4-H Summer Fun!

 

It's that time of year folks!  4-H Summer Fun registration is open for our 4-H members ONLY until April 1.  If you are interested in being part of our Summer Program please see the details below and register at go.ncsu.edu/robeson4-Hsummerfun

Summer Opportunities

Sewing Mini Camp: June 17- 18: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 pm : Ages 10– 18:Cost: $25

Ever want to learn to sew? Mastering a sewing machine and being able to create things is an art. This sewing opportunity is meant for youth beginners to advance. We will provde the sewing machines, we just need the youth wanting to learn through hands on exploration. The price includes supplies, lunch, and one snack each day.

The deadline to register is June 7.  Limit 8 youth

Junior Chef Day Camp: June 24- 28, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Ages 9 – 13: Cost: $125

Who is hungry? We are excited to offer this farm-to-table camp to our youth again this year. The menu will include youth learning how to cook a variety of styles from International selections and we will study food businesses. We will also take field trips to learn more about the career opportunities in this growing field. The cost includes lunches, two snacks a day, supplies, and field trips.

The deadline to register is June 12.  Limit 10 youth.

4-H Coding Day Camp: July 8 - 12, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Ages 9 – 13: Cost: $125

Writing the instructions for computers and determining how they think is the future of technology. During this week our youth will learn strategy, coding, and learn to problem solve using coding. They will have the opportunity to get hands on in these science and technology topics that are part of a 95 billion dollar industry. We will explore careers, visit educational facilities, and have the opportunity to learn strategy and how that translates into games. Fee covers lunch, snacks, drinks, supplies, and field trips.

The deadline to register is July 3.  Limit is 12 youth.

Biotech: July 15 - 19, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Ages 9 – 13: Cost: $100

This year we will explore a variety of sciences, from environmental and animal sciences to drones and technology. We will learn about science in art, food, and our daily lives. We will travel to new places to conduct experiments and see animals. This is a hands-on camp where youth will have fun and accidentally learn along the way. The fee covers lunch each day, snacks, supplies, and all field trip costs.

The deadline to register is July 24.  Limit 10 youth.

Congress: July 22 - 26: Ages 14 – 18: Cost: $350

4-H Congress is the ultimate teen leadership opportunity for 4-H members. We will spend five days in

Raleigh with youth taking part in workshops, cultural opportunities, and social events. Youth will have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, complete community service projects, and just have fun making new friends with their peers. Scholarship opportunities are available for this event based on the 4-H member's participation in 4-H over the past year. That information will be shared with families of eligible youth after District Activity Day.

The deadline to register is July 8.  Limit is 14 youth.

Betsy-Jeff Penn Overnight Camp: July 28 - August 2, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Ages 9 – 14: Cost: $560

For youth interested in a traditional camping experience. Youth will travel to Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center in Reidsville, NC for the week and take part in activities such as archery, rock wall climbing, and swimming. They will also have the opportunity to learn to take care of themselves and make decisions in a safe, nurturing environment. The cost covers all meals, lodging, and transportation. A $150 nonrefundable deposit will reserve your child’s slot.

Deadline to Register is July 1.  Limit is 50 youth.

Millstone Day Camp: August 5- August 9, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Ages 9 – 14: Cost: $225

For youth interested in a traditional camping experience but not quite ready to spend the night this is the perfect camp for you. Youth will travel to Millstone 4-H Camp in Ellerbee, NC each day for a week and take part in activities such as archery, ropes courses, and swimming. The cost covers lunch, camp store, and transportation.

Deadline to register is July 24.  Limit is 12 youth.

Cloverbud Day Camp: August 12 - 16, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Ages 5 – 8: Cost: $75

Our Cloverbud day camp is for our youngest members and is meant to help them transition back to school schedules in a fun way. Each day we will have theme days such as Arts and Crafts, Science Day, Cooking day. Our youth will be immersed in fun hands-on activities that will have them accidentally learning along the way. The camp runs from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm. The fee covers lunch each day, two snacks a day, and supplies.

