Camp for Christmas!!

2008 Campers take some time to get to know Gimlie, one of the camp’s horses, between riding and grooming lessons.

It’s that time again!! No, not for snowflakes and Santa, but for thinking about canoes, crafts and Richmond County 4-H Camp! What better present under the tree than a week of fun and excitement this summer!! If you pay the deposit before Dec. 19th, we will make you a certificate to open (maybe wrapped inside a new sleeping bag, etc?!?)

We will be camping at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Camp in Reidsville, NC. We will depart on Sunday, July 26th and return on Friday, July 31st, 2009.

The camp is accredited by the ACA and is staffed by trained and dedicated young men and women from across the country and around the world. Youth aged 9-14 participate in horseback riding, canoeing, archery, climbing, swimming, arts & crafts, cookouts, campfires, nature exploration, team-building, high ropes, and much more. Adventure programs offer older youth (13 and 14 year olds) opportunities to gain compass, GPS and other outdoor living skills, plus participate in rock climbing, swift water canoeing and more. All these activities help youth improve their leadership and communication skills while making new friends from across the state.

If you are interested in more information about 4-H Camp, and to pay a $50 deposit or the whole camp fee of $315, call 997-8255 or email michelle_stumbo@ncsu.edu for a copy of the camp form! You can also check out what happened at camp this year in earlier posts. There will be an opportunity to receive $50 -$100 Camp Scholarships this year, and the application will be mailed to those having paid their deposits before April 1st!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Camping!!



2008 Campers learn water safety while having fun on the lake. Older campers even get to try their hand at swift water canoeing.

Christmas Time Is Here!!

Nothing rings in the Christmas season for me than taking time to give to those who may not be as blessed as I am during this time of year. 14 Richmond County 4-H'ers & parents met last night to do just that!!

Richmond 4-H County Council members chose this year's project of giving donations to the BackPack Pals ministry. This is a program that provides backpacks with non-perishable foods to students to eat on the weekends when they may not get a good meal. The students are then responsible for returning the backpack on Monday to participate the next week. Richmond County 4-H'ers collected over 350 individual items for donation for the group!! Richmond County 4-H Livestock Club earned a pizza party at their next meeting for collecting the most items! Family & Friends 4-H Club and Animals "R" Us 4-H Club came in a very close second & third. Great job everyone!!

While we were at the office, we also took some time to write letters to go into Hero Packs, which are given to children of deployed military parents. Two letters go into each Pack, one encouraging the child and one to go to the child's serving parent. The letters will go into Hero Packs to be given out over the next few months.

If you would like more information about Hero Packs, which are a part of Operation: Military Kids, check out http://www.nc4h.org/military/index.html. For more info about the BackPack Pals Ministry, contact Michelle at the Extension Office.



Richmond County 4-H members Courtney Miller & Aaron Wiggins were two of the 4-H'ers who donated food & wrote letters for the Operation: Military Kids Program.

Rabbit & Poultry Expo Sets the Stage!

Five young members of the Animals "R" Us 4-H Club recently met at the Extension Office to show off the animals they had worked with this year. They didn't need to trailer to bring them, or even a lead rope to tie them up with though. Kaitlin Brown, Brenden Watson, Kendell Watson, Courtney Miller, and Katie Miller all participated in the Rabbit & Poultry Expo! Click here to see pictures!

Pictured are Brenden Watson, Kendell Watson (with Kaitlin Brown's chicken, Katie Miller, and Kaitlin Brown.

4-H'ers spoke with Richard Goforth, Extension's Poultry Area Agent and Tiffanee Conrad-Acuna about taking care of their animals and each animals good points and areas for improvement. They also helped the 4-H'ers with their showmanship skills in preparation for having a full Rabbit & Poultry Show next year!

We are excited about the possibility of hosting a full show, with market and showmanship class, next year! If you would like more information about showing rabbits or poultry, please call Michelle or Tiffanee at 997-8255. If you don't have an animal - don't worry - we can help with that too!

Farm-City Week Ends on a High Note!

Pictured are Mrs. Betty Wilson, Farm City Week Chairperson, Mr. Clinton McRae, Richmond County Cooperative Extension Director, and Mr. Wiley Mabe, Farm-City Banquet Speaker and local businessmen. Mr. Mabe was presented a basket of local goodies to enjoy (much better than a plaque!)

