Published: September 04, 2008 11:21 am            

Extension Service – 4-H success

Here it is, time for school to begin and I can’t believe all the fun we have had this summer with 4-H! N.C. Cooperative Extension, Randolph County Center, sponsored summer adventure programs in the communities of Liberty, Asheboro and Archdale.

Over 90 programs were planned and implemented including horseback riding, electricity, weaving camp, food and nutrition, pottery, environmental science, art and so much more.

We even held special programs for youth ages 5 to 7.

Let me give you a rundown on the events that 4-H members have participated in:

The Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat was held in July and six members traveled to Georgia to learn more about the dairy industry.

Some of these same youth also recently participated in the Greensboro District Dairy show and won numerous ribbons and awards.

Each summer, Randolph County 4-H sends delegates to the annual Electric Congress program. Heather Allred, 14, daughter of Larry and Gail Allred of Ramseur, and member of the Happy Heifer 4-H Dairy Club attended Electric Congress and was awarded first place for Progress Energy’s service territory during ceremonies July 14. She received a flat screen TV for her efforts.

The state’s three electric power companies annually recognize top 4-H’ers for electric energy project achievements.

Heather has been enrolled in the 4-H electric project for many years and has attended the Electric Congress program in the past.

Two hundred 4-H’ers, adult leaders and Cooperative Extension agents from 60 counties and power company representatives attended the three-day event.

4-H’ers win the expenses-paid trip to 4-H Electric Congress based on their 4-H electric project achievements.

Since 1947, Progress Energy, Duke Energy and Dominion North Carolina Power have sponsored the annual congress to emphasize energy conservation and safe electricity use.

North Carolina State 4-H Congress was another event that Randolph County 4-H members attended in July.

Rebecca Craven, 18, daughter of Greg and Cynthia Craven of Asheboro, and Terri Lane Frazier, 16, daughter of Craig and Kirsten Frazier of Sophia, were inducted into the 4-H Honor Club.

New Honor Club members were tapped during a candle lighting ceremony 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 half of 1 percent of North Carolina 4-H’ers are selected for membership each year.

Members must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of three years 4-H experience.

Rebecca, who is home schooled, has been active in the 4-H program for 12 years, while Terri Lane, a 10th-grader at Randleman High School, has been active in 4-H for 10 years.

Approximately 800 4-H’ers, volunteer leaders and N.C. Cooperative Extension agents attended 4-H Congress.

As the school year begins we are making plans for our annual Youth Fair to be held Sept. 6 at Center Court at the Randolph Mall in Asheboro.

Youth will bring up to five exhibits to be conference judged and then on display at the mall through the afternoon.

Youth who have participated in 4-H in the last year and have completed projects in pottery, art, weaving, clothing construction and more are eligible to participate in the 4-H Youth Fair.

For registration materials stop by our office located at 112 W. Walker Ave. in Asheboro or call us in Liberty at (336) 218-4000; Archdale/Trinity at (336) 819-3000 and Asheboro at (336) 318-6000.



Barbara Dunn Swanson is an extension agent with the Randolph County Center of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. She handles 4-H youth development. She can be reached at (336) 318-6000.

        

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