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In order to teach 26 selected youth leaders from Randolph County about agribusiness and
tourism, Extension developed a one day tour. To determine the value of the tour and
its educational impact, a simple survey was given pre-tour and post-tour. Only 28% of
the pre-test answers were correct; but 92% scored correct answers in the post-test.
Prior to the tour, the students thought the farmers were big users of chemical and did not
know that the biggest farm expense was equipment and labor. Also the majority of
students incorrectly thought that 20-25% of our income is spent on food. The tour was
rated above average by the students. The tour was effective as a teaching tool.
Today's teens are at a unique position in their lives. Unlike any generation in this
century, they will work, live and play in a social and economic global environment
influenced by forces beyond our means to control. The U.S. has become economically
dependent on world trade, and events half-way around the world tend to snare our
involvement. To meet the challenge for our youth to succeed in this kind of world, the
4-H/Labo program was offered. This Japanese exchange program offers many
opportunities for heightened cultural awareness (culture, dress, language, customs,
heritage, etc...) to those involved. One local family took part in the program, which in
turn increased the cultural awareness of approximately 60 individuals. The family had a
positive experience, have encouraged others to participate in the program, and plan to
host again.
In November 1996, Rowan County fielded its first ever 4-H Stockman's Bowl Team. The
members of this team were very interested in learning. Their hard work paid off as they
competed in their first Stockman's Bowl contest, which was the State 4-H Stockman's
Bowl. At this event, the Rowan team placed second, and the first place senior individual
was from the Rowan County team. So, the first time coaching and fielding a Stockman's
Bowl team was very successful.
Teachers in the Stokes County school system were having problems holding the
attention of students. They, the teachers, requested exciting hands-on educational
material that they could use in their classroom. 4-H recommended a school enrichment
program that would give them excitement and diversity in the classroom along with
meeting their state grade level objectives. Eleven teachers went through training and
implemented the Embryology school enrichment program. Through personal testimonies
it was found that children were more attentive in the classroom, attendance was greater,
and the children worked together as a team. Every teacher that facilitated the school
enrichment program this year plans to continue the program in 1997.
"When I'm angry I hit my dad." This was a statement that came from a nine year old
during a recent 4-H meeting. We were talking about making wise choices in face of
difficult circumstances. The program director and I sat back in amazement as the other
children began to offer positive ways to handle anger that would not involve violence.
"Hit a pillow, go for a walk, talk things out with someone you can trust, run around the
outside of your house, etc." It was powerful to think that peers could make such a
difference in helping one another make healthy choices and that 4-H played a role in
providing curriculum that invites teamwork and encourages
becoming quality leaders in a
world that has a number of obstacles for youngsters.
School officials at Mayfield Alternative School and Nationsford Baptist Summer School
saw a need for manners and etiquette training for children, ages 5 to 16. Extension developed a
workshop series dealing with telephone manners, social introductions, table manners,
and general etiquette. 65 children completed the training, 96% of which are considered
youth at risk. They developed or improved skills in communicating, socializing, planning,
organizing, and etiquette. I developed a train the trainer , "Manners and Etiquette for
After School Children" for 20 after school teachers. Approximately 500 students, grades
K-6, received this training.
52 youth participated in the first 4-H Farm Safety Day Camp held in Northampton County in
June of 1996. They attended classes in Electrical Safety, ATV/Lawnmower Safety, Fire
Safety, Animal Safety, Large Equipment Safety and First Aid/Water Safety. All youth
indicated that they learned at least one safety tip that they could use. Parents were
enthusiastic about the day camp and what their children learned. This day camp was
sponsored through Progressive Farmer and 6 other national sponsors as well as 20 local
sponsors. Participants received free t-shirts, lunch, and a goodie bag of safety related
items. One parent said "We learned more in one day than we learn in a week. No one has
ever taken the time to show us farm safety before...We were treated fair..." 5 parents
have volunteered to help with next years day camp.
