Top 4 for the week of March 23, 2020

Good morning everyone!  We hope you are safe and sound and getting adjusted to our temporary normal.  Just for your information our office is open and we are available for questions or assistance.  Please don't forget 4-H has a variety of resources available to you for learning and fun.

-Due to COVID-19 we are cancelling all face to face programs until May (this includes club meetings).  That doesn't mean we won't offer our calendar of events, it just means we are doing it virtually.  Please check our Facebook page (NC Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center) for daily updates.
   * 9:30 am 4-H Daily "Chick-In" Live on our facebook page
   *10:30 am NC 4-H Spark weekly schedules can be found on our page and we will repost videos daily.

-Don't forget Animal Science Applications are available on our website at robeson.ces.ncsu.edu.  You can also download the application, guidelines, and workshop flyer here. For more information about this program please contact any member of the 4-H staff.  Applications can be mailed to our office.  Please make sure they are postmarked by April 3.

-Citizenship Applications are on our website and due by April 24th.  An outside panel will review the applications and determine the two who will represent our county at this state event.  NC 4-H Citizenship Focus will take place in Raleigh June 15-17.  This is a three day two night event.  All expenses will be paid for the two who are chosen, and they will have an opportunity to meet our lawmakers.  Please note you must be a 4-H member in good standing and have an active profile on 4-H Online to be considered for this opportunity.  Completed applications can be mailed in or emailed to Shea Ann at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu.

-Summer Fun brochure is available.  Currently registration is open to our current 4-H members.  You can download the brochure from this link.  Please come by our office and pay with check or money order.  There are a limited amount of spaces, so this is handled on a first come first serve basis.

That is all for this week.  Stay safe and we will be in touch as things are adjusted.  Please let us know if you have any questions,
Wendy, Jessie, and Shea Ann

JMG News

BIWEEKLY UPDATE | MARCH 2020 CHECKING IN... Bloom Where You Are In the past few weeks, we have all experienced intense change. Every change is part of a growth story that allows us to bloom into who we are meant to be. Blooms and growth inspire hope. This spring, the JMG team will be sharing flowers in bloom every morning on our Facebook page, and we'd love to see pictures of yours as well! Click the link to see today's post.  A bonus question: Does broccoli flower even though it's a vegetable? Scroll to the bottom of the email to find out! Calling Young Gardeners! Have elementary age students? Join the NEW virtual National JMG group on Facebook Live! Sessions start April 2nd. Garden Activities will be led by National JMG staff, and your kids can earn a JMG Certification in Plant Growth and Development. Stay tuned for more information! Recipes Running out of recipes to try at home? Give Italian Artichoke Chicken a try! Food Safety With kids at home, make sure to teach safety as you are spending more time together in the kitchen! Check out these tips and more at Dinner Tonight. Broccoli does flower! When you eat broccoli "crowns", you are actually eating flower buds. Learn more about plant parts with this JMG activity, and positively impact your community at the same time! VISIT OUR WEBSITE Junior Master Gardener Program | juniormastergardener@gmail.com CONNECT WITH US:  ‌  ‌  ‌

Virtual Lifestyles

This article was written by Shea Ann DeJarnette and will appear in the Robesonian as well as the Robeson Journal.  The article can also be found on our NC Cooperative Extension Robeson County Center Website.

A friend of mine posted recently that her six-year-old son has lived through three major hurricanes, a drive by shooting, and now is surviving through a world pandemic. That is a lot for our children to go through, and the scariest part is that most of that is way outside of what we can control. However, how we react to these tough situations is how our children will react. If we are fearful, they will be fearful. If we think about all those around us, they will too. So we have some quick choices to make.

Most everyone has said if we keep our routines as normal as possible, that will ease the stress our children face. Well, that is going to be tough with schools out and no extracurricular activities. We are even canceling 4-H events in support of social distancing and the overall health and well-being of our community. That does not mean that we won’t be coming up with some really neat stuff online.

