2018 4-H Camp Cherry Lake Staff from left to right: Linda, Ashley, Jordan, Shelbie, Maddie, Ben, Daniel, Sam, Josh
Can you believe the first week of 4-H Camp is right around the corner? Your 4-H Camp Cherry Lake staff has been training hard getting ready to make your camp week the best ever. Ms. Neva Baltzell, 4-H Camp Cherry Lake’s Resident Director, is proud to introduce you to her camp staff.
Sam, in his 4th year staffing 4-H Camp, is from Christmas, FL. His favorite song is Princess Pat, and you’ll find him on the waterfront doing his favorite camp activity – kayaking. Sam says, “I wanted to make a difference bigger than just myself.”
Linda is from Douglas, GA, and this is her 3rd year being a staffer. Her favorite camp song is 5 Little Muffins. Her favorite camp activity is Marshmallow Paint War! Linda says, “I wanted to make a positive impact on youth at camp this summer.”
Shelbie, from Cairo, GA, is a 1st time staff member. Her favorite camp song is RattlingBog and she enjoys shooting sports the most at camp. Shelbie says, “I wanted to be able to make a difference and give the kids an opportunity to embrace themselves.”
Josh is from Trenton, FL, and is a 1st time staffer. Josh’s favorite camp song is Linger, and his favorite camp activity is Marshmallow Paint War! Josh says, “I want to impact kids in a way I’ve been impacted before.”
Maddie, a first time staffer, comes all the way from Chelmsford, England! Her favorite camp song is Baby Shark, and her favorite camp activity is healthy lifestyles. Maddie says, “I wanted to be camp staff to gain experience before I train to go into teachig and to learn how to promote positive development.”
Ashley is from Lake City, FL and is a 1st year staffer. She loves to sing Long Johns and her favorite camp activity is Stand. Ashley says, “I choose to come to camp in search of gaining a new experience in life.”
Jordan, from McClenny, FL is a 1st time staff member. Her favorite camp song is Osh Kosh Nooga, and you’ll find her teaching the latest moves in dancing. Jordan says, “I wanted the opportunity to make an impact on kid’s lives by creating a loving and supportive environment for the kids to grow in. I also wanted an opportunity for my own personal growth.”
Thanks to 4-H Camp Timpoochee’s Resident Director, Ariel Blanton, for interviewing 4-H Camp Cherry Lake’s staff. We can’t wait to meet them in person! If you’d like to learn more about becoming a 4-H Camp Staff member during next year’s camping season, contact your 4-H Agent: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/.
Max (far left) along with other graduating seniors at camp last year. Congratulations to all of our grads in the district!!!!
It’s graduation season, and for many 4-H agents, this is a bittersweet time. On the one hand we are seeing our senior 4-H’ers accomplish big goals and reach out to take hold of their dreams for the future. On the other hand, it can feel like we’re losing them – or at least in their current roles – the best always seem to boomerang back.
One such 4-H’er that I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and who will be missed terribly this summer is Max Scott. He has developed all 4 H’s (head, heart, hands, and health), and even the sometimes joked about “5th H”…hustle. But by far, Max will be known for putting his heart into everything he does.
Max is a student in Calhoun County. He volunteers with 4-H every summer as a Camp Counselor at Camp Timpoochee, a five day residential camp in Niceville, FL. When I asked Max to share is 4-H story, this is what he said:
“4-H has helped to teach and reinforce many positive qualities in my life such as honesty, hard work, and patience.
I first got involved with 4-H by winning the countywide 4-H Tropicana speech competition in fifth grade. One of the rewards for winning was a free trip to 4-H Camp Timpoochee. I soon learned that one of my best friends was planning on going to camp also, so I went, and there began my 4-H journey.
After several years of attending as a camper, I was finally able to go as a counselor.
The part I enjoy most about being a camp counselor is being given the honor of playing a positive role in a younger kid’s life.”
Max has indeed done just that. He quickly became the most requested cabin counselor among my young 4-H boys, and just this week an excited camper came in my office to sign up for camp. He shared with me that last year was his favorite year of camp yet. I found that interesting since this camper has been for a number of years and it rained all day every day last summer, so I asked him why that was. His reply? “Because Max was my counselor. He’s the best.” I couldn’t help but grin.
As I sat through a rather lengthy graduation ceremony last night for no other reason than to support this young man, I was reminded of just how much he has grown since I first met him as a cautious, shy, 11 year old boy. Since then, he has been elected to several offices in school organizations, serves on the executive board of the local republican party, has paged at the capital in Tallahassee, earned the honor of being his class valedictorian, and was voted most likely to succeed by both his peers and faculty at his High School.
With his sights now set on law school and perhaps political aspirations, I know that Max is in for a bright and glorious future. I’m so proud of him and all that he has accomplished. Surely he will be missed this summer, but I know I will not be surprised to find another young Max in the crowd at camp this year, eager to find his footing and become just as great a counselor as Max was.
To leave you with a few words from the man of the hour, “If I could offer just one piece of advice to other students who are thinking about volunteering with 4-H it would be to just go for it. You don’t have to start out volunteering for a 5 day camp, you can start small by volunteering at a one day camp and if you like it then move on to the longer camps.”
As you can see, Max is always thinking of others and how they can leave a positive influence on the lives of others.
For more information on how you, like Max, can make a positive difference in the lives of youth in our community, contact your local UF IFAS Extension Office.
There are only 11 days before my boys will be home all day, luxuriating in the A/C, gaming, sleeping and eating everything in the pantry. Or so they think. I just can’t stand the thought of them doing that, so I’ve booked them for a couple of day camps, overnight camp and lined them up to work for my parents. Now don’t get me wrong; I believe in down-time, me-time and quiet-time, but I also believe in making sure they’re brains don’t turn to mush, they love learning, develop a strong work ethic and experience some new things.
Because your 4-H Agents are youth development professionals, (folks who know how to provide programs and experiences that help youth reach their full potential), you can bet that 4-H day and overnight camping programs will benefit your child. Activities and experiences are tailored to meet the developmental needs of your child while they experience success but are also challenged to think. Don’t be afraid to give them a little push to try new things.
Take a look at this excerpt from an article by the American Camping Association:
“In recent years camps have put a greater emphasis on what leaders in the child development field have been saying about the needs of children today. Camp activities and group living in a natural environment are the tools used to create camp communities that provide for successful, healthy development and a place where having fun is a daily criterion. In such a structured environment, children interact with positive role models who have time to listen, talk, relax, and reflect. They learn to work together, make choices, take responsibility, develop creative skills, build independence and self-reliance, and gain confidence. All are necessary steps on a child’s path to a healthy, productive life.”
In the Northwest Extension District spanning from Escambia to Jefferson counties, we have several district-wide programs that may be offered in your county. Each county may also offer more camps in addition to these.
HughesNet and Florida 4-H have teamed up to help youth learn how to use science and technology to solve problems!
Most people think of camp as a break from the fast-paced technological world, but that’s not always the case. With a $10,000 grant from HughesNet, Florida 4-H is introducing technology in a meaningful way across our state this summer! As a result of the sponsorship, 340 youth will learn about the engineering design process, and how to use technology and engineering to solve real world issues such as energy, water and conservation.
“We are grateful for the partnership with a technology leader like HughesNet to get more kids interested in how STEM affects our lives and offers great career paths,” said Michael Gutter, UF/IFAS associate dean for Extension and state program leader for 4-H youth development, families and communities. “Camp is a fun way to learn about STEM and a great way for youth to spend part of their summer.”
During one camp, youth learned how civil engineers design safe bridges to transport people, food and medical supplies. STEM in action!
STEM at Camp is part of a national effort by HughesNet and National 4-H Council to spark youth interest in STEM topics. Florida was one of four states selected to receive a Summer Camp STEM grant. The other states include Illinois, Maine and Virginia. This is the third consecutive year that HughesNet has supported STEM at Camp programs and the first year that Florida has been a recipient of this funding.
Next week, Florida Panhandle youth have two camps to choose from: Bots by the Bay at 4-H Camp Timpoochee and Wildlife Camp in Monticello, Florida. During Bots by the Bay camp, youth will learn how to program 3-dimensional printers to print, build and test robots and cars. During Wildlife Camp, youth will learn how technology is used to protect natural resources and grow our agricultural industry. Our goal is to spark an interest in using technology to solve real world problems that affect our food safety and supply, as well as our overall quality of life.
National 4-H Council and HughesNet are dedicated to sparking youth interest in STEM topics through hands-on, community-based STEM learning. In addition to STEM at Camp, HughesNet works with National 4-H Council to support STEM programs such as the 4-H Youth In Action STEM Pillar award, National Engineering Week and National Youth Science Day – the world’s largest youth-led STEM challenge. This year’s experiment, Incredible Wearables, helps youth explore the world of wearable technology as the design, built and test a fitness monitor. If you have a passion for technology, or simply like to help kids learn, consider becoming a 4-H volunteer. For more information about 4-H, visit our website or contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office.
4-H summer programs allow youth to explore a variety of topics- from animal science to robotics! Photo credit: Heather Kent, UF IFAS Extension
With the end of the school year approaching, many parents are puzzling over what to do with their children during the 8-10 weeks of summer vacation. Fortunately, 4-H has the solution to bust summertime boredom and extend learning while exploring a variety of topics- such as sewing, gardening, culinary arts or even robotics and engineering. 4-H camps are different from most other camping programs because they are framed around the essential elements of positive youth development and are intentionally structured to promote the development of life and workforce skills such as communication, decision-making and appreciation of differences. 4-H camps are staffed by caring teen and adult volunteers who have been screened, oriented and trained according to federal and state law, and incorporate best practices for risk management to insure a physically and emotionally safe environment. The connection of 4-H to land grant universities like the University of Florida also means that camp curriculum is based on the best knowledge available about any given project utilizing inquiry and learn-by-doing methods.
Below you can find a list of day camps that will be offered throughout the Florida panhandle. Counties also offer week long overnight camps at Camp Timpoochee or Camp Cherry Lake. In addition to camp, 4-H offers overnight leadership experiences for middle school and high school youth, such as Intermediate State (June 2-4th), 4-H Legislature (June 26-30th), and 4-H University (July 31-August 3rd). Click on the county links below for more information or contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office.
21st Century 4-H Day Camps- a variety of topics taught over the summer for youth enrolled in the 21st Century Learning programs at Tolar and Hosford schools
Russell and Julie McMillian, Gulf County 4-H Alumnae and 4-H Leaders
Russell and Julie McMillian both grew up in Gulf County and together have established a thriving business based on their love of horses. They now own a small farm in Dalkeith, just south of Wewahitchka, and their business Rockin’ M Ranch, consists of horseback riding lessons for beginners and beach rides for tourists and locals alike along the beautiful beaches of Cape San Blas.