4-H Summer Activities

It's a great time to be getting the summer planned out.   4-H offers several options for the summer.
4-H Camp:  this involves a residential, overnight camp at one of the three 4-H camping centers across the state.  Our county selects a week and takes a group.  You do not have to be a member of 4-H to attend with us.  We provide transportation and assistance in getting ready for camp and extra support at camp.  If our camping week does not work, you are welcome to choose a camp and a week and enroll on your own and get there individually.  We will be happy to help you navigate that.
Ages for camps are 8-14, although specialty camps for other ages are available as well.

UPDATE:  currently we have a waiting list for interested campers.  We will be happy to put you on the waiting list, but cannot guarantee a space.

4-H Super Summer:  workshops and engaging activities during the summer.   Workshops may last from a couple of hours to a day, or even a day camp.  Our flyer is usually ready in May.

Other opportunities through NC State:
Horticulture, Poultry
4-H Teen Leadership opportunities

Veterinary Science Opportunity

The NC State University's College of Veterinary Medicine 2014 OPEN HOUSE will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. 

Students and teachers interested in animals and sciences--biology, animal science, veterinary medicine, ecology/ environment, One Health, human/animal bond, infectious diseases, regenerative medicine--should not miss this once-a-year opportunity.

DETAILS: http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/news/openhouse/

The popular annual event will offer the traditional opportunities to get up close with various animals large and small, demonstrations, special displays and exhibits, and chances to talk with faculty and students.

NEW THIS YEAR: The Smithsonian Institution's special traveling exhibit, “Animal Connections: Our Journey Together” will be one of the new attractions this year.  Housed in a mini-museum inside an expandable 18-wheeler, the 1,000-square foot exhibit introduces visitors of all ages to the human-animal bond. Whether you’re an aspiring veterinarian, an animal lover, or a health care professional, you and your family will find something to capture your interest in this exhibit. Take a video tour now.

Numerous fun and informative tour stops explain advances in veterinary medicine, veterinary medical technology, best care practices for the family pet, and what it takes to become a veterinarian.

Animals touch our daily lives from the food we eat, the products we consume, the health care advances we benefit from, and the services, entertainment, and companionship we enjoy. Wildlife species add to the beauty and wonder of our world. The connection between wildlife, domestic animals, the environment, and humans is called "One Health" and this concept is the foundation for veterinary medicine.

The Open House will explore the One Health concept with special exhibits and discussions on the connection between wildlife, domestic animals, the environment, and people.

Summer Opportunities for High Schoolers

Horticultural Science Summer Institute, July 6-11, 2014

High school-aged youth (rising sophomores, juniors and seniors) are invited to apply to a weeklong, residential horticultural experience on the campus of NC State University. Youth will have hands-on opportunities to explore a broad range of horticultural possibilities from breeding better fruits and vegetables, growing a diverse selection of woody ornamentals, lengthening the life of cut flowers, learning sustainable production practices and delving into practical tools that enhance our understanding of plant processes. Participants will visit a variety of horticultural businesses. Youth will also be introduced to career possibilities, college-making decisions and leadership development and enjoy evening entertainment and team-building activities. 

There are a limited number of scholarships for 4-H youth to attend! Youth should apply here by Friday, April 4th. For more information visit the HSSI webpage.

Poultry Science Summer Institute. 

PSSI is a 5 day/4 night camp that offers high school's rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who are interested in majoring in Poultry Science a chance to learn more about the poultry industry as well as educational disciplines and available scholarships.  Applications will be accepted through May 2nd.

For more information about this program as well as the registration form, see here.

4-H Camp Enrollment

Enrollment for 4-H Camp for Summer 2014 is open.  Watauga County 4-H will escort a group of 8-14 year old campers to Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center.  The center is located above Greensboro in Rockingham County, near Reidsville.   The camping week is July 6-July 11.    The good news is you can reserve your spot with a $100.00 deposit and have until June to save up for the rest of the fee, which is $360.00 more (total of $460.00).  The fee covers meals, lodging, t-shirt, transportation to camp and more.  Special programming for 12-14 year olds costs an additional $20.00.    Some scholarship money is available.  Contact the 4-H office at 264-3061 for more information or to register or download the form below.  See more 4-H camping information here.   

Camp Flyer

Early Release Day Fun

Who:  7-12 year olds

What:  tour around and hands-on activities

When:  Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1

Drop off between 12:00-1:00.  Pick up between 5:00-5:30

Where:  Start off at the Agricultural Conference Center

How:  submit a Registration Form and Medical Release Form form to  Watauga County 4-H, 971 West King Street, Boone

How much:  $15.00 each day

Geology Day

On Thursday, we will explore the wonderful world of gems.  We will travel to Doc’s Rocks to search for gems and explore the history of mining in Appalachia.  We will make a gemstone ring.

Bring or wear clothes you do not mind getting wet/dirty. 

Wildlife Day

We will visit the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute in Banner Elk and learn how to help wildlife.  We will have some glow in the dark fun when we return and if we have time, add some pumpkins into the mix.

For questions, contact 264-3061

Mountain State Fair

Do more than just attend the fair.....

Why not share your talents at the fair? There are loads of things you can enter in the fair.....
What did you make this summer?
Jewelry       Model Kits     Recycling       Tie Dye    Candle making
Wood Burning     Wood Carving       Photography     and more!!!

 The Mountain State Fair Pony Express will pick up your items and deliver them to the fair.  Then all you have to do is choose a date to go visit and join in on the fun!

Or, maybe you made something outstanding in school;  there is the School Art category too.

Other entries:

A beautiful vegetable
A giant pumpkin
An unusual vegetable
Flowers
Animals
School Art
Shoe Box Parade

See here for a summary of things you can enter into the fair

Then, all you have to do is go to the fair!  See here for more details on the fair or go to the Mountain State Fair website.
The Mountain State Fair is September 6-15 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, NC
Entries to be delivered by Pony Express are due by August 19 at the Watauga County Cooperative Extension office.

4-H Super Summer

4-H Super Summer is ready to roll.  Registration is open for our summer workshops.  Activities include our Pizza Adventure daycamp and exploring fun, creative topics such as plants, chocolate, gardens, birds and more!

To register, come by our office for a registration form or download from here. 

Return the registration form by mail or in person.

Our office is located at the Agricultural Services Building, 971 West King Street, Boone