By Laura Allen
4-H Agent

Rowan County 4-H has been busy planning more summer programs for youth. Because of COVID-19, we are not able to have in-person camps this summer, but we are still offering lots of program options for youth ages 5-18.

Our intern, Murphy Stafford, has worked hard to create four new kits that Rowan youths 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 opens July 1 at 8 a.m. and closes on July 12 at 5 p.m. Youth will also have to be enrolled in 4-H at nc.4honline.com. Once registration has been completed, parents will sign up for a scheduled pick up time to come by the Extension office to receive the kits. Pick up dates are July 13, 14, 20, 21.

Let’s Get Musical Kit: This kit is available for youth ages 5-8 (as of Jan. 1). This kit will provide supplies and instructions for four different instrument crafts. Items required by the participant include tape, scissors, glue, markers or paint (optional), and a thumbtack or anything to poke holes with. Free. Twelve kits available.

Staycation Kit: This kit is also for youth ages 5-8 (as of Jan. 1). This kit will provide supplies and instructions for four different crafts that revolve around traveling, but without ever leaving your home. The items required by the participant include: tape, scissors, and a marker. Free. Twelve kits available.

At Home Spa Day Kit: This kit, open to youth ages 9-18 (as of Jan. 1), will provide supplies and instructions for four different spa treatments for a fun day of relaxing at home. The items required by the participant include: water, lemon juice, and liquid soap. Families will need to be able to boil water at home and have a bowl for mixing. Free. Seven kits available.

STEM Kit: This kit is for youth ages 9-18 (as of Jan. 1). This kit will provide supplies and instructions for four different crafts that revolve around fun science, technology, engineering, and mathematically inspired activities. The items required by the participant include plastic wrap, glue, pen, tape, and an egg. There will be a competition that is attached to one of the crafts. If the participant wishes they can join by sending a video to the email: lahoffne@ncsu.edu; the fastest time will win a 4-H prize. Free. Twelve kits available.

To register for these kits, go to https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/rowan-county-4-h-summer-fun/. All class descriptions and registration links are provided. Check back to this site often for changes and updates. 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.

• North Carolina 4-H is offering lots of free programs on multiple topics for youth of all ages. Program titles include: Coffee & Culture; Back to the Basics; Plant Geeks Unite; STEM; Log on to Leadership; Down on the Farm; Explore Outdoors; 4-H Healthy Habits Family. Registration opened on June 1 and will remain open for most of the summer. Most of these programs are at-home, self-paced programs. 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 County) 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/

Many of our Rowan County 4-H clubs are meeting virtually. If you haven’t joined a 4-H club before and want to learn more about what a 4-H club does, consider visiting a club virtually. You can meet the volunteer leaders and members and participate in the virtual activities. Of course, 4-H clubs are more fun to attend in-person, but now is a great time to easily visit multiple 4-H clubs virtually to see which one fits you best. To learn more about our 4-H clubs, visit: https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/rowan-county-4-h-clubs/

Lastly, I want to encourage you to financially support our Rowan County 4-H Program. This summer we are offering free programs so that youth have the opportunity to participate no matter what their financial circumstances may be during this volatile time in our society. However, as with everything, there are costs associated with all 4-H events. If you want to help support 4-H, you can donate online at go.ncsu.edu/donate-rowancounty4h. You can also attend our 4-H Port-a-Pit fundraiser on July 10 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Extension office. Please pre-order your tickets by calling 704-216-8970 or coming by the office to purchase your tickets. Proceeds from this event will help provide 4-H event scholarships to youth, training opportunities for our 4-H volunteers, and 4-H programming materials and supplies.

We miss seeing our 4-H’ers and Summer Fun participants in-person, but we hope the at-home and virtual opportunities we are providing will be fun for your children. If you have questions about any of the summer opportunities available or our upcoming Port-a-Pit fundraiser, please contact laura_allen@ncsu.edu or 704-216-8970. The Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office is located at 2727-A Old Concord Road Salisbury, NC 28146.