During the 3 week break for Year Round School students, 4-H sponsored a week-long
offering of activities which included Kids in the Kitchen - 12 youth; Rockin' with
Rockets - 14 youth; Imagination Station - 14 youth; Pumpkins Galore - 13 youth; and
Holiday Crafts - 10 youth. Response to the workshops were very positive by both the
youth and their parents. Each day's activities were priced at $5.00 with our 4-H fund
subsidizing any extra funds needed. Pumpkins were donated by a local pumpkin farm.
One parent indicated that the rocket workshop "sparked a new interest" Another parent
said, "If not for the activities - she would have spent those days at the baby sitters. I feel
like the activities offered were wonderful. I liked the fact that I could pick and choose."
21 minority youth from the Garysburg area of the county have had their first experience
in seeing, touching and raising 2 lambs. The youth, members of the Family Resource
Center 4-H Club purchased 2 lambs with the help of a loan from the 4-H program.
They attended 2 workshops to learn to care for the lambs. The lambs were housed at a
volunteer's house and the youth set a daily care and feeding schedule. Feed and supplies
were donated by local businesses and individuals. 6 youth
participated in the Livestock
show and sale. 14 youth turned in 4-H Lamb record books. After paying back their loan
and other expenses, the club made a profit of $531.00. They will use this money to send
youth to camp, buy supplies for the club and purchase lambs for next year.
During the summer, 10 different week-long day camps were offered to youth ages 6-13.
These day camps were co-sponsored by 4-H and the county recreation department. All
camps cost the youth $5.00/week. Some camps were repeated due to high demand or a
need to divide by age groups to make the activities more appropriate. Day camps offered
were: Sewing - 2 camps, 18 youth; Olympic Fever - 2 camps, 23 youth; Aerospace - 1
camp, 9 youth; Creative Crafts - 2 camps, 21 youth; Cooking is Fun - 1 camp, 18 youth;
Outdoor Living Skills - 2 camps, 18 youth. The highlight was the overnight camp out.
Many youth had never tent-camped before and they learned that they could survive a
whole night out in the open and without electricity!
In cooperation with the Northampton Education Foundation, the NC Grassroots Arts
Council, 4-H conducted 3 specialized summer day camps in writing, creative art and
music/dance for 59 youth. Students had to apply and be recommended by their teachers
along with 2 other recommendations. Applications were reviewed by a selection
committee and participants chosen. The camps were held simultaneously at Chowan
College. The school system provided transportation. Professionals in each field were
utilized as instructors and visiting professors. The week culminated in a musical
performance, art exhibit and reading held in the college auditorium for an audience of
about 250. A reception for the students and their parents followed.
The Davie 4-H EMBRYOLOGY PROGRAM is now established in 100 percent of the
third grade classrooms across the county, reaching 350 youth annually. Teachers credit
this month long, hands-on curriculum designed around hatching eggs as a way to meet at
least twenty competency requirements. They reported that
embryology enhanced their
students positive perception of science, as well as scientific knowledge and skills. When
surveyed, 100 percent of participating teachers "strongly agreed" or "agreed" with the
following statements: 1) The curriculum and lesson plans meet the needs of students and
teachers 2) the teacher training and support by 4-H agent was adequate, and 3)
interaction by the 4-H agent with classroom was appropriate and adequate.
Onslow County school teachers utilize the curriculum resources offered by the
Extension Service in order to assist in the transfer of knowledge to their youth.
Approximately 982 children between the grades of K-8 were
involved in the embryology
project during 1996. From information collected the teachers responded by saying that
the program allowed each of their children to gain new knowledge along with a sense of
responsibility. Cost savings to the school for use of these resources was $2700.
Local 4-H groups participating in the Hands to Service Project and hurricane relief
programs contributed to community service efforts through the following ways: Collected
303 food items in two hours for the distribution to needy
families through the White Oak
Ecumenical Outreach Ministries: Concession stands were set up at an auction to raise
money for a needy child's Christmas: Made 24 quarts of strawberry jam and distributed to
Onslow Meals On Wheels: Helped with hurricane Fran clean-up by removing
debris: Collected clothes and food items to be distributed to hurricane and flood
victims, over 250 lbs of non-perishable food and 500 articles of clothing was
collected: Other fund raisers to help the community service efforts were yard sale, craft
sale, flea market booths in all rasing $500 dollars.