The deadline to register is July 29.  Limit is 15 youth.

Enrollment

To register, sign up and pay through Eventbrite. Registration will be handled on a first come, first served basis, and will only be accepted upon receipt of fees. Telephone, electronic, faxed, and mailed registration will not be accepted. Registration will continue until the camps are filled, or two weeks prior to the start date to make sure we have time to purchase supplies and make final reservations for field trips. All ages for registration are based on the child's 4-H Age which is how old they are on January 1, 2024. Please contact the 4-H office at (910) 671-3276 with any questions.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made when you register your child, by calling the 4-H office at (910)-671-3276 with any questions. We ask once you register, you fill out the paperwork on 4-H Online, if you don't already have an active profile. Youth must be registered in this system prior to attending any 4-H Summer Fun event. If you have questions or problems with registering in 4-H Online please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at (910) 671-3276.

Policies

•ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE UNLESS A CAMP IS FILLED TO CAPACITY OR CANCELED. NECESSARY REFUNDS WILL BE MADE APPROPRIATELY.

•PUNCTUALITY OF ALL PARTICIPANTS IS EXPECTED, PARTICULARLY ON DAYS WHERE FIELD TRIPS ARE SCHEDULED. THE VAN WILL ONLY WAIT 5 MINUTES PAST THE SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME. PUNCTUALITY OF PARENTS/ADULTS/GUARDIANS PICKING UP YOUTH FOLLOWING PROGRAMS IS MANDATORY. YOUTH MUST BE PICKED UP AT THE TIME THE PROGRAM ENDS. IF THE 4-H STAFF MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO CARE FOR YOUR CHILD MORE THAN 30 MINUTES BEYOND THE INDICATED PICK-UP TIME, A FEE OF $25 PER 30 MINUTES WILL BE CHARGED.

•ALTHOUGH MANY OF OUR EXPERIENCES SEEM LIKE GREAT FAMILY ACTIVITIES, FAMILY MEMBERS NOT REGISTERED FOR THE PROGRAM CANNOT TRAVEL OR TOUR WITH US DUE TO LIABILITY ISSUES.

•IF A CAMP IS FULL, YOU CAN ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITING LIST, AND WE WILL CONTACT YOU PRIOR TO THE CAMP IF A SPACE BECOMES AVAILABLE.

AIRE

   

What is AIRE?  In the world of 4-H that stands for Application, Interview, Resume, and Essay.  This is a program for our 14-18 year olds with 16 and up being able to attend National Trips.  To read more about this exciting program please see the following information from Dr. Shannon McCollum from our State 4-H Office.

For youth who are shinning stars in 4-H....it's time to elevate your journey by applying for one of our 3 National 4-H Trips. Applications are open now for a chance to embark on unforgettable National 4-H Trips! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to take your 4-H experience to new heights. 

4-H Youth who are eligible must be 14-18, Registered in 4-H Online, and have excelled in 4-H project work in their County. They can apply for one of the following trips through the AIRE - Application, Interview, Resume, and Essay process. 

National 4-H Conference

National 4-H Conference annually brings 4-H youth and adults from around the nation to work towards strengthening and expanding the 4-H Youth Development program at the local, state, and national levels. National 4-H Conference is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program. The National 4-H Headquarters is charged with sharing the recommendations that emerge from the conference with the Secretary of Agriculture, National Extension Program Leaders, and others who determine 4-H programs. At the same time, the conference is a rich and meaningful experience for the youth and adult participants. Held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, it’s usually scheduled around the beginning of April. 

National 4-H Conference delegates will: 

• Participate in a round table topic of their choosing that will focus on key topics such as: leadership, agriculture, crime, and more.

• Participate in professional workshops.

• Meet with legislators from their State to discuss important issues relating to 4-H.

• Have a chance to network with youth and adults from across the country.

