Wilkes County 4-H

Glow in the Dark Party...Anyone???

2009-09-10T10:31:00.002-04:00

Spend the night with 4-Her's from surrounding counties to celebrate 4-H's Centennial with a glow in the dark party. The night will begin on Friday, October 9th and will last until Saturday, October 10th. The event promises to have great food, entertainment, games and a glow in the dark obstacle course. Then on the morning of October 10th, participants will take part in the BIG SWEEP Project at Fisher River Park in Dobson. The event will be held in Dobson at the Surry County Cooperative Extension Office. The total cost is $25 which includes transportation. For more information or to register call Vickie Shew at 336-651-7394

National 4-H Science Day Celebration

2009-09-02T09:31:00.002-04:00

On October 7th, come celebrate National 4-H Science Day, with us as we learn all about science. We will also be learning about alternative energy sources and be creating our very own bio-fuel using everyday household items. Guest Speaker, Paul Barelski, owner of Universe of Science, will be on hand to share some of his very own science tricks. The event will be held at the Cooperative Extension Office from 4-6 p.m. Please RSVP no later than Friday, October 2nd by calling 336-651-7331. Space is limited so call TODAY!!!!

4-H Summer Explosion Coming to an End...

2009-08-16T14:43:00.003-04:00

It's time to head back to school and with that means that another 4-H successful summer is coming to an end. This summer, Wilkes County 4-H saw an action packed summer with weekly and daily programs and camps. All together the 4-H program offered a total of nine different camps and programs to attend for youth of all ages. We hope that everyone had as much fun as we did!!! Don't fret, we are already planning next year's summer explosion, it will be here before you know it. We wish everyone a great school year!

4-H Emerald Pointe Trip

2009-05-15T10:42:00.002-04:00

Looking for a way to cool off this summer? Why not spend the day with 4-Her's from Allgehany and Yadkin Counties at one of the premier Water Parks in the southeast, Emerald Pointe. On July 8th, join us for a day of fun and sun. The Cost for the trip is $32.00 which includes your pass to the water park and a picnic style lunch. Spaces are limited so call the 4-H Office today to reserve your space!!!! Registration ends on Monday, June 8th

4-H Expressive Arts Showcase

2009-04-27T10:00:00.003-04:00

Wilkes County 4-H youth will be showcasing their talents this upcoming weekend in the Expressive Arts Contest. The talent show portion of the program will allow youth to share their individual or group talents on a stage setting. There are additional categories available for youth to participate in, including: visual arts (drawing, photography, etc.) and language arts (poems, short stories, etc.). Youth between the ages of 5-18 are eligible to participate either as an individual or as a group act. The showcase will be on Saturday, May 2nd, beginning at 1pm and running until 4pm. This year's event will be held at Central Wilkes Middle School. To register or for more information please contact the 4-H office at 651-7331

Future Generations For Change Hunger Walk

2009-03-25T13:35:00.002-04:00

The teen council or what is more commonly known as Future Generations for Change will be holding its annual Hunger Walk on Saturday, April 4th with registration beginning at 8:30am and the walk starting at 9:00am. This year's event will take place at the Greenway entrance behind Cook's. The Hunger Walk is a great event that supports the Samaritan Christian Ministry and all their efforts to combat poverty in Wilkes County. All proceeds from the event will go to Samaritan Christian Ministry. The event hopes to bring out community members to participate for a day of community service and fun. For more information please call 336-651-7336

4-H Summer Explosion

2009-03-19T11:08:00.004-04:00

It seems just like yesterday we were packing away our sleeping bags from the 4-H Millstone Summer Camp trip! But summer is once again upon us! This summer the opportunities with 4-H are endless!!! We will once again be offering our two day camps: the 4-H Afterschool Full Day Summer Camp and the ReCharge 4-Health Day Camp. The 4-H Afterschool Summer Camp is for youth who have completed the kindergarten through eighth grades. The camp operates Monday through Friday, from 7:00am to 6:00pm, and will begin on June 22nd and run through August 14th. The ReCharge 4-Health Day Camp is a health and fitness camp for middle school youth who want to make at positive healthy lifestyle change. The youth will participate in weekly field trips, cooking and gardening projects. The camp operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-5:00pm and begins on June 30th. As always the Wilkes County 4-H will also be offering its various day and week programs. These programs include Cooking and Baking with the Chef, Youth Enterprises...turning ideas into cash, Blast off with 4-H...Exploring the world of Rocketry, 4-H Investigates, the SciWorks Science Extravaganza Sleepover, and Cloverbuds...Discovering the world of 4-H. As you can see Wilkes County 4-H has a ton to offer this summer, so call today and join in on the fun!!! For more information please call 336-651-7331!

