Polk County 4-H Youth Program has announced it’s summer program schedule and has multiple fun, educational, and extremely affordable options to keep 10-18 year olds engaged and active during school vacation. From weeklong camps to multi-day projects, the 4-H Summer Program offers activities that fit into even the busiest summer schedules.  

 

Teens and preteens in the local area have the following program options to choose from: 

1. Junior Gardening Camp – A five-day hands-in-the-dirt adventure for ages 10-14. Activities will include hands-on gardening techniques, growing giant pumpkins to enter in the fair, field trips to local horticulture sites, and an opportunity to cook up what’s growing in the Cooperative Extension Research Garden. 

1. Teen Career Exploration Camp – A four-day exploration of career options for ages 12-18. In addition to touring multiple job facilities in our local area, participants will learn about a range of careers they may be interested in and will have a chance to build the soft skills job-seekers most need.  

1. Goat Project – With the recent arrival of Nigerian Dwarf goats to the Polk County Cooperative Extension, 4-H members ages 9-18 have the opportunity to learn about the care, breeding, and behavior of these ruminants, and also to gain showmanship skills.  

1. Sewing Project – This two-day workshop is ideal for youth with little to no sewing experience but who would like to become familiar with sewing techniques. Youth ages 9-18 will focus on completing a flag wall hanging that can be entered in the NC Mountain State Fair.  

 

To sign up for any of these programs, families may either pick up registration forms from the NC Cooperative Extension of Polk County at 79 Carmel Lane in Columbus or register online at polk.ces.ncsu.edu. For questions about the 4-H Program in Polk County, or for information on how to volunteer, please contact Helen Blackwell at 828-894-8218. 

 

– Submitted by Helen Blackwell