• Learn all about 4-H programming and think about ways to improve programming across the Nation.

• Develop an action plan that will be put to use in their own communities.

• Have fun!

North Carolina 4-H selected one delegate from each Extension District to attend. Delegates will be responsible for paying a $100 fee for this event.  Youth must be 15 to 18 years-old during the dates in which National 4-H Conference is held to participate.

National 4-H Congress

National 4-H Congress is a five-day event that engages 14-18-year-old high school-aged 4-H members in leadership, citizenship, global awareness, and inclusion.  Participants not only have the opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art educational workshops and hear from world-renowned speakers, they also have the opportunity to network with other 4-H members from across the United States. 2024 dates are:  November 29 - December 3, 2024.

North Carolina 4-H provides approximately 14 trips annually based on specific 4-H curriculum areas. 

National Leadership Conference

The AYF’s longest-running program, the National Leadership Conference (NLC) creates confident leaders equipped to make a positive impact on our ever-changing world.  Held annually at Miniwanca in Shelby, Michigan, this eight-day conference brings together high school and college students from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the opportunity to develop, practice and implement leadership skills that will play an essential role throughout the rest of their lives. NLC 2024 will take place from Saturday, June 15 to Saturday, June 22. Grade requirements for applying for this trip:  First years entering grades 10, 11 or 12.

North Carolina 4-H selected one to two delegates annually to attend.  The Registration Fee is covered and there is possible scholarship money for the delegate to cover transportation.  

Selection Process/Application Process

The AIRE (Application,Interview, Resume, and Essay) is the process used to select youth to attend National 4-H Trip:  National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference and National Leadership Conference. Youth, ages 14  – 18 are eligible to participate in this program 

The AIRE (Application, Interview, Resume & Essay) program materials, resources, and state-level program participation deadline (5/15/2024) have been posted on the NC 4-H website here - AIRE. I will be posting a flyer on this website that you can download, add your county contact info in the next day or so.  The application etc is already posted.  

Important Updates for 2024.

We will no longer be doing the MOCK Process on the state level.  If you would like to use the same process for a county mock program, please feel free to do so.  

 

If you have youth participating in the state-level AIRE program please complete the Google registration process:  (link provided below) no later than May 15, 2024.

 

Instructions: To register your participants you will only need to complete the following steps: 

• Complete the Google Registration Form for your participants. Use the information from the application section to fill complete the registration form.

• Upload the participant's "Resume"  and Essay on the Google Registration site. The Resumes and Essay should be in PDF format. They must be in 2 separate documents. Please name their file with the 4-H’ers name, county, and either Resume or Essay in the name: example: ChrisClover_HalifaxCounty_Essay

• Email your participants the "Interview" schedule/time slots when it is released. **Note: I will send participants the "Interview" schedule/time slots along with general instructions for joining the Zoom session after registration closes BUT I request that you forward the information as well. 

Direct Link: 2024 AIRE Registration Link

Website Link:  2024 AIRE Registration Link - bookmark this page. (scroll down to the Register for State 4-H Events Section

Upcoming 4-H Club Meetings

 

Our clubs are hitting the ground running.  We currently have registrations up and coming for our Arts Exploration 4-H Club, Dirty Rascals JMG Gardeners, and Young Leaders.  

Arts Exploration explores the arts.  There is still time to register for their last meeting of the winter.  It will take place on March 21 at Givens Performing Arts Center.  The group will travel to learn about the integration of classical insturments in popular music and enjoy a performance of Chicago's Music.  To register for this meeting you can register on the app under programs or by clicking this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arts-exploration-4-h-spin-club-tickets-776596199137?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Dirty Rascals Jr. Master Gardener 4-H Club as set their meetings for the year.  They will have 4 meetings starting March 12 and each meeting is action packed.  To register for any of these meeting please go to the app and click on programs, and click on the registration button under Dirty Rascals JMG 4-H Club.  Or you can click on the following link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dirty-rascals-jr-master-gardener-club-meetings-2024-tickets-818405401587?aff=oddtdtcreator