Wilkes County 4-H Achivement Night

2009-03-10T10:28:00.002-04:00

On March 10th the Wilkes County 4-H held its annual 4-H Achievement Night at the Stone Center. The event brought together 4-H youth, volunteer,staff, and supporters to have a night of fun, food, and friends. While celebrating all the achievements made by the 4-Hers during the 2008 year. This year in honor of North Carolina 4-H's 100th birthday the theme for the night was 4-H: Past, Present, and Future, and those in attendance took part in a birthday style celebration. County Commissioners Zach Henderson and Gary Blevins were in attendance helping pass out awards. Other attendees included Assistant Superintendent Dr. Wanda Hutchinson and Cooperative Extension Board Members John Freas and Matthew Lynch. Sponsors for the event were Brushy Mountain Smokehouse, Farm Bureau, Lowes Food, and Arlena and Lamar Creasman.

Wilkes County 4-H Gearing Up For Summer Fun!!!

2009-02-25T09:55:00.002-05:00

The Wilkes County 4-H is excited to let all its supporters, participants, and volunteers the summer planning is in the works!!!! The Wilkes County 4-H Afterschool will once again be offering its Summer Day Camp. This year's program will begin on Monday, June 22nd, and run through Friday, August 14th. Student's enrolled will enjoy a wide variety of activities including weekly field trips, cooking projects, and swimming three times per week. The 4-H program will also be offering its ReCharge 4-Health program, which is a comprehensive health and well being program for middle school youth who are looking to make a positive, healthy lifestyle change. The program focuses on learning and developing healthy lifestyle habits through hands on cooking projects and physical activities. The program will begin on Tuesday, June 30th and run through August 13th. As always the 4-H program will also offer its special interest workshops throughout the summer. For information on any of the programs being offered this summer please call the 4-H Office at 651-7331

Wilkes County 4-H Centennial Display

2009-01-28T09:07:00.001-05:00

Wilkes County 4-H would like to extend an invitation to all 4-Her’s to help participate in the North Carolina 4-H Centennial Celebration, “We Are 4-H”. Few organizations ever reach their centennial year. But, as you know, in 2009 the North Carolina 4-H Program will celebrate 100 years. From its humble beginnings in northeastern North Carolina as corn growing clubs, North Carolina 4-H
has grown into the largest youth development program in the state. Today's 4-H is a mirror
image demographically of the youth living in North Carolina between the ages of 5 and 19. North Carolina 4-H now serves more than 239,000 young people yearly and 900 youth
annually in Wilkes County. The Wilkes County 4-H will be holding events throughout the year in honor of the landmark achievement. The program is putting together a display of archives and artifacts of 4-H in Wilkes County from the past 100 years and would like to request anyone with items that could be placed in such a display please contact the Wilkes County 4-H at 336-651-7331 by February 13th. Items needed include photographs, scrapbooks, newspaper articles, ribbons, awards, and any other 4-H memorabilia.

Upcoming Events and Deadlines in January

2009-01-05T15:36:00.001-05:00

Putting it all together: Share your 4-H work for this year in an award winning record book!

Join the 4-H Staff at the Extension Office on January 9th, from 4-6pm to complete your project record. Please remember to bring in all your 2008 4-H work, needed forms to complete your book will can be found at www.nc4h.org/publications/forms/index.php. County and District recognition includes monetary vouchers, medals, ribbons, and certificates. Please register by calling the 4-H office at 651-7331 by January 5th. All completed project record books are due to the 4-H Office by January 30th.

Electric Extravaganza!!
January 15th, from 4-6pm, at the Cooperative Extension Office
Ages: 10 and up
Cost: $5.00

You use electricity everyday, but do you understand how it works? Learn some of the basic principles, electric safety, and make a plant soil monitor kit. A plant soil monitor kit allows the user to determine wetness of the soil, and helps prevent over-watering or under-watering of plants and gardens. Spaces are limited, so call by January 9th to reserve your spot.