102 4-Hers and their families participated in a Piedmont district family day. The
families participated in the state-wide transportation centennial celebration. Family
members traveled by Amtrac from Greensboro to Spencer to receive a program on rail
transportation. Included in the days activities were locomotive train rides, exhibits,
viewing an antique car show, videos, talks by engineers on the growth and decline of the
locomotive industry, etc. The program afforded networking
opportunities with
transportation and commerce industries, provided 4-H visibility, members new
experiences and afforded families a wholesome activity. Members concluded the day with
a return trip on Amtrack to Greensboro.
To develop citizenship and community service, the Robeson County 4-H Youth Council
has entered into a partnership with the City of Lumberton. Using members from eight
community clubs, the council has undertaken a community service project to help weed,
replant and maintain Day Lily beautification sites in the city during four work sessions. At
completion of the second session, 74 members have donated over 370 work hours in six
locations - Tanglewood and Rowland-Norment Schools, Lumberton Airport, Luther Britt
Park, Meadow View Cemetery and Luberton City Hall. This project was organized by the
county's 4-H Youth Council and over watched by Master Gardner volunteers.
In 1996 Davidson offered the teen version of the Myers Briggs inventory on 2 occasions
to 36 youth 15-19 years of age. A 4-H alumni member serving as admissions officer at
High Point University administered the inventory. Seventy percent of the participants
indicated they came initially because their parents made them while the remainder
wanted to know more about themselves. In the end all participants felt good about
participating and learning more about how they related to their environment, work and
others. When parents were given permission to sit in on the program and learn about the
profile types in general and of their own children specifically the parents said they
gained a better understanding of how to relate to their children. The program served as a
spring board for a leadership series of programs being offered across the county.
Robeson County 4-H conducted a pilot embryology program in the Robeson County
Public School System. The initial pilot involved 7 third grade classes and 175 students.
Teacher networking generated so much interest that a second integration of the pilot was
asked for by school officials. The second pilot included 23 additional classrooms and 575
students. Post evaluations showed increased science, math and writing skills, and
improved attendance during program. School officials have asked to expand 4-H
Embryology to all third grade classes (75 classrooms and
approximately 1800 students).
A 4-H program on self confidence/self-esteem, known as the "Warm fuzzy story" was
delivered to 25 children in a day camp setting. Each child was given a button
representing a "warm fuzzy" or smile to make you feel good. At the end of the story, one
little boy, very sadly stated that his mother had died. Slowly, and one by one, each child
put their button on this little boy. When they were through, he was covered in the "fuzzy
buttons". He smiled. Later that day, when he was picked up by his big sister, she said this
was the first time he had ever talked about his mother's death.
During 1996, over 10,000 dollars was raised through United Way, private donations, and
grants, to fully sponsor 54 children for a full week at 4-H camps. These youth were
identified by local social agencies and school counselors as youth who could not attend a
camp by any other means. Although a long-term impact cannot be assessed, counselors
and parents report that the camping experience was very positive, both for the children,
and for the respite it provided to the families.
One of the 4-H Clubs in Henderson county is the Barnyard Bandits 4-H Club. They are
a livestock club. With the assistance of the livestock agent, Danny Peek, this club has, in
its first full year of existence, raised enough money to buy its own club calf. In addition,
participation in livestock shows has increased from "one or two" to more than a dozen
youth exhibiting livestock. Four lambs were purchased by
Henderson County 4-H and
placed with youth for the summer, and shown by the youth. These lambs will either be
sold to renew the project, or bred to produce more 4-H lambs.