Young Leaders 4-H Club meets the 4th Tuesday of each month.  The group will be focusing on preparing for County Activity Day in March and look forward to a lot of great 4-H meetings the rest of the year.  To register for any of these meeting please go to the app and click on programs, and click on the registration button under Young Leaders 4-H Club.  Or you can click on the following link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-leaders-4-h-club-meetings-2024-tickets-852929293477

Time to Show off Your Talent and Speaking Ability

 

County Activity Day (CAD) is an opportunity for young people to meet other youth in the county and share their passions through a public speaking competition.

CAD is open to youth ages 8-18 as of January 1, 2024. Youth ages 5-7 can also participate in CAD non-competitively.

Back again this year...In addition to presentations, there will also be a 4-H Entertains Talent Showcase in which youth can demonstrate their talents. Acts can be either individual or group and should be no longer than 5 minutes. Note: Each county is limited to two acts total so our judges will determine who will move forward.

What are 4-H Presentations? 4-H Presentations are a huge part of North Carolina 4-H. It is one of the most successful ways to help a young person learn public speaking skills. It focuses on members teaching others what they know about a particular project/subject matter. They are sometimes called demonstrations, illustrated talks or formal speeches. Demonstration: DOING, SHOWING HOW, MAKING – has a finished product to show – shows how a task is done or product is made. For example: show how to make a healthy snack using fruits and vegetables. Illustrated Talk: TALKING, TELLING HOW, using CHARTS, PICTURES, MODELS – shares information with the help of pictures, videos, charts, models, etc.

Public Speaking: Shares information on a topic without using any visuals, props or materials. Sometimes this is a speech that a young person has memorized or a paper someone has written.

First and Second place winners in each age division and category will have the opportunity to move forward to District Activity Day where they will compete against youth from 18 counties in our district. That will be held on June 14 at Mount Olive University.

Youth may register for Presentations (public speaking is category in presentations) and Entertains. Please note youth may only register for one type of presentation. They are not required to do presentations to sign up for Entertains.

If you cannot attend in person you can submit a video. Video has to be 1 take unedited and will be judged along with the in persons presentations on April 6th. Please note in the questions you will be attending virtually. All videos are due by April 3rd. Please email videos to jade_mcneill@ncsu.edu

Benefits of 4-H Presentations Teaches life skills Increase public speaking skills Increase self-confidence Increase knowledge & interest in a certain subject matter Will help you in the long run with: Communicating Other clubs & projects College/post-secondary education Careers Giving a presentation is a great learning experience. The topic should be something youth enjoy, are interested in, and can be presented easily in 5 to 15 minutes. 4-H’ers who do a presentation develop self-confidence, the ability to speak in front of an audience, and the ability to think ahead.

To register you can go to the 4-H app under programs or click this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-robeson-county-activity-day-tickets-851082108497 

Lumber River United Way Duck Race

 

The annual duck race will be this coming Saturday, March 2 on the Lumber River.  If you are interested in purchasing a ticket they at $20 each or you can get a quack pack which is 6 ducks for $100.  The lucky duck will win $2500 if their duck crosses the finish line first.  

Tickets are available at the Lumber River United Way office and our 4-H office.  Come by to purchase your ticket.

4-H and FFA Leadership Gift

 

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina 4-H and North Carolina FFA each received a $45,000 gift to further their mission of developing future leaders in a presentation Feb. 2 at the Southern Farm Show in Raleigh.

The money, presented in the form of a $90,000 check to be shared equally between the two organizations, is the proceeds from Pull for Youth fundraisers organized by AgCarolina Farm Credit and AgSouth Farm Credit. NC State University faculty and staff coordinate programming for each entity.