Well, another Farm-City Week has come and gone. We hope that all of you took some time to share what you are thankful for with your family and friends over the Thanksgiving Break, and that you included the great agricultural heritage that we have in this country. We wouldn't have much of anything to be thankful for without the hard work of our farmers, and definitely not the good food that we had at my house!!

We had a very eventful Farm-City Week this year, ending with a wonderful banquet at the Cole Auditorium at RCC. Extension's own Ms. Carol Capel provided the entertainment for the evening with an amazing selection of songs to get everyone thinking about what we need to be thankful for. Mr. Wiley Mabe was our keynote speaker, and he shared his thoughts about growing up in Richmond County, his time spent away from home, and his desire to return. He stated that he owes a great deal of his success to the values he learned and support he recieved from the farming community and feels a strong desire to give back to his community wherever possible. Click here to see pictures from the Banquet!

We had a great time participating in this year's Farm-City Week activities, and hope that you did too. Please mark your calendars for next year, and remember to be thankful for all we have been blessed with in Richmond County!!

Farmer's Luncheon Honors Farmers!!

If you went by the Richmond County Cooperative Extension Office yesterday at this time, you would have noticed many people working hard on the grills, burners and deserts getting things ready for the Farmer's Luncheon! AND A LINE FORMING!!

Cooks Earl Graves, Tommy Peacock, Robert Hill, Myers Waddell, Neal Martin, Gene Shaw, Jamie Lambeth and David Dycus worked hard to prepare a fantastic meal, which included the Farmer's Luncheon Debut of Chevon, or goat meat! Everyone really enjoyed the meal and we want to thank thos who had a hand in preparing or providing it! Special thanks to First Health, Pee Dee Electric, and Purdue Farms for their donations to help make the event a success. Click Here to check out pictures of the event!

After everyone had their fill (or overfill!!) of all the great food, all the agricultural agencies gave a quick update, including Cooperative Extension, USDA Farm Services Agency, Soil & Water Conservation District, USDA Rural Development and North Carolina Department of Agrictulture. Dr. Sharon Morrissey of Richmond Community College spoke and invited everyone to a forum on Agricultural Education to be held in late January.

The Keynote Speaker for the event was Mr. James Haynes, Richmond County Manager. Mr. Haynes spoke on the values and character traits that agricultural live instills in youth and how being raised in a farming community helped lead him where he is today.

Richmond County Farm City Week is nearing its close, and we want to invite everyone to the Cole Auditorium at Richmond Community College for the Farm City Banquet. The Banquet begins at 6:30 and cost $10 which you can pay at the door. Extension's own Carol Capel will be providing a bit of musical entertainment and should not be missed!

Farm City Parade Rings in the Holiday Cheer!!

It may have been a bit cold on Saturday morning, but many people braved the weather to come out and celebrate Farm-City Week in Ellerbe! The Annual Farmer's Parade started at 11:00 and included entries ranging from our Grand Marshall, Mr. Paul Wilson, Jr (pictured with wife Mrs. Betty Wilson,) to marching bands, to candy throwing 4-H'ers, to tractors, all decked out for the event! More than 115 floats and other entries were a part of this year's kick-off event. It was really a great event for all involved, and I think many kids took home more candy than on Halloween!!

Farm-City Week began as a way to bring people from urban and rural life together to celebrate the hard work that farmers and folks in the agricultural community provide for our country. It is held the week of Thanksgiving to help get everyone in a mood to be thankful for all that we have, and maybe because this is the week where we eat A LOT of the hard work of farmers!

This year Richmond County 4-H was at the parade site to educate youth (and some brave adults) about agriculture and where some common products come from. Carolina the White Beveren rabbit made her debut appearance as an educational animal and Henrietta the chicken, who is a veteran teacher, was a little shy, but still showed her feathers for the crowd. Kids were also able to make a free Houseplant Scare Crow, almost guaranteed to keep away spiders, flies and house cats! The craft materials were provided free of charge due to a generous gift from Richmond County Farm Bureau!! THANKS!!!

To check out pictures from the parade and the 4-H booth, CLICK HERE!!

Science Adventures Helps Youth Understand Nature & Teamwork!

We had another great, if hectic, year of 4-H Science Adventures at Millstone 4-H Camp. Around 600 Richmond County 5th graders recently spent a day at camp learning about science and teamwork. The program is geared towards giving teachers and students a day of learning about natural resources and the environment in the natural beauty and fun setting of Millstone 4-H Camp!