We had second grade embryology out in 26 classrooms in the county. Embryology is the study of embryos, specifically in this instance, chicken embryos. Some of the teachers opted to take the eggs home with them, others are bringing them back to us to hatch. We are so “egg-cited” about this opportunity that we plan to go live on Facebook every morning with an update on the eggs, and even work through some of the classroom activities. We will see about streaming the hatches live! Parents will be able to check this out on our Facebook page (N.C. Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center), and we will also include links to other learning resources.

We started a virtual club earlier in the year and we hope to continue that model. It will still allow youth to physically social distance themselves while emotionally create some new social dynamics they all need to grow. It will be a great opportunity for our youth, and we will try to work in activities as well. If you have children who would like to take part, go ahead and register them for 4-H at 4HOnline. You will get information on all the great opportunities coming up.

All this being said, a whole new virtual world of learning will open up for our youth. Creating a schedule for them to get up to do their chores, and determining learning screen time versus entertainment screen time can’t be a bad thing. Keep them busy and learning to help them maintain the streak they are on and avoid another version of the summer slide. Our goal is to promote learning and growth during this period of change, not fear. Please keep an eye on the Robeson County website for information about virtual programs and other offerings we will have for folks of all ages.

Stay safe and be careful. We will continue to do our best to help you and your family – it’s just going to look a little different for a while. For more information, contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent, at 910-671-3276, by email at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu, or visit our website.

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. NC State University, N.C. A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

4-H Top 4 for the week of March 16, 2020

Good morning everyone!
Just want to say thank you to everyone who came out Saturday for 4-H County Activity Day!  Y'all did a great job and we can't wait to see how you do at District!

-Somethings are changing right now due to COVID-19 and we ask that you stay tuned to our emails, and posts to find out about programing.
  *Currently our embryology program is going to be affected.  I am asking our lead teachers from round 1 to check their emails and get back to us as soon as possible.  In the meantime everyone will have a chance to enjoy our 4-H Embryology program every morning live from our office on Facebook (NC Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center), where we will "Chick-In" each day.  We will start that on Tuesday, March 17.

-Don't forget Animal Science Applications are available on our website at robeson.ces.ncsu.edu.  You can also download the application, guidelines, and workshop flyer here. Applications and payment are due in our office by noon April 3.  For more information about this program please contact any member of the 4-H staff.

-Citizenship Applications are on our website and due by April 24th.  An outside panel will review the applications and determine the two who will represent our county at this state event.  NC 4-H Citizenship Focus will take place in Raleigh June 15-17.  This is a three day two night event.  All expenses will be paid for the two who are chosen, and they will have an opportunity to meet our lawmakers.  Please note you must be a 4-H member in good standing and have an active profile on 4-H Online to be considered for this opportunity.

-Summer Fun brochure is available.  Currently registration is open to our current 4-H members.  You can download the brochure from this link.  Please come by our office and pay with check or money order.  There are a limited amount of spaces, so this is handled on a first come first serve basis.

That is all for this week.  Stay safe and we will be in touch as things are adjusted.  Please let us know if you have any quesitons,
Wendy, Jessie, and Shea Ann

Virtual Opportunities

With COVID-19 looming the need to keep minds sharp and have opportunities literally available at your fingertips we have compiled this beginning list of resources for parents and teachers alike.  We hope it is helpful as we start shifting towards a temporary virtual reality.

Curriculum

Ag in the classroom-

Farm Bureau:  https://www.ncfb.org/ag-in-the-classroom/?fbclid=IwAR1KIFRgVRQ97Ivc-diricnsvSB_xFjC5SmMG8G6ek3pwKA7coiHAUO9PKM#1578775063894-2287f8ab-589b

4-H Activity Guide-https://4-h.org/about/inspire-kids-to-do/activity-guide/

Outdoor Fun Activities:  https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/now-what/

Boredom Busters:  https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/boredom-busters/

Scholastic Learn at Home:  https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