“We understand the importance of keeping young people engaged in agriculture, and 4-H and FFA are great vehicles to do that,” said Vance Dalton, president and chief executive officer of AgSouth Farm Credit. “We want to support their efforts so that we can keep young people wanting to come back to farming and to our rural communities where they can live and thrive. The other piece is the leadership skills they learn. Agriculture needs a voice, and the leaders that will carry that voice are being trained now through FFA and 4-H. By investing in them, we’re investing in agriculture and investing in our future.”

Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina inaugurated the Pull for Youth fundraisers six years ago. Participants enjoy a day of shooting sporting clays while contributing to the future of agriculture in North Carolina.

“I’m so appreciative of the people who invest in our youth and the future generation,” said Garey Fox, dean of NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). “The investment in youth, the investment in our 4-H and our FFA leaders, is so important. Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in the state of North Carolina. Students want to go into areas where they’re going to be able to make an impact on society. When you look at the need to feed a growing population in North Carolina, agriculture is a career where they can know the impact that they’re having.”

North Carolina 4-H was represented by state president Jo Sundbom from Edgecombe County; member engagement officer Emma Haynes, who lives in Granville County and participates in 4-H in Franklin County; and state reporter Jacob Hanlon from Burke County.

“It means a lot,” said Haynes, who plans to pursue a degree and career in animal science. “Without donor support, we wouldn’t be able to go to events, we wouldn’t be able to grow as leaders. So it’s really beneficial.”

North Carolina FFA was represented by state president Madaline Chandler and vice presidents Sydney Whichard and Hailey Eason. Whichard and Eason are currently CALS students studying agricultural education.

“I think I can speak for FFA and 4-H that we would not be as successful as we are if it wasn’t for the support of partners like Farm Credit,” said Joshua Bledsoe, state agricultural education leader and FFA advisor. “Our job ultimately is to provide life-changing experiences that connect young people to careers in agriculture and Farm Credit helps us do that. Not only do they give financial aid to help us support our mission, they also are involved in a lot of our events. They serve as judges and volunteers. It’s a great partnership that we have with them.”

North Carolina 4-H, coordinated by NC State Extension, serves nearly 200,000 youth in all 100 counties across North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for youth between the ages of 5-19. Activities include community and project clubs, special interest programs, school enrichment programs and afterschool programs.

In past years, NC 4-H utilized funds from the Pull for Youth events to renovate the dining hall at Camp Millstone.

“It really helps with the types of programs we can offer, and the number of programs,” said Mike Yoder, 4-H state program leader. “This has been a great partnership. We certainly appreciate all they have done for 4-H.”

North Carolina FFA is made up of 338 chapters and more than 30,000 students from middle school to high school across the state. FFA prepares members for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Funds from the Pull for Youth events are being used for a new cottage at the North Carolina FFA Center at White Lake in Bladen County.

Discover how you can support 4-H and FFA and help develop the next generation of leaders.

–Simon Gonzalez, N.C. State University

Betsy's Bash

 

You're Invited to Betsy's Bash and the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center! Friends and Family, Tickets are available now for the second annual Betsy's Bash! The 2024 Bash will also celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Penn 4-H Center and will be a truly spectacular event that you don't want to miss! Date: Saturday, May 18th, 2024 Time: 4:00 - 8:00 pm EST Location: Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center, 804 Cedar Lane, Reidsville NC 27320 This second annual celebration and fundraising event will honor the legacy and impact of Mrs. Betsy Penn and her vision for a 4-H Center focused solely on the health, wellbeing, and education of the youth of North Carolina. Your $50 event ticket will include a meal, a s'mores dessert, adult beverages, and live music from the Sassafras Bluegrass Band.  All proceeds from the event will support the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center. If you would like to support the center by becoming an event sponsor, please refer to our sponsor packet for more information on sponsor levels and benefits. For questions, please contact the center at 336-349-9445 or by email to Center Director Stacy Burns at stacy_burns@ncsu.edu. With Gratitude, Penn's Pals

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