Upcoming Dates:

January 9th, Honor Club and Scholarship Applications Due
January 9th, Project Record Books Workshop
January 12th, 4-H Camp Meeting
January 15th, Electric Extravaganza
January 24th, West Central Horse Bowl
January 30th Project Record Books Due

Season’s Treats

2008-12-12T10:36:00.001-05:00

Monday, December 22nd, from 9 to 4
Wilkes County Cooperative Extension Office Building
Ages 8-14
Cost: $10.00

The holidays are near and there are plenty of goodies to be made and shared with others. Join in as we learn how to make some holiday treats and gifts. After spending the morning preparing their treats and gifts, participants will relax while watching a holiday movie. This activity-filled day will be a great starter for your gift-giving this holiday season! Make sure to pack a healthy lunch and light refreshments will be served. Please call the 4-H office at 651-7331 to register no later than December 17th.

4-H the possibilities are endless

2008-10-30T12:04:00.002-04:00

Wilkes County 4-H is a United Way supported agency that offers many opportunities for the youth of Wilkes County. The opportunities include everything from after-school care, to community clubs, school enrichment and special interest programs. While 4-H enjoys the reputation of program excellence in traditional areas of agriculture, life sciences, and consumer science, the present 4-H program is at the forefront of contemporary public issues like child care, workforce preparedness, leadership development, and healthy lifestyles. The H's in 4-H stand fro head, heart, hands, and health. With a focus on the total development of youth, 4-H prepares youth ages 5 to 19 to be responsible capable citizens. By taking part in 4-H, youth gain academic and interpersonal skills designed to provide a foundation for their future.

4-H GIS Technology Club

2008-10-27T09:19:00.001-04:00

Pictured is volunteer leader, Chris Neggers, demonstrating the use of GPS Units to club members and parents

On October 20th, Wilkes County 4-H held an organizational meeting of the 4-H GIS Technology Club. Youth and parents participated in a hands-on GIS experience using GPS Units lead by Chris Neggers and Andrew Casey, of Casey Company Forestry, volunteer leaders for this program. The 4-H GIS Technology Club engages youth in hands-on learning experiences that provide them with valuable leadership, communication, and decision-making skills while also introducing them to a new way of seeing, thinking, and interacting with their community around them. Youth can explore their world through meaningful community mapping projects that will help to address community issues. The program incorporates service learning and volunteerism, which enables youth to make a positive contribution to their community. As youth go through the program not only do they learn about the fundamentals of GIS/GPS technologies but also how to make knowledgeable decisions about their world around them. This opportunity is made possible with a grant from ESRI Software in partnership with National 4-H Council. The 4-H GIS Technology Club will be meeting again on Monday, November 3rd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Cooperative Extension Office. The club is open to any youth age 11 and up and their parent. Please call 651-7331 by October 31st , to register. Wilkes County 4-H is a United Way Supported Agency.

Wilkes County 4-H Goat Show

2008-10-16T11:31:00.002-04:00

The Wilkes County 4-H Program recently held a 4-H Area Goat Show at the Wilkes County Agricultural Fair on Tuesday, October 14th. There was a total of five participants in three the three different age categories. Wilkes County was represented by three participants; Kyle Rhodes in the junior age division, Trenton Rhodes in the clover bud division, and Luke Williams in the senior division. Kyle and Trenton Rhodes both placed first in their respected divisions and Luke Williams placed second. The 4-H Program would like to congratulate all participants!!!

Wilkes County to Celebrate National 4-H Week

2008-10-01T11:58:00.000-04:00

Throughout National 4-H week and the year, 4-H’ers solve problems in their communities, raise awareness about environmental issues, and make a difference for their futures in the spirit of 4-H’s vision to create a world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change. In Wilkes County, the 4-H Program has engaged more than 1,162 youth and 44 volunteers through their programming efforts this past year.

You can join the 4-H community today. To learn how to become a 4-H member or volunteer leader in Wilkes County, contact Megan Caudill, 4-H Program Assistant, at 336-651-7585, Cooperative Extension, at 336-651-7331 or megan_caudill@ncsu.edu. 4-H youth from across the nation will be “Keeping It Green” as they celebrate 2008 National 4-H Week October 5-11 by raising awareness about environmental issues and initiating environmental projects that make a positive difference in their communities. Wilkes County 4-H members ask their community to get ready for the challenge by helping the Wilkes County 4-H celebrate with events that are focused on keeping it green that will be held at the Wilkes County Agricultural Fair. 4-H Staff will also honor the first baby to be born during this week at Wilkes Regional Medical Center with a 4-H Goodie Bag. The Wilkes County Commissioners will also honor the celebration by declaring the week of October 5-11, 2008 as National 4-H Week in Wilkes County during their commissioners meeting on October 7th, 2008.

