By Laura Allen
For the Salisbury Post

The COVID-19 crisis has changed the way we do things, but it has not stopped Rowan County 4-H. Members have been busy meeting virtually with their 4-H clubs, competing in 4-H competitions and participating in other 4-H activities. Currently, Rowan youth are invited to participate in the weekly challenges. Soon, information will be available about plans for Summer Fun activities.

4-H presentations and talent

On April 27-28, Rowan County 4-H’ers competed in 4-H presentations and 4-H talent competitions for the annual County Activity Day. Typically, this event happens face-to-face, but this year, these competitions occurred virtually. Eleven 4-H’ers worked to prepare speeches that were 5-12 minutes long and then presented them to two judges via Zoom. Two 4-H’ers participated in 4-H talent where they submitted videos that were judged. This year’s participants included:

Ages 5-7:

Luke Allen — Category: Cloverbud; award: participation

Baylee Hampton — Category: Cloverbud; award: participation

Ages 8-10:

Guy Deal — Category: Livestock and dairy production, first place

Ages 11-13:

Mason Gabosch — Category: Public speaking, first place

Samantha Simon — Category: Careers and entrepreneurship, first place

Olivia Stirrup — Category: Hospitality, etiquette and social graces, first place

Ages 14-18:

Jaysa Causby — Category: Agricultural safety and health, first place

Ryleigh Fulghum — Category: Arts and communication, first place

Laney Gabosch — Category: Health/fitness, first place

Kayla Hampton — Category: Horse, first place

Anonymous 4-H’er — Category: Fruits and vegetables, first place

All of the above 4-H’ers are eligible to participate/compete during the upcoming Virtual District Activity Day.

NC 4-H virtual horse judging competition

The N.C. 4-H horse judging competition was also moved to a virtual format for 2020. 4-H’ers from across North Carolina judged 12 online video classes including four halter and eight performance classes. Participants also had to answer five questions about each class and upload a set of written reasons defending their placings. This year, Allison Mares of the Happy Trails 4-H Club competed in this event, placing ninth individually in the junior division. She was coached by 4-H club leader volunteer Maggie Boreman.

Rowan County 4-H weekly challenges:

Rowan County 4-H has issued weekly challenges over the next six weeks for Rowan youth to participate in. Each challenge allows youth to use their head, heart, hands or health, which is what the four Hs stand for. At the end of each week, all those who participated in that week’s challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a 4-H item.

The challenges include:

May 4-10: Thank You Note Challenge

May 11-17: Photo Challenge

May 18-24: Environmental Challenge

May 25-31: Healthy Living Challenge

June 1-7: Nature Challenge

June 8-14: Creativity Challenge

These weekly challenges are open to any Rowan County youths ages 5-18 (as of Jan. 1). Participants must be enrolled in 4HOnline at nc.4honline.com. Photos with “proof” of the week’s completed challenge must be emailed no later than each Sunday by 11:59 p.m. to the 4-H agent at laura_allen@ncsu.edu. No late entries accepted.

A flyer with all the details for each challenge has been posted on the Rowan County 4-H Facebook page and weekly reminders will be posted there as well. If you would like a copy of the flyer and all challenge details, email laura_allen@ncsu.edu.

Summer Fun

Rowan County 4-H is busy planning activities for virtual and home-based Summer Fun activities. Once plans are solidified, this information will be posted on the Facebook page and website at rowan.ces.ncsu.edu.

Now is a great time to explore the opportunities that 4-H has to offer. If you have questions about the Rowan County 4-H program, which is open to youth ages 5-18 (as of Jan. 1), then contact 4-H Agent Laura Allen at laura_allen@ncsu.edu or 704-216-8970.