Cherokee Language Activities for Youth:  https://ebci.ces.ncsu.edu/2019/11/basics-of-the-cherokee-syllabary-tools-and-resources-for-incorporating-cherokee-culture-into-youth-activities/

Video, Virtual Tours, and Interactive  links:

Sea Otter Cam:  https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams/sea-otter-cam?fbclid=IwAR0Fq-_M7TyHci_tnRrWRqBdbgaJ8E-UFlafDLxwrx_jGk__psqxK2Y7wow

New Jersey Aquarium:  https://nj1015.com/new-jersey-aquariums-offer-virtual-tours-while-closed/

Virtual Dairy Tours:  http://origin.americandairy.com/news-and-events/dairy-diary/dairy-farming/virtual-farm-tours-while-youre-stuck-at-home.stml?fbclid=IwAR3z0dDrNsh7o-ekZBlRkNfYejMeKystotWo9GIjn37TbDshaZj_4nwQl3s

British Museum:  https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/

National Gallery of Art (Washington DC)  https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/national-gallery-of-art-washington-dc?hl=en

Smithsonian Natural History Museum:  https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour

UNC Virtual Tour:  https://www.northcarolina.edu/Our-17-Campuses/Virtual-Reality-Campus-Tours

Google Coding:  https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/s/en/home

STEM Multiplex:  https://multiplex.videohall.com/

Interactive Sites for education: http://interactivesites.weebly.com/

Fun Brain:  https://www.funbrain.com/

Scholastic:  https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/student-activities/

SMART Exchange:  https://exchange.smarttech-prod.com/

PBS Kids:  https://pbskids.org/

ABCYA:  https://www.abcya.com/

BrainPop:  https://jr.brainpop.com/

Mask Making Tutorial by a 4-H member:  https://youtu.be/jqGYdXscUg4

Online References

https://craven.ces.ncsu.edu/digital-resources-for-learning/?fbclid=IwAR3aPJwqJhYifn0lMHAvsD7Rcrvy-eJW2f5F2kBwSv4JC-9usfCyWL7mGhY

Museum Resources:  http://mcn.edu/a-guide-to-virtual-museum-resources/

Three times a week:

STEM Mystery Challenge:  On Facebook Cooperative Extension at A&T
NCSU Science House:  https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/the-science-house-express/

Daily Opportunities

9:30am 4-H Embryology: On Facebook NC Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center 

10:am-4-H Activities:  On Facebook North Carolina 4-H

2 PM-4-H Embryology:  On Facebook, North Carolina 4-H

3 pm-Cincinnati Zoo Safari:  http://cincinnatizoo.org/home-safari-resources/

Daily Activities posted by EdVenture Children’s Museum:  https://www.edventure.org/todays-play

Daily Activities posted from NC Life and Science Museum:  https://www.lifeandscience.org/activities

4-H Top 4 for the Week of March 9, 2020

Happy Monday to all of you.

-4-H Embryology teacher training will take place at the Extension Office starting at 4 pm.  We are looking forward to seeing all of our round 1 and 2 teachers registered for training in attendance.  It will be a fun and informative end to your day.  Also incubators are available for pickup for round 1 starting at 1 pm.  Eggs will be available on Thursday starting at 1 pm.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu or (910) 671-3276. 

-County Activity Day will begin Saturday, April 14 at 1 pm at the Extension Office for those that are preregistered.  If you can not make it please contact Wendy Maynor at (910) 671-3276 as soon as possible.

-Don't forget Animal Science Applications are available on our website at robeson.ces.ncsu.edu.  You can also download the application, guidelines, and workshop flyer here. For more information about this program please contact any member of the 4-H staff.

-On Friday we unveiled our Summer Fun brochure.  Currently registration is open to our current 4-H members.  You can download the brochure from this link.  Please come by our office and pay with check or money order.  There are a limited amount of spaces, so this is handled on a first come first serve basis.