The program was successful again this year with 96% of teachers surveyed finding that the project was a useful addition in helping their class meet requirements set by the NC Department of Public Instruction Standard Course of Study. Also, 93% of reporting teachers noticed an improvement in class participation and student attitudes.

Thanks to all the volunteer instructors who give their valuable time to participate in this event. They include: Richmond County Beekeepers Marv Powell and David Auman, Victoria Hudson of the Richmond County Health Department, Morrow Mountain State Park Staff, Ben Cooper of Richmond County Soil & Water Conservation, Scotland County Soil & Water Conservation, Pee Dee Wildlife Refuge Staff, William Terry and Ben Shutt of Millstone 4-H Camp, Weymouth Woods State Park Staff, Sandhills Research Station staff members Mark Thompson and Jeremy Martin, Alan Clark of the NC Forest Service, Paige Burns and Tiffanee Conrad-Acuña of Richmond County Cooperative Extension, and Lauren Irby of Chatham County Cooperative Extension.

Thanks to the teachers and school administrators who give up time in the classrooms to allow this program to reach their students. Finally, thanks to the students who give their attention and a willing to participate in this program. We look forward to hosting the program again in 2009. Richmond County 4-H is proud to be supported by the United Way of Richmond County, as well as the wonderful citizens of the county! For more information about joining or volunteering with 4-H, please contact Michelle Stumbo at michelle_stumbo@ncsu.edu, or 997-8255!


Nature at work! We found this little lizard hunting the fly on a sign at the NC Zoo! 4-H'ers learned about Predator/Prey relationships like this one at 4-H Science Adventures!!

Livestock Show Circuit Banquet!

Richmond County 4-H'ers travelled the new stretch of Highway 74 last night to celebrate the 4-H Sandhills Farm Credit Show Circuit Banquet in Columbus County. The Banquet was held at Sandhills Community College. The Columbus County staff had a great dinner prepared to celebrate the achievements of the 4-H'ers who completed the required livestock shows during the fall show season.

Participating in livestock shows takes ALOT of time and dedication on the part of these 4-H members and ALOT of patience on the part of the parents! Thanks to all the 4-H members, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, agents, brothers, sisters, and general supporters for all of their help and assistance throughout the season! Click here to see the pictures from the event & check out the final standings below!

Richmond County had 16 participants , including: Savannah Chappell, Taylor Chappell, Abigail Hamilton, Brianna Hamilton, DeLani Reep, Madelyn Chappell, Jordan Carroll, Christin Deese, Elizabeth Deese, Sarah Maske, Ryan McInnis, Trey McInnis, Grayson McQueen, Abby Allen, Michael Ezzell, and Nathan Ezzell. Everyone did a fantastic job & we are so proud for all of the hard work that you have all put in this season!! We are looking forward to next year!!!!!

Goats

Richmond County Cloverbuds!

Savannah Chappell, Taylor Chappell, Abigail Hamilton, Brianna Hamilton and DeLani Reep.

Junior
1. Christin Deese - Richmond County!
2. Jordan Carroll - Richmond County
3. Carly Blair Godwin
4. Michaela McInnis
5. Bethany Thompson

Junior Intermediate
1. Ryan McInnis - Richmond County
2. Elizabeth Deese - Richmond County
3. Morgan Rockwell
4. Grayson McQueen - Richmond County
5. Theresa Fehlman

Senior
1. Nathan Ezzell - Richmond County
2. Paige Harrelson
3. Joanna Carter
4. Michael Ezzell - Richmond County
5. Abby Allen - Richmond County

Market Lambs

Junior
1. Drayton Hancock
2. Eugenie Vorder Bruggae
3. Bobby Seals
4. Ashley Wilson
5. Isabella Love

Junior Intermediate
1. Ruth Vorder Bruggae
2. Martha Vorder Bruggae
3. Samantha Naylor
4. Olivia Forbes
5. Stephen Bordeaux

Senior
1. Heather Goodrich
2. Jamie Bordeaux
3. Danielle Hunt

Beef Heifers

Senior
1. Katie Pesta
2. Sarah Herring (2nd place is an unbroken tie)
2. Nick Kiker
3. Dixie Acorn

Volunters Fall Into Training!

Not many of us are willing to set our alarms and get up bright & early on a Saturday to be trained to become a better volunteer. However, that is just what Ms. Mamie LeGrand did last Saturday as we met early and carpooled to Robeson County for the South Central Extension District's Volunteer Fall Day! Ms. LeGrand is a new 4-H volunteer who spent the day connecting and getting ideas from about 50 volunteers from across the district.

She attended two workshops, starting with the ACE Volunteer Program to reward volunteers for their hard work and motivate them to share what they learn with other volunteers, which was taught by Mom, also known as Eleanore Getz, a Cumberland County Volunteer. She next attended a workshop taught by Shea Ann DeJarnette, the Robeson County 4-H Extension Agent, on the Jim Collins book "From Good to Great." The workshop explained the theories and principles in the book and allowed volunteers to apply them to their 4-H volunteer work. The two remaining workshops were taught by Bobby Rogers, a Robeson County 4-H volunteer and Christy Strickland, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent in Robeson County and covered woodworking and kid friendly craft ideas.

After the workshops, and a delicious meal prepared by the brave Robeson Staff & Volunteers, a business meeting was held to elect officers and vote a changes brought about by Extension redistricting. The next District Volunteer Association meeting will be held at Volunteer Leaders Conference in February. To find out more, check out the pictures Michelle took by clicking here & the info the Robeson County Staff posted by checking out www.robeson4-h.blogspot.com! Everyone had a great time and is looking forward to February!

Happy Halloween Everyone! I remember holidays spent carving pumpkins before going trick-or-treating and wanted to give everyone the chance to decorate their own pumpkin today in a less messy way! Have fun & be safe!!

Decorate your pumpkin here!

In other news, our own wonderful Ms. Leeann Crump was recently awarded the "I Got Caught" Award for the South Central Extension District! The award recognizes those who go above and beyond the call of duty to make life easier and Leeann does that everyday that she graces us by being a part of our team! Thanks Leeann for being you! Pictured is Leeann receiving her award from Dr. Donald Cobb, South Central Extension District Director.

4-H At The Fair!!

Richmond County 4-H had a strong presence at the County Fair on Wednesday night! The 4-H Fun Pet Show and Pumpkin Decorating Contest were held at the Grandstands and saw a good turnout.

The 4-H Pet Show began at 6:00 and had 12 entries and 12 amazing pet winners and owners! Autumn King and Zero the ferret got the Slinkiest Award. Delani Reep and Sarah Beth, the 4-H Livestock Show goat got the Cutest Award. Campbell Gross and Rocky the Hermit Crap took home the Best Trick Award for his amazing ability to take a bath. Charlie Gross and George the Turtle received the Best “Where I Came From” Award for the remarkable story of rescue from the highway. The dogs had the strongest specie showing, with Caiti Dunn and Cassady receiving the Shortest Long Dog Award, Carter Roberson and Remmy took home the Best Dancer Award, Toby Lunceford and Bell got the Shyest Award, Christian Salcedo with Kane received the Biggest 9 Month Old Award, Brenden Watson with Buddy took home with Biggest Ears Award, Kendall Watson with Smoky got the Most Energized Award, and Zachary Sharpe and Oscar received the Best Little Monster Award. Congratulations to all of our amazing winners!!

The 4-H Pumpkin Decorating Contest was held after the Pet Show Awards and had almost 30 participants. The Under 5 Year Old group had the most artists, including Chase Roberson, Toby Lunceford, Campbell Gross, Charlie Gross, Cody Eathson, James Eason, Amara Straight, and Andrew Straight. The 5 to 8 Year Old division included Caiti Dunn, Carter Roberson, Delani Reep, Zachary Sharpe, Abigail Straight, Maddie Vandermass, and Michaela Turner. Autumn King, Cody King, Kristi Reep, Alana McQueen, Michael Vandermass, Jonathan Porter, Anna Straight, Madison Turner, and Nichole Meggs were in the 9 to 13 Year Old division. Last, but certainly not least, Amber Denney and Lauren Earp participated in the 14-18 Year Old division. Everyone did a fantastic job decorating their pumpkins and got to take their art home to share for fall decorating!!

Special thanks to the Hamlet Lions Club for providing awards and sound equipment. Thanks to 4-H County Council members Michael Ezzell, Nathan Ezzell, Grayson McQueen and Courtney Miller for their hard work to make last night a success. Thanks to all the participants and spectators who came to cheer on the youth participating in these events!!

Richmond County 4-H Showmen Are Great!!

It's been another busy couple weeks for our Richmond County 4-H Goat Showmen! Several of them recently competed at the Cumberland and Anson County Shows and did very well. It's hard to believe that we only have 2 more shows before the State Fair. Be sure to tell these 4-H'ers how proud you are of them the next time you see them!

On a windy night at the Cumberland County Fair, Christin Deese and Jordan Carroll finished 1st & 2nd in the Junior 9-10 class. Junior 11-13 is always a tough class to judge and had Ryan McInnis in 1st, Sarah Maske 3rd, Elizabeth Deese 4th, and Grayson McQueen 7th.

The Anson County Agricultural Expo was also held last weekend and Richmond County 4-H was again in the top placings! The Junior 9-10 class finished with Christin Deese in 2nd, first year showmen Madelyn Chappell in 3rd, and Jordan Carroll in 6th place. Richmond County took 4 of the top five spots in the Junior 11-13 class where Ryan McInnis took 1st place, Elizabeth Deese came in 2nd, first year showmen Trey McInnis finished 4th and Sarah Maske took 5th place. The Senior division found Abby Allen in 1st place, Michael Ezzell in 3rd and Nathan Ezzell in 7th.

We continue to be amazed by the growth and responsibility that these young people are showing through these projects! Great Job!!

Richmond County Showmen Continue to Show Their Class!

Richmond County 4-H Livestock Showmen continue to do an outstanding job at the 4-H Farm Credit Showmanship Circuit Shows! Recently members again took top prizes at shows in Union and Stanly Counties.

At the hot & sunny show in Union County, NC, 8 Richmond County Showmen were in the line-up, including Jordan Carroll, Elizabeth & Christin Deese, Michael & Nathan Ezzell, Sarah Maske, Ryan McInnis, and Grayson McQueen! Showmanship classes are always a tough call, and show judge Brent Jennings did not have an easy decision to make in any class. Jordan Carroll won the Junior 9-10 division, with Christin Deese coming in second. The Junior 11-13, always a big, tough group to place, found Ryan McInnis in the top spot, followed by Elizabeth Deese in 2nd, Grayson McQueen in 4th and Sarah Maske in 11th. Michael Ezzell took home 1st place Senior showman and Nathan Ezzell came in 4th in the class. Everyone did a fantastic job showing in the heat & sun! Hope no one got burned!!

At the Stanly County Show, Richmond County Showmen again took many top places! Junior 9-10 Showmanship found Christin Deese in 3rd place, Jordan Carroll in 4th, and first year showman Madelyn Chappell in 5th! The Junior 11-13 group finished with Ryan McInnis in 1st, Elizabeth Deese in 2nd, Grayson McQueen in 3rd, Sarah Maske in 4th, and Trey McInnis in 10th place. Richmond County showmen also took the top spots in the Senior Showmanship class, with Michael Ezzell in 1st, Nathan Ezzell in 2nd, and Abby Allen in 3rd!

We could not be more proud of all the hard work that you all put into these projects! We look forward to seeing how the last couple shows before the State Fair goes! For more information on supporting these 4-H'ers as they plan to compete at the NC State Fair or about the 4-H Program in general, please contact Michelle Stumbo at michelle_stumbo@ncsu.edu.

JCPenney Day of Giving Back

Help raise money for Richmond County 4-H by saving on your JCPenney purchases!

When you shop at Richmond Plaza JCPenney between September 14 and 28, you can purchase a $5 coupon good for 20% off* almost all JCPenney store, jcp.com and catalog purchases made on Sunday, September 28. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund will then donate your $5 to Richmond County 4-H!

Also, join us for the Day of Giving Back at Richmond Plaza JCPenney on Sunday, September 28 to redeem your coupon and celebrate the important work that Richmond County 4-H is doing for kids in our community.

Shopping while helping others…
it’s a winning combination!

*10 or 15% discount on certain purchases; some exclusions apply. See coupon for details.

For more information, please contact Michelle Stumbo at
910-997-8255 or michelle_stumbo@ncsu.edu.

"Herd" What Happened at the 4-H Goat Show?!?

Most people will tell you that “office hours” do not include Saturdays, but the Richmond County Cooperative Extension Office was hard at work this past Saturday hosting the 2008 Richmond County Goat Show. The Richmond County Show attracted youth from 8 counties, including Anson, Columbus, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Montgomery, Richmond and Union Counties. A total of 35 4-H’ers brought more than 60 animals to the farm of Dale Dewitt in Ellerbe.

The Richmond County 4-H Livestock Club really showed their stuff on Saturday by competing strongly in every event. Richmond County 4-H’ers took home all of major awards of the show. The club members are: Trey McInnis, Savannah Chappell, DeLani Reep, Christin Deese, Taylor Chappell, Jordan Carroll, Sarah Maske, Grayson McQueen, Nathan Ezzell, Madelyn Chappell, Abby Allen, Bobbie Martin, Ryan McInnis, Elizabeth Deese, Michael Ezzell, Brianna Hamilton and Abigail Hamilton. Everyone in the club did a fantastic job and is looking forward to the rest of the show season.

Abby Allen was awarded the Senior Showmanship award, while Elizabeth Deese was the Junior 11-13 Showmanship winner and Christin Deese won the Junior 9-10 Showmanship division. The Showmanship classes are designed to gauge the 4-H’ers knowledge, skill, and hard work logged with the animal before the show. 4-H’ers can be asked questions about their animals and how they are cared for while presenting the animal to the best of their ability for the judge.

Ryan McInnis, a 4-H’er from Richmond County, showed the Grand Champion Doe. Jordan Carroll of Richmond County showed the Reserve Champion Doe. Does are females who will be bred and will continue production on the farm. Does are judged on their frame and structure based on how they would carry the extra weight of being pregnant and the stress of milking.

Both the Grand and Reserve Champion Market Wethers were from Richmond County. Wethers are judged on the total marketability of the animal. The Grand Champion Market Wether was shown by Christin Deese of Richmond County. Elizabeth Deese, also of Richmond County, showed the Reserve Champion Market Wether.

We would like to again thank our Richmond County 4-H Goat Show Sponsors who have already contributed: Richmond County Farm Bureau, Inc., Richmond County Tourism Authority, Iron Horse Auction Co., Mrs. Leeann Crump, Champion Ford, E.E. Vuncannon, Inc., Fiesta Brava, Triple L Farms, Hideaway Farms, Wal-Mart, Jordan & Jordan Enterprises, Robinson's Diesel Shop, Carolina Farm Credit, Andrews Farm Produce, Awards Plus & Kitty Kat’s Embroidery, Wiley Mabe, and Ellerbe Pharmacy. Several individuals and businesses donated funds that were used to purchase pens to be used at the show, including: John McInnis Farm, Danny & Glenda McInnis, Scotland Motors, Inc, Lee Howell & family, and Fidelity Bank. Special thanks to Edwin Richardson of Farm Bureau for awarding plaques and ribbons and to Dale & Melanie DeWitt for donating outstanding show facilities and serving as the ring steward and show announcer for the day.

To join these youngsters as "Future 4-H Showman" please contact Michelle Stumbo, 4-H Extension Agent, or Tiffanee Conrad-Acuña, Livestock Extension Agent at 997-8255. United Way of Richmond County also supports Richmond County 4-H Club activities.

Home Safe & Sound

Well our week of camp is over and we have made it back to Richmond County! This happy camper even managed to catch up on her sleep over the weekend & is excited to continue this blog about other 4-H activities. The above picture was taken at the last campfire on Thursday night, after the dance.



It takes awhile to get all the stuff packed up, especially to get it back into the bags just the way the grown-ups at home did to make sure it all fits. But with some help from cabin counselors we got packed up Friday morning. The gals from Cabin 1 were making sure they hadn't forgotten anything when we snapped this picture.






Special thanks to the staff at BJ Penn 4-H Educational Center, volunteers & agents from Robeson & Chatham Counties, families for sending their campers & our LIT's (Leader In Training) for the great time Richmond County campers had this week!! The LIT's pictured did a fantastic job this week & we are looking forward to watching these young people develop even more leadership skills in the future.

Thanks for a great week!!! Be sure to register early for next year & check back for general 4-H updates!

Last Day of Camp

Well the last full day of camp has come and gone and it is bittersweet feelings that I post this. The campers are sleeping soundly after a fun-filled day of activities which included the final trips to the classes, a farewell dance, campfire & even fireworks!

Trekkers (some older campers) got back from their trip off site this afternoon. They have been swift-water canoeing, repelling, and taking care of themselves (with counselors present, of course) by cooking their own meals and building their own shelters. They got back just in time to get their camp souvenirs at the end of store break today. Parents, don't be surprised to see hacky sacks, pen lights, stuffed animals, water bottles, and stickers when we get home tomorrow!! The picture was taken before these Trekker Gals went off site.

The younger campers participated in their last day of classes today. The group that I got to assist at the Rock Wall today ALL MADE IT TO THE TOP!!! Great job Health Group!!!! Our horseback riders got out of the ring today and went on a real trail ride to prove that they have learned to balance in that seat this week. Everyone had a lot of fun, but I'm sure that we will all miss our new friends when we get back to reality.

Everyone seems excited to get home tomorrow. It's been a busy, hot week & we're all getting a little tired at this point, but we all took time tonight to exchange contact information with our new friends before heading to bed. We'll see you all tomorrow at the Extension Office.

Sweet Dreams!!

4-H Congress

A Richmond County youth was among 4-H’ers honored at the 2008 State 4-H Congress, held July 21-25. Congress is the high point of the 4-H year, bringing young people from across the state to the North Carolina State University campus and Raleigh for a week of activity.

Michael Ezzell, 18, son of Randy and Tracy Ezzell of Rockingham, was inducted into the 4-H Honor Club, one of the highest honors a 4-H’er can achieve. New Honor Club members were tapped during a candlelight ceremony Monday night, July 21. Membership in the Honor Club is based on service to the 4-H program, leadership, moral standards, 4-H activities and project achievement. Less than one-half of 1 percent of North Carolina 4-H’ers is selected for membership each year. Members must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of three years 4-H experience.

Approximately 800 4-H’ers, volunteer leaders and North Carolina Cooperative Extension agents attended 4-H Congress. Courtney Miller and Nathan Ezzell represented Richmond County at 4-H Congress this year. They participated in state level 4-H meetings, leadership and teambuilding workshops, and even helped to beautify the Historic Oakwood Community of Raleigh during the Hands to Service Project held on Wednesday. They are pictured with 4-H'ers from Carteret, Lee, Franklin and Jones Counties after completing the project. Thanks Dr. Dale for letting us use your house as a "Base of Operations."

Courtney Miller and Kristi Reep competed in state level presentations during Congress. Courtney completed a presentation on Gun Safety. Kristi won the Bronze medal for her presentation on Granny’s Button Jar. Both young ladies did a fantastic job of representing Richmond County during State Presentations.

Camp Pictures & Such

Thanks for a wonderful idea from Shea Ann, the wonderful 4-H Agent in Robeson County, we are posting all (or most) of the pictures we have taken this week to the web. You can reach the link by going to the Robeson County Home Page at http://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/ and click on the 2008 4-H Summer Camp Pictures at the bottom of the Special Links section. Right now we are uploading enough pictures to put us over 500 for the week.

Campers in the Adventure and Trekker groups are spending the night under the stars of North Carolina tonight & the rest of camp enjoyed viewing the skills of their peers at the Talent Show. There was singing, piano, dancing, and skits. Campers are winding down to prepare for another busy day tomorrow! They will be completing their last round of classes and I'm sure we will have plenty of pictures of the dance posted late tomorrow night!

CAMP!!!!!

Well - what a time to start a blog! Richmond County 4-H’ers are having a fantastic camping experience at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center in Reidsville, NC this week. 20 Richmond County youth were able to participate in a fun week of activities, which included horseback riding, crafts, canoeing, climbing wall, swimming, hiking, archery, games and even a talent show. Some groups even got to tour the Chinqua Penn Plantation, home to Betsy and Jeff Penn. Older youth got to explore geocashing, swift-water canoeing, shelter building and more by participating in the Adventure or Trekker programs.

Check back often this week to get the updated version of life at CAMP!!!

Watch Out - We're getting techinical!!!

Welcome to the "Official" Blog for 4-H members and parents from Richmond County, North Carolina. Check back often for updates on what these amazing youth are learning and doing.

4-H is the youth outreach on the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and can be found in every county in the state.


Richmond County is proud to be supported by the United Way of Richmond County! For information on this partnership contact Michelle Stumbo at 997-8255 or Michelle Parrish at 997-2173.