4-H is a community of 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. National 4-H Headquarters, which operates out of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the federal partner of 4-H programs implemented by the Cooperative Extension System of the nation’s 106 land-grant colleges and universities and in local communities through 3,150 county Cooperative Extension offices. Learn more about the 4-H adventure at http://wilkes.ces.ncsu.edu/.

Wilkes County 4-H GIS Technology Club

2008-09-23T08:27:00.001-04:00

Although you may not be aware of it, GIS or what is known as geographic information system touches our lives daily. It is used throughout the world to solve problems related to the environment, health care, land use, business efficiency, education, and public safety. The power supply directed to homes, the patrol cars and fire trucks that keep neighborhoods safe, and the delivery trucks on the road all function more efficiently because of GIS. This technology can also help businesses place ATMs and restaurants at more convenient locations, allow people to pull maps off the Internet, and help farmers grow more crops with less chemicals. This innovative technology is used in countless ways to benefit not only our community but the world as well. GIS technology is a computer-based mapping tool that can take information from a database about a location and turn it into visual layers on a map that can give community leaders and members a better understanding of a particular community issue. The Wilkes County 4-H Program would like to bring this exciting technology to youth through hands-on projects that will provide them with valuable leadership skills while introducing them to a new way of seeing, thinking, and interacting with their community around them. The Wilkes County 4-H Program will be holding a meeting to organize a 4-H GIS Technology Club. The meeting is being held on Monday, October 20th, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Cooperative Extension Office. A light meal will be provided. All youth ages 11 and up and their parents who are interested in participating are encouraged to attend this meeting. Please register no later than October 16th by calling 336-651-7331.

4-H and GIS: Making a Positive Change

2008-09-18T08:41:00.001-04:00

Wilkes County 4-H Youth have been very busy this summer learning about community mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology.

Nathan West, GIS Educator, worked with youth throughout the summer to continue a community mapping project. For the past four summers, youth have looked at community water systems to determine the level of pollution based on the types of insects found within each river, stream, or creek. The locations were recorded using GPS devices. which were gracious purchased with a grant received by the organization by the ESRI Software Corporation. Using geography information systems software, purchased through a partnership with National 4-H and the ESRI Software Corporation, students created maps to showcase their findings with local leaders. As well as shared their knowledge with local officials the youth were able to add sites that were found to high levels of pollution to the list of sites to be cleaned up during the NC Big Sweep each October. As a result of their project efforts, group was invited to participate in this year’s ESRI Education User Conference in San Diego, California. Pamela Escolero who has participated in the project the past four summers attended the conference along with Nathan West, Megan Caudill and other 4-H Staff, volunteers.

Wilkes County 4-H feels it is important to teach this technology to youth because it introduces students to a new way of seeing, thinking, and interacting with the community around them. Students can explore course content in a way that enhances logical, mathematical, linguistic, spatial, and interpersonal skills.

Learning about GIS is beneficial not only in developing computer literacy but also provides training in the process of research including gathering, preparing, storing, and analyzing data and presenting the results of the analysis using a variety of methods. These are skills valuable in both academic and business settings. GIS has also become a job skill that is in demand. Professionals working in many fields recognize that GIS training is a valuable career asset.

Wilkes County 4-H would like to continue the 4-H Technology Club’s community mapping project into the school year. Youth ages 12 and up along with their parents who are interested in participating are invited to an informational organizational meeting on Monday, October 20th at 6:00pm held at the Cooperative Extension Office. For more information or to sign-up to attend the meeting please contact the 4-H office at 651-7585.