Please note to register for any program you must be an active member in 4-H online.  If you registered last year please go in and activate your account for this year.  If you are not a member please go online to 4-H Online and register as a member.  If you need any help please contact Wendy or Shea Ann at (910) 671-3276 for assistance.
Thank you,
Jessie, Wendy, and Shea Ann

News From the 4-H Development Office

March 2020 Extraordinary Extension Pull for Youth Events raise over $100,000 for NC 4-H and FFA The NC Farm Credit Associations presented North Carolina 4-H and FFA with a check for $107,000. With a direct impact on youth, this support ensures development opportunities across the state and encourages young leaders to engage in agricultural activities across the state. Thank you for AgCarolina Farm Credit, Cape Fear Farm Credit and Carolina Farm Credit for your support to the agriculture industry by providing funds to NC 4-H and FFA! Read More about the Pull For Youth March 25, 2020 - NC State Second Annual Day of Giving Did you know that Extension generated an economic impact of nearly $2.1 billion in 2018? Support to Extension during the Day of Giving is a critical component of our success. Are you interested in learning more about how you can support Extension during the NC State Day of Giving? Contact the CALS Advancement team today! ›› See the progress of the Capital Campaign NC State Extension and 4-H are in every county in North Carolina. Extension's statewide network of centers positions ideal support to the rural communities in North Carolina. Your support through the NC State Day of Giving to programs like Extension and 4-H continues to build a legacy that has a strong history across our state. ›› Learn more about NC State Extension NC State Extension In the News Community Gardens Connect, Teach and Feed Extension reaches further thanks to the efforts of Master GardenerSM volunteers. Across the state, Master Gardener volunteers work with their local Extension agent on programs and projects that empower residents to cultivate healthy plants and communities through safe, effective and sustainable gardening practices. In Wilson County, Master Gardener volunteers helped create an innovative STEM garden to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Learn more about the impact Extension Master Gardener volunteers are having in communities across our state. Read More ›› NC State Extension works to transform research and science into working solutions for programs and partnerships across the state. ›› Read about the 2019 Annual Impacts Providing a system of solutions is a major part of NC State Extension's goals. Through 101 Local Centers and 1,058 Professionals, Extension is where you need us! ›› Read the 2019 Annual Report North Carolina 4-H In the News Chatham County 4-H'ers take second place at the NC 4-H Hunter Skills Tournament. NC 4-H Hunter Skills Tournament The 4-H Hunter Skills Tournament was on Saturday, January 11 at Millstone 4-H Camp. Young leaders came together, along with seasoned professionals, to learn about Hunter Skills. Through this program youth learn about marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and more. Through resources and support from adult leaders, young people learn about ethical shooting safety. ›› See the full list of competitors here ›› Read more about the Chatham County Team Lonnette Marsh Talks about her 4-H Experiences Lonnette Marsh, Western Regional Extension Director at NC A&T, talks with 4-H and how she hopes to expand learning and leadership opportunities to minority youth in our state and nation. ››Read More Your NC 4-H The 4-H Family has roots that run deep. The new "Your NC 4-H" magazine highlights programs and activities that North Carolina youth are participating in. From STEM thinking to Community Service Projects, 4-H'ers are changing our state, nation and world. ›› Read "Your NC 4-H" Check it Out! Google Form » Nominate a 4-H or Extension Professional for their exceptional work! Homegrown » NC State Extension's "Homegrown" gives you solutions for the garden, kitchen and the farm. Check out this recipe! Find Local » NC goods and products can be found on the Got to be NC Agriculture website. Find a market or producer near you! EVENTS | View Calendar MAR 21 EMG Volunteer Association Spring Symposium Cumberland County MAR 28 Five County Beef Tour Warren County APR 14 Central Piedmont Jr. Livestock Show & Sale Central Carolina Barn APR 22 Farm Animal Days 2020 NC State Interested in supporting NC State Extension? If you are interested in supporting NC State Extension, click the "Give Now" button.  Contact Sterling Frierson at sjfriers@ncsu.edu or by phone at 919-515-2801 with questions on giving or if you're interested in contributing to one of the above mentioned programs. ‌