate of nominees.  Running for County Council were: Jeshaiah Moore, Young Leaders 4-H Club, for President; Amaria Rogers and Gia Williams, both with Titans 4-H Club, for President-Elect; Michiko Hill, Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club, for Secretary/Treasurer; Katee Hiller, St. Paul’s 4-H Pony Club, and Reece Rogers, Titans 4-H Club, for Reporter; and Alex Evans and Christian Graham, both with Dirty Dozen 4-H Shooting Sports Club, for Sergeant-at-Arms.  After the ballots were counted, the 2016 4-H County Council officers will be:  Jeshaiah Moore - President, Amaria Rogers - President-Elect, Michiko Hill - Secretary/Treasurer, Katee Hiller - Reporter, and Christian Graham - Sergeant-at-Arms.  We had a tie for the reporter position, and based on the bylaws for the organization, we had to flip a coin to determine the winner of the election.  When the coin landed, Katee Hiller became Reporter.

            On the adult side, we had almost as much excitement.  Running for offices were:  Pam Walton for President, Monica Graham and Aggie Rogers for President-Elect, Gina Rozier for Secretary, Bonnie Canady for Treasurer, Jill Deems for Reporter, and Larry Russ for Parliamentarian.   Joyce Peay, the current President, will move into an advisory role as Past President.  When the votes were counted, the 2016 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association officers became: Pam Walton - President, Aggie Rogers - President-Elect, Gina Rozier - Secretary, Bonnie Canady - Treasurer, Jill Deems - Reporter, and Larry Russ - Parliamentarian.   All the officers will be officially affirmed into office later this year and will go through orientation before starting in their official capacities next year.

            After the election, it was time for everyone’s favorite part, getting their skates on and hitting the floor.  No doubt, our 4-H members, and even some adults, slept well after the fun and exercise they got roller-skating.  The 4-H County Council and Volunteer Leaders’ Association will begin meeting in January 2016.

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.

Looks Like we Made it...Home!

Could it really be?  Our last morning at BJP? It has been a week of fun, learning, gaining responsibility (yes the campers set the table for meals, cleaned up after meals, and made their own beds...don't let them fool you) not to mention making lots of new friends.  We have gained skills, friends, and a lifetime of memories.  That is what makes today so difficult.  A week ago we had no idea we would have so much fun!
So we are packed and loaded, cabins are cleaned and what is left?  Food of course.  We have to have our final breakfast of bacon egg and cheese biscuits.  Yum!  After breakfast it was time for awards and the fashion show.  The fashion show is not your typical event.  Counselors model what they find in each of the cabins and let those who left them behind claim their items.  We had a couple of folks who almost left several items behind.
Our experience at Betsy Jeff Penn was not quite done.  Every camper received an award, wether it was super camper, super friend, or just superman each counselor gave someone in their cabin an award that fit them to a T.  After everyone had a chance in the spot light we settled in to view the slide show highlighting our adventures from the week.
When we were done it was time to board the buses and head home.  We hugged our friends, and counselors, promised to be in touch and settled in for the long ride home.  When we arrived we were happy to see our parents, and tell them of our adventures, sometimes so fast that they couldn't understand us.
 We hope everyone had a great time and that you will think about joining us on our adventure again next year.