Dear 4-H Family,
Summer has arrived and 4-H is growing in South Carolina! Since September 2020, South Carolina 4-H has reached over 30,000 youth through a variety of delivery modes, relying heavily on distance-learning strategies. Starting February 2021, in-person programming with groups through Clemson Extension resumed based on local disease incidence and other public health data provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Since April 2021, 4-H volunteers were able to lead clubs in-person on a county-by-county basis. Since June 2021, in-person 4-H programming became available statewide. (To learn more about your programming options locally, contact your local 4-H agent.) Next week, we are hosting State 4-H Congress on Clemson University’s campus for the first time since 2019 (image above). We are expecting 45 youth to be in attendance and cannot wait to greet them.
In-person programming is ramping up in counties throughout the state and at the state level. Regardless of whether we see your smiling face from across the way, behind a mask, or through a digital screen, we love to see YOU. Distance-learning opportunities remain strong with the innovative and engaging efforts of our 4-H staff. Given the many barriers and limitations, we are extremely proud of the connections 4-H agents made with youth and volunteers throughout this past year. You all have transformed camps, clubs, school enrichment, and short-term special interest programs into distance-learning programs which families and youth could accomplish together. Thank you for your support and continued grace as we all work to “make the best better”.
Dr. Pam Ardern retired from 4-H on June 1 and to learn more about her life-long connection to 4-H, visit our most recent 4-H Spotlight. Dr. Ashley Burns, Assistant 4-H Director, is serving in the interim State 4-H Leader role and can be reached at taberp@clemson.edu. Have a wonderful and safe summer! Happy Fourth of July!
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Welcome, Haley!
Haley Vincent is from Lancaster, SC, and recently graduated from Clemson University with a BS degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. During her time at Clemson, Haley interned for both Lancaster County 4-H and the State 4-H Office. She interned for a total of 2 years with South Carolina 4-H. Haley gained valuable experience on both the county and state level of 4-H that she is ready to use with the youth in Kershaw County. Ms. Vincent says, “Ever since I was a little girl, I have always spent most of my time outside whether that was running barefoot in a field, playing in the dirt, or sitting in a deer stand. I have great passion for wildlife and natural resources along with agriculture and livestock. I am very excited about my new position in 4-H and can’t wait to offer youth in Kershaw County with so many opportunities in 4-H”.
Haley Vincent can be contacted at hvincen@clemson.edu or 803-320-8884.
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Monthly 4-H Club Activity Idea
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Each month, this e-newsletter gives you a monthly activity idea that you can try with youth in your club/community. Special attention has been given to make these activities easily conducted on a budget, during a distance-learning or in-person 4-H club setting, and adaptable for multiple age groups.
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4-H Volunteer Leaders Symposium
Join a regional site on August 14th for the 11th annual South Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders Symposium to Spark your "Why". We will host a hands-on symposium in the morning ($5) to Spark your "Why" as volunteers and how you can set youth on a trajectory to thrive. An optional afternoon session ($20) will continue the connection and learning experience with your fellow 4-H volunteers in a fun and engaging way. Each site has a different afternoon session planned. You may choose your site based on your geography and/or desired afternoon session!
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4-H Club Camp
There is still time to register for 4-H Club camo at Camp Bob Cooper July 18-22, 2021 - near Summerton/Santee, SC. Activities will include swimming, canoeing, high adventure elements and climbing tower, archery, team sports, dance and talent show and nightly campfire with singing, skits and stories.
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National 4-H Volunteer Conference
Join 4-H volunteers for a world of opportunities during our 2021 conference. This year's conference includes participation on-site at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia, and virtual components open to participants on-demand and during scheduled conference components. The planning team hopes to bring a record group of volunteers together through the hybrid format.
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4-H Wildlife Food Plot Project
Individuals or groups (5 or more youth) can participate in the 2021 4-H Wildlife Food Plot Project, which is an independent-study project that allows youth (ages 5-18) an opportunity to establish, maintain, and observe a wildlife food plot. Youth learn concepts of wildlife conservation, plant identification, and habitat management and have the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice. Register by August 13.
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4-H STEM Challenge
Designed by Clemson University, the 2021 4‑H STEM Challenge, Galactic Quest, focuses on the mysteries and adventures of space exploration. Galactic Quest explores the history of humans in space, the technology and resources needed for missions, and the obstacles humans encounter in orbit. Activities explore important STEM topics ranging from physics and engineering to computer science and space agriculture. Kits are expected to go on sale in August and can be used throughout the year to spark kids' interest in STEM.
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4-H Pinckney Leadership Camp
4-H Pinckney Leadership Camp applications are open! If you know a rising 7th or 8th-grade student who is interested in joining the Pinckney Leadership family please share this flyer with them. Applications are online.
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South Carolina Jr. Beef Roundup
The South Carolina Jr. Beef Round-Up is usually held the first weekend of August each year at Clemson University's T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena near Clemson, SC. Clemson University's Cooperative Extension Service organizes and coordinates this weekend of beef cattle activities for youth and their families. In addition to the great camaraderie, there are many opportunities for junior cattlemen to win college scholarships, savings bonds, livestock supplies, and show equipment. Some of the events include the Sales Talk Contest, Jr. Cattlemen's Contest, Showmanship Contest, Breed Shows, and SC Beef Ambassador Contest. Mark your calendars for August 6-8, 2021!
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4-H Horse Camp at Home
Can’t travel, missing out on horse camp, or don’t own a horse? No problem! We have the camp for you. Join us for Horse Camp at Home. This online camp will give youth daily craft activities, lesson resources, and more. Campers will log in daily for a live educational lesson. Daily optional horseback riding assignment will be available for campers that do own a horse. The best part is that the camp is FREE!!! Register by July 16.
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4-H in the News!!!
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