By Laura Allen

4-H Agent

It’s a new year full of new possibilities for youth who are interested in learning and growing in 2019. Now is a great time to join Rowan County 4-H.

4-H offers a broad range of opportunities for youth ages 5-18 (as of Jan. 1). Through 4-H, youth explore their interests and participate in leadership and citizenship development opportunities offered at the local, district, state and/or national levels. 4-H provides a positive environment for youth to learn by doing, while having guidance from adult mentors.

There are lots of 4-H events coming up soon that will be great opportunities for the youth in your life. I challenge you to find a way to get involved with 4-H in 2019. 

Speak-Up

This workshop series focuses on developing public speaking skills in youth. There are four workshops: Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Session 1 is for youth ages 7-11 as of Jan. 1 and is from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Session 2 is for youth ages 12-18 as of Jan. 1 and is from 6-7:15 p.m. Total cost is $15 per child (covers all four workshops). Participants must pre-register by Jan. 30. A limit of 10 youth per session. Workshop leader is Cheryl Kane of Barton & Kane Consolidated. Workshops are held at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Center.

What is 4-H Shooting Sports All About?

This informational meeting will allow youth, parents and community members to learn about the 4-H Shooting Sports program offered through NC 4-H. Charles Young, NC 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator, will lead this meeting. This meeting is open to participants of the Hot Shots 4-H Club, those interested in starting another 4-H Shooting Sports Club, and/or those wanting to learn more about this program. Bring your questions and be ready to find a way to get involved in this program that teaches youth proper handling of firearms and provides target shooting competitions. This informational meeting is Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Center. Please RSVP.

Embryology

This school enrichment program is open to second-grade classrooms within public, private and charter schools in Rowan County, as well as home-school families. Teachers will be trained and provided with an incubator, fertilized eggs and curriculum/materials to allow their students to have a hands-on opportunity to learn about the life cycle of chicks. The cost is $10 per classroom. Supplies are limited and participants must pre-register. The embryology cycles offered this year are:

Private/Charter/Home-School Cycle: Jan. 29 (training and pickup); Feb. 21/22 (return chicks and materials), must pre-register by today.

Public School Cycle 1: Feb. 26 (training and pickup); March 22 (return chicks and materials), must pre-register by Feb. 8.

Public School Cycle 2: March 26 (training and pickup); April 18 (return chicks and materials), must pre-register by Feb. 8.

4-H Clubs

Rowan County has 10 4-H clubs. These clubs are made up of at least one approved adult volunteer and the youth who join the club. The clubs allow youth to learn how to run a business meeting and provide additional educational opportunities for youth. Youth in these clubs are involved in the total 4-H program and participate in 4-H Achievement Plans, Project Record Books, presentations and other opportunities and competitions offered through 4-H. Clubs meet at least once per month. Any youth ages 5-18 as of Jan. 1 can join and new adult volunteers are welcome, too. There is also the opportunity to start a new 4-H club, if you desire. 

4-H Camp

Rowan County 4-H will be attending 4-H Camp at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center in Reidsville on July 7-12. The camping facility offers lots of opportunities for youth to learn new skills and make new friends. Activities include high ropes courses, rock climbing, arts and crafts, cooking, horses, archery, nature exploration, campfires, canoeing, swimming, team building and more. 4-H Camp is accredited through the American Camp Association. Total cost for youth is $485. Active Rowan County 4-H’ers are offered a discounted price. To attend, a $150 non-refundable deposit and registration form are due to Rowan County 4-H by March 29. The remaining balance is due by June 4.

Competitions

4-H provides competitions in the presentations, project record books, expressive arts, photography, horse shows, dairy/poultry/livestock/horse judging and quiz bowl, shooting sports and more. Youth have many opportunities to learn and practice their skills.

If you/your children are interested in any of these opportunities, please email 4-H agent Laura Allen at laura_allen@ncsu.edu or call 704-216-8970.

Rowan County Cooperative Extension is located at 2727-A Old Concord Road Salisbury, NC 28146.