By Laura Allen
4-H Agent

Even though school is out for the summer, it’s important that children continue to learn and grow during their time away from school. This summer, Rowan County 4-H is still offering 4-H Summer Fun workshops and classes, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, they will look a little different. Any youths ages 5-18 (as of Jan. 1) are invited to participate in these activities, regardless if they are currently in 4-H or not. We will be covering lots of topics, including agriculture, sewing, crafts, outdoor exploration, STEM and much more.

Because of COVID-19, more collaboration has happened among 4-H agents across North Carolina to make 4-H Summer Fun as hands-on, interactive and fun as possible, even though we cannot meet in person. There are tons of cross-county 4-H Summer Fun opportunities available; these programs will also allow youth to interact with other 4-H youth from across our state.

Rowan County 4-H has also planned programs just for Rowan County youths. We currently have three hands-on kits available that youth can be registered to receive. These kits are free and include a majority of the materials needed to complete the tasks. Pre-registration is required and is open until June 30. Once registration has been completed, parents will be contacted and will receive a scheduled pick up time to come by the Extension office to receive the kits.

Sew Much Fun: This kit, open to youths ages 9-18 (as of Jan. 1), will allow youths to learn how to hand stitch four different stitches and learn how to sew on a button. Families will need access to an iron and ironing board; all other materials provided. Pre-recorded demonstration videos will be provided to assist youth in this activity. Free. Twenty kits available.

Let’s Get Crafty: This kit is designed for youths ages 5-8 (as of Jan. 1). This kit will provide supplies and instructions for five different crafts. These crafts can be done at home at your own pace. Items required by the participant include: scissors, glue, hot glue, tape, pen/pencil, markers (washable and permanent). Free. Twenty kits available.

Up, Up & Away: This kit, available to youths ages 7-13 (as of Jan. 1), provides supplies and instructions for four different airplane and rocket activities. Items required by the participant include: scissors; tape; pen/pencil; crayons, markers or colored pencils; tape measure (optional). Free. Twenty kits available.

There are also non-kit, virtual Summer Fun opportunities available to Rowan County youth and one is coming up very soon.

Virtual Poultry Camp: This free, virtual camp will be held online on Zoom from 10-11 a.m. on June 8-12 daily and will be taught by the Rowan County Cooperative Extension 4-H agent and livestock agent. Youths will learn about poultry terminology & purposes, breed origins, egg color, breeds, types of operations, exterior parts of the bird, and the digestive system. Youths will dissect an egg, candle eggs, enjoy a virtual tour of a poultry farm and more. Each day will consist of a lesson, activity, and short, easy homework task. Limit to 20. Registration due by June 1.

To register for these programs, visit https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/rowan-county-4-h-summer-fun/. All registration links are provided. Check back to this site often for updates as Rowan County 4-H will continue to plan and create additional 4-H Summer Fun programs for July and August. This website also includes registration links to additional virtual 4-H programs from across the state that Rowan County youths are eligible to attend.

I want to highlight a few of the 4-H Summer Fun opportunities offered to youths all across the state. Even though these are not being orchestrated by Rowan County 4-H, do not neglect them. They will be amazing opportunities for your children.

• Since overnight camps are closed, N.C. 4-H is offering a virtual camping experience on June 22-26. Families have an a la carte menu of organized camp activities to choose from. Register soon, as it’s filling up fast. https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/camps-centers/
• North Carolina 4-H is offering lots of free programs, with registration opening on June 1. For details, check out: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/4-h-curriculum-at-a-glance/nc-4-h-virtual-summer-programs/.
• 4-H Agents across the South Central 4-H District (a 19-county area that includes Rowan) are planning district 4-H SPIN Clubs. These special interest clubs will meet several times throughout the summer and focus on various topics. They will include learning, at-home challenges, and more! Details listed here: https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/rowan-county-4-h-summer-fun/

We will miss our in-person interactions this summer, but we are excited about the opportunity to continue educating youth by providing at-home and virtual opportunities. If you have questions about any of the summer opportunities available, please contact laura_allen@ncsu.edu or 704-216-8970. The Rowan County Cooperative Extension office is located at 2727-A Old Concord Road in Salisbury.