4-H Teen Club members in Forsyth County continue to grow in the areas of community
service and leadership. This vivacious group of teens have decided that community
service will be their emphasis for 1996. They have actively recruited new members for
the teen club from their respective high schools and have developed a First place Fair
Booth, a promotional T.V. spot on "4-H More than You Ever Imagined". Teens are
rallying behind the idea of community service and have given hours to work with
Operation Big Sweep, Operation Christmas child, and have written grants for a gardening
project at the Special children's school. The efforts of this group reinforce our idea that
young people are truly the future and 4-H helps them see the big picture.
In response to a pressing need for youth to develop sound decision making and
communication skills, the Cooperative Extension Service in Yadkin County recruited and
trained a 4-H dairy judging team. Thirteen youth with non-dairy backgrounds
participated in this program. The results were outstanding. Two Yadkin 4-H'ers finished
top ten at the NC State contest. Tara Moxley, age 16, went on to finish 16th overall in the
National competition and earned All American status.
New Hanover County 4-H team members Tag Brinkmann, Ian Henderson, Charlie
LaBrecque, and Richard Wilkins placed fourth in a National Judging Contest. New
Hanover County targets youth audiences in Natural Resources by conducting 4H
Horticultural Judging classes each year. Youth (39) ranging in age from 9 to 19
participated in 20 training sessions culminating in a trip to the North Carolina 4H
Horticultural Judging Contest Finals held during State 4H Congress. Teams were divided
up according to their age bracket. New Hanover County won both the Senior and Junior
divisions in 1996. Volunteers raised $3000.00 to send the Senior team to Dallas, Texas to
compete in the National Junior Horticultural Judging Contest. The contest exposes youth
to decision making skills and experiences which will remain with them for life. They
identify, study, and learn how to best utilize and care for plants while preparing for the
various competitions.
Bertha and Fran destroyed one million trees in New Hanover County. Tree restoration
efforts were aided by 4-H club members in the county when they joined with local
businesses to help distribute 57,600 trees to 2200 persons during a three day period in
November of 1996. Members of the nationally ranked horticultural judging team helped
to identify trees, give planting instructions, and assist in answering homeowner questions.
Home schoolers from Discovering Life 4-H Club helped during weekdays and public
school 4-H club members also assisted. The Eastern North Carolina Tree Restoration
Project gave high visibility to area 4-H club members and their community service work.
Arbor Day awarded the New Hanover County 4-H Council a $560 Environmental Grant
Networking with the Vance County Schools and the Vance County Arts Council, Vance
County 4-H held a week-long arts education workshop for elementary age children.
Thirty-five volunteers taught the classes or assisted with classes and 92 children
participated. For older children, classes were and hour and a half in length and each
child could take two classes. Younger children participated in 4 shorter classes. Classes
included music keyboarding, weaving, mask-making, basic drawing and painting,
computer graphics and 9 others and were taught by area
professionals.
for a project of their choice.
"Picture a 10 year old boy dressed in a Santa suit, yelling Merry Christmas! in the middle
of July in Raleigh!" It was Eric O'Neil, a 4-H'er from the Clayton Elementary 4-H Club.
Eric O'Neil is now a 23 year old student at Wayne Community College studying Forestry and
President of the Student Government at the college. As a
guest of the Johnson County Alumni Association's Annual Meeting, he told of the support,
knowledge and skills he had gained from his 4-H experience as a young child. Public
speaking, decision making, organization, dependability, citizenship are qualities and life
skills which Eric documented to prepare him to be a leader of student government, serve
on the board of trustees for the college and set goals for his future. Youth development
takes time, guidance and perseverance. Eric credits his 4-H background for his foundation
for success.
A former 4-Her of 10 years and now a sophomore at Appalachian State University said:
"When I first entered 4-H I was a shy little girl who hardly spoke to anyone. As I grew
up in 4-H I became more outgoing, I was even elected President of the county club".
A 5th grader attending a workshop at the Extension Center saw the 4-H Agent enter the
building, followed him to his office and thanked him for working with her class 2 years
earlier on Embryology. She said this was the highlight of her school year as she learned
about life and the importance of it.
As natural resources continue to become more scarce, it is important to teach our youth
to be more conservative. The Extension Service in cooperation with five other state
agencies, conducted a Conservation Field Day for 250 sixth grade students. The students
participated in six workshops including; soil conservation, water quality, bluebirds,
recycling, beekeeping, and wildlife conservation. Students and teachers were all
receptive. One teacher stated that "The information presented was interesting and
should be familiar to all responsible, intelligent citizens." Another stated "Sessions are
high interest for students and teachers!". Overall the day was very successful and plans
are to continue next year.
Gardening is a skill that has been neglected from being passed on from one generation to
another. People need to know how to grow their own vegetables as a source of food or
additional income. Seventeen youth participated in a 4-H Mini-Garden project and
competition this year conducted in cooperation with Master Gardeners who helped with
workshops and judging of gardens. The program was started last year with only vegetable
gardens and six participants but was expanded to include flower gardens this year.
Participants learned about soil preparation, seed and plant selection, tools, pest and
disease control, weed control, soil conditioning, and harvesting. All participants enjoyed
the project and hope to participate next year.
4-H Discovery Day Camp was a huge success with 100% of the parents rating it a
positive learning experience for their child. 75 youth in grades 1 - 6 attended the 8-week
long summer camp. The camp was funded through a grant, user fees and in-kind services
from the Greene School system and other county agencies. The camp focused on
academics, character building, physical fitness and social skills. Youth were divided by
ages into these classes of 25 with two teachers and one helper. Lunch was provided by the
Greene County schools. Highlight of the experience was swimming twice a week (there is
no public pool in the county so they have to travel to Goldsboro) and field trips to
planetarium, and Tryon Palace. This was the third summer and the camp has grown each
year.
One of the most successful ways to ensure youth involved in 4-H is gaining the life skills
needed for the future is through the traditional Community club activities. The efforts to
maintain and increase an active 4-H membership have been effectively taken. In the
last four months 50 percent of the clubs have been reactivated and two new clubs have
joined the program, one of them for youth 16-19 and the second for children 5-8 years
old. The cooperative work of volunteers allowed us to program activities where children had
the opportunity to learn new things, get the communication skills, social involvement and
at the same time increase the awareness of 4-H in the local community. In addition the
response from Jr. Leaders and 4-H Ambassadors from Halifax County has been
outstanding in giving presentations to other youth clubs and writing articles for the
media.
4-H School Enrichment did not just stop within the doors of the classroom for some 44
students and chaperons in May of 1996. With the overwhelming support from the
Edgecombe County School Board, students, teachers and chaperons participated in Betsy
Jeff Penn's 4-H Environmental Education Program.
Susan Warren, School-wide Enrichment Teacher wrote school board members after the
trip sharing, "I feel the students learned so much by being in an outdoor science
laboratory setting that I could not provide as a teacher." "The students were very well
behaved and really enjoyed this 'out of the classroom' opportunity to learn". "I have
shared this experience with other educators and hope they too will take advantage of this
4-H School Enrichment programming.
This 4-H program alone turned into an excellent marketing and expansion opportunity
for 4-H overnight with the tremendous support of the schools, parents and students.
Successfully completing a 4-H year includes a great deal for a 4-H'er and his family.
Club meetings, community service, projects, etc. and it has to come to an end each year.
Not only is the 4-H'er involved, but the entire family. To support 4-H families, a 4-H
Family Fun Night was hosted with an attendance of approximately 230. 4-H families
attending brought the "all important completed project materials" to enjoy food,
fellowship and fun among other 4-H families and friends.
This event is the preliminary for the 4-H Achievement Night where recognition is
bestowed upon 4-H'ers for their outstanding 4-H accomplishments. The twinkle in the
eyes of the 4-H'ers and the proud parents and grandparents watching their 4-H'ers
accepting their recognition is overwhelming. Events such as this makes 4-H a
"Successful Family Affair" and an extension agent proud to be a part of the N.C.
Cooperative Extension Service.
4-H at-risk-youth incentive program: Youth, teachers, and parents sign a contract
setting a goal to improve his/her course grade by one letter grade. The teacher at the end
of the six weeks sign off on the contract indicating the grade for the six weeks and thus
whether or not the student met his/her contracted goal. 102 six grade students
participated in this program. These are comments from one of the six grade
teachers."The 4-H incentive program is wonderful. It encourages students to set goals
and then strive to reach them. The program reaches children of all academic levels and
encourages not only good grades, but also high attendance and positive class room
behavior."
The 4-H Summer Fun Program was implemented in summer, 1996. One hundred sixty youth
registered with 451 youth enrolled in the 20 classes. New skills
learned included camping, bicycle safety, how to sew, how to make lamps, swimming,
canoeing, archery, fishing, safety skills, improving
communications, identifying leaves,
learning to play the recorder, making crafts and improving communication skills. Of the
18 respondents to a survey, 18 said that the 4-H Summer Fun Program made them feel
better about themselves. They also replied that they made new friends and learned to use
their leisure time better. Several stated that they improved their leadership skills and
learned to manage their money better. There were 21 volunteers assisting and teaching
the classes donating over 276 hours.
The Franklin County 4-H Program conducted it's first summer program sponsored by
the recently developed United Way Foundation of Franklin County. This program
provided for a Summer Coordinator who conducted a series of field trips, workshops and
Day Camp Activities for over 170 youth. The majority of the participants were
determined by referrals from teachers. The youth developed new skills, as well as
participating in recreational activities that would not otherwise have been exposed to
during their summer vacation. The program involved community service, group project
work and safety at home skill development. This program has been funded for the
upcoming summer and is looking forward to receiving an even greater response in 1997.
The 4-H School Enrichment Delivery Method provides supplemental programming to
educators in the public school system as well as to the Home school population in
Franklin County. Over seven different programs provide hands-on learning experiences
for youth in grades K-5. Approximately 2,100 youth are reached, and will improves skills
in science, foods and nutrition, fitness and health, career development, conflict
resolution, team building, agriculture, and much more. Teachers in all grades are very
supportive of these programs and respond that their students absorb the curriculum at a
high rate. Programs also play a role in developing better behavior patterns. Five
elementary schools currently participate in this type of programming.
In Hyde County, the people living on the island of Ocracoke feel left out of county
activities. The 4-H program in cooperation with the Ocracoke Family Center has
worked to organize 4-H clubs for the youth of the island. As a result three new clubs
have formed involving 37 youth (62% of youth in grades K-8). 4 have become actively
involved in community service projects and 7 in leadership development projects. The
clubs are meeting once a week and the youth are very enthusiastic about become
involved in 4-H on both the district and the state levels.
Cooperative Extension developed a six week discovery program about plants and the environment
for kids ages 5-10 years old. This
program was presented in Davidson County in a training format to 22 child care
providers from three counties along with hands-on materials and visuals. Participants
indicated that the program would save them $610. and 95 percent of them learned a new
practice which they would incorporate into their training of children. In addition, the
class provided 40 CEU hours to the teachers. The participants were responsible for an
average of 50 children which translates into 1000 children reached. Participants said,
"lots of great info, I can use in my environmental education program.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers taught programs to youth on terrarium construction, about
soil, water and the environment. These programs were taught at the NC Zoo and at 4-H
discovery summer programs. In addition, 25 kids at the YMCA in Thomasville,
participated in growing a garden thru a summer program. They sold the produce for $300.
which they used for field trip expenses. They learned
co-operation, team building,
production and marketing. In addition, they entered vegetables in the local fair and won 5
ribbons and $27./prizes. They Youth Director at the YMCA said, "The gardening program
is very valuable to the children in teaching these values." 467 youth were reached with
these programs. Businesses donated $100 of materials.
Youth in North Carolina need opportunities that will help them grow into responsible
citizens. The Ropes Challenge Extension program provides
opportunities for social interaction,
problem solving, risk taking, decision making and sense of accomplishment.
902 participants from various age groups and populations
benefitted from programs
delivered by 4-H Ropes Challenge volunteers through funding provided by New River
Mental Health. All participants report increased self-esteem, feeling of belonging and
contributing to group accomplishments.
Being challenged physically and emotionally both as an individual and as a team member
allows participants to develop life skills invaluable to the development of healthy,
balanced, contributing members to society. Adventure activities provide these
opportunities and should continue to be an essential component of individuals
development.
Creekside Clovers 4-H Clubs are for school identified at risk youth living in a 200 plus
mobile home park.
62 youth meet weekly for one of three 4-H clubs meetings. 45% participated in at least
half or more of the activities. Youth improved their end of grade reading test scores from
2% - 24%. Their discipline problems decreased they were not referred to the Principal's
office. Youth had weekly structured, supervised, and productive activities in which to participate
instead of gravitating to delinquent groups. To quote a club member: "it [4-h] gives kids
something to do to keep them out of trouble."
These youth tend to experience changes in their households. It is vital for them to have
constant and steady relationships and belong to a support group. 4-H provides this
support. In the words of a teen member: "we are like one big
In an effort to provide more programming for high school students and older teens, a
college study program was developed by Extension in Person County with a total of 42 teens
participating in over the three years the program has been in operation. The purpose of
the program is to give students who would not have the resources or opportunities to visit
college campuses and research financial aid opportunities a chance to do so while
learning first hand the entrance requirements for schools in North Carolina. The
program has tracked twenty three students from their sophomore year in high school and
currently, all except three are enrolled in or have been accepted at a N.C. college.
Eleven have received partial financial assistance and eight have secured full
scholarships with the possibility of one additional being added. family."
In our effort to educate the public about the need for improved water quality of our
streams and rivers, the Cooperative Extension Service coordinated the NC Storm Drain Stenciling
Project in our county. The project was a success in many ways. The public learned about
the impact of storm drains on the quality of the French Broad River through several
delivery modes: a presentation to Brevard City Council; a stencil training session for
volunteers and city personnel; educational fliers created by high school students; a front
page news article in the local paper. The project fostered a collaboration between Land
of Sky Regional Council, City of Brevard, and the Cooperative Extension Service Office
which will be ongoing. Best of all, 17 members of the Brevard High School Environment
were given the opportunity to take responsibility for a
meaningful, significant community
service project.
In March 1996, Washington County 4-H sponsored a District Teen Leadership Loch-In.
The target audience was youth ages 13 to 19 years. The purpose of the Lock-IN was to
create awareness for teen programming and involvement in the Northeast District. One
hundred twenty seven youth and volunteers representing eight counties in the Northeast
District participated. Workshops included, Citizenship-Local government, Self-esteem,
Electricity, Foods and Nutrition, and Aerobics. The Lock-In was a collaborative effort
which the County Manager, Area specialized Agent, member of the town council, 4-H
County Council, 4-H Agents and volunteers. Area businesses donated door prizes
for the event. The District 4-H Teen Leadership Lock-In has been deemed a success by
the district teenagers and volunteers. As a result, the program has been expanded to
include teenagers as program presenters.
Carrie, a 17 year old 4-H'er, has never been able to give a speech or presentation due to
a lack of confidence and a bad case of nerves. She decided to participate in the 4-H
Speak Up classes. An adult volunteer taught the first session and had each participant to
give a short speech. With a little encouragement Carrie gave a speech. At the end of the
last class Carrie stated that she now had the confidence to get up and speak before a
group. She placed second in the county public speaking contest as a result of the classes.
As a result of networking with the Salisbury-Rowan School System and a local quail farmer the 4-H Embryology program was implemented in 16 classrooms this year. Seven of the 16 teachers completed surveys and all seven reported that their students positive perception of science and non-science curricula was enhanced by 4-H embryology. They also reported that all students scientific knowledge and skills were enhanced because of participation in the program. These teachers reached 151 students.