4-H Camping Adventures

2008-09-15T11:46:00.000-04:00

This summer the 4-H Office was excited to be able to take 27 youth to 4-H Camp at Millstone 4-H Camping Center during the week of June 29th-July 4th. While at camp the campers enjoyed a week of fun and friends. Campers were able to enjoy activities like swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, and archery to just name a few. Along with being able to send campers to the 4-H Camp Millstone, the 4-H Office was also able to send eight middle-school youth to Camp Challenge. Camp Challenge which was held at the 4-H Sertoma Camping Center is a week-long camp that provides middle school youth with leadership and teambuilding skills that provide the foundation for the to become the future leaders of tomorrow. For this upcoming summer the 4-H Office will once again be offering their camping program. For the 2009 Summer, Campers will be attending the Swannanoa 4-H Camping Center located in Swannanoa, N.C. which is right outside of Asheville. As well as offering eight camping slots to middle-school youth fro Camp Challenge. More information will follow in upcoming newsletters! For all those interested in attending this year’s camp at Swannanoa please attend the informational camp meeting on Tuesday, October 21st beginning at 6:00pm at the 4-H Offices.

Summer Adventures with Wilkes County 4-H

2008-09-11T09:15:00.001-04:00

The Wilkes County 4-H program for years has offered extraordinary learning experiences that have centered on allowing youth to explore their world through hands-on activities and a fun, safe environment. This past summer the Wilkes County 4-H Program was able to send 27 campers in ages from 8 to 14 to Millstone 4-H Camp in Ellerbe, North Carolina. While there campers had the experience of a life-time participating in exciting camping activities while building lasting friendships. This upcoming summer the Wilkes County 4-H program is excited to continue the tradition of the camping experience by offering the youth of Wilkes County the chance to spend a fun-filled week at the Swannanoa 4-H Camping Center in Swannanoa, North Carolina. During their stay youth will engage in traditional camping activities as well as skeet shooting, rope courses, horseback riding, canoeing, and nature studies. 4-H camps are a great asset to youth because they allow youth a learning experience that helps to shape their lives as individuals by promoting positive life skills all while learning from positive adult role models. Camp can be the setting in which youth gain independence and social skills that will become useful in future endeavors. Many camp activities are designed with a combination of self-reliance and team skills that allow youth to achieve goals while gaining self-esteem and understanding the importance of teamwork. The 4-H camping programs are open to all youth ages 8-14 and you do not have to be a 4-H member to attend. The North Carolina 4-H Camps are accredited through the American Camping Assoication. The 4-H Office will be holding an informational camp meeting on October 21st from 6-8pm at the Cooperative Extension Office. Anyone who is interested in participating is encouraged to come. Please call the 4-H Office at 336-651-7331 for more information or to sign-up to attend the meeting. Wilkes County has only reserved 16 spots, so call today to make sure you do not miss the chance at a one in life experience.

Wilkes County 4-H Summer Recap

2008-09-09T13:19:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe that the summer is almost over and fall is upon us! The 4-H Office has seen yet another fun-filled summer draw to a close. This summer the 4-H program offered several exciting programs including the 4-H Investigates camp as well as the newest program, ReCharge 4-Health, which was a huge success. This summer the Wilkes County 4-H Poultry Judging Team which included team members Weston Shew, Luke Williams, and Brooke Yates became the new state champions in the North Carolina 4-H Poultry Judging Competition. The 4-H Program also received a huge honor in being selected to present their annual GIS Project at the ESRI International Education User Conference in San Diego, California. The GIS team which consisted of 4-H staff, volunteers, and youth, Pamela Escolero traveled to the conference and presented their projects while also taking part in hands-on workshops and learning what other 4-H groups are doing with GIS technology. As always Wilkes County 4-H was well represented at the North Carolina 4-H Congress and North Carolina Citizenship Focus this summer. 4-H Program Assistant, Jamie Stroud, and six youth 4-Hers attend this year’s 4-H Congress which was held on the campus of NC State University. While at Congress the 4-Hers were able to meet other 4-Hers from across the state as well as enjoy hands-on workshops, discussion groups, and listening to guest speakers. This summer Wilkes County 4-H was represented by three youth at North Carolina Citizenship Focus which is a week-long program also held at NC State University. N.C. Citizenship Focus allows participants to learn about their state government through hands-on workshops and visiting with prominent NC Officials and legislators. The 4-H Afterschool All-Star Summer was huge success! The program operated from Central Wilkes Middle School and C B Eller Elementary with more than hundred youth participating. Participants enjoyed weekly action-packed fields trips, cooking projects, and swimming. The Wilkes County 4-H enjoyed a great summer and would like to thank all those who participated and helped to make a huge success!!