4-H Summer Camp at Rock Eagle

By April Baggs

Houston County Extension Agent, 4-H and Youth

Hello Houston County! I am your 4-H and Youth County Extension Agent. I frown upon using the word “new” in relation to myself and the 4-H program. I have a wealth of experience, and I like to say that I am “married” to the program. I was a member of the 4-H club from 1987 – 1995 in Cochran, Georgia. Upon graduating, I attended Georgia Southern University where I was a charter member of their collegiate 4-H chapter. In my young adult life, I have been on various public engagements in the name of 4-H. I have also served as a camp counselor for four summers at two of the Georgia 4-H Centers.

What does this all mean? Well, it means that I am vested. I am a product of the program, and I believe and stand by this organization 100%. The 4-H program can appeal to the interests of all children. There are opportunities for youth in a wide variety of areas ranging from livestock to technology. In my opinion, 4-H is one of the best clubs around.

As the school year winds down, the 4-H season will be winding up. We have 4-Hers who will be attending summer camp, competing in livestock shows and attending the winner’s banquet at State Congress in Atlanta. Are you looking for summer opportunities for you 4-Her? There are still spaces available for Cloverleaf Camp at Rock Eagle. Which brings up a commonly asked question: What is a cloverleaf? Our 4-H age groups are broken down as follows: Cloverleaf 4-Hers are 4th – 6th grade students, Junior 4-Hers are in grades 6th – 8th and Senior 4-Hers are in 9th – 12th grade.

Cloverleaf Camp will be at Rock Eagle 4-H Center July 8th – 12th. As stated on the website for UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences: Rock Eagle is the largest of five centers operated by the University of Georgia as support for the state’s 4-H Program. Thousands of young people annually participate in the Georgia 4-H Environmental Education Program, as well as the Summer Camping Program, made available through Georgia’s County Extension Offices.

Many 4-H’ers from around the state attend competitive events, leadership conferences and rallies at Rock Eagle. Civic, religious and business groups utilize Rock Eagle 4-H Center for their conferences and meetings as well. If you would like for your 4-Hers to spend a five days and four nights at Rock Eagle, please come by the office and sign them up. For more information, please email me at april4h@uga.edu.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

June TBA:  FVSU Small Goat Management Training

June 10-14:  Junior 4-H Summer Camp, Fortson 4-H Center

June 11:  Cotton Scout School, Tifton, contact Debbie Rutland 229-386-3424

June 12-15:  Georgia 4-H State Horse Show, Perry

June 19:  Cotton Scout School, Midville, GA, contact Peyton Sapp, 706-554-2119

July 1-5:  Senior 4-H Summer Camp, Jekyll 4-H Center

July 8-12:  Cloverleaf 4-H Summer Camp, Rock Eagle 4-H Center

July 11:  Junior Master Gardener Leadership Training, Houston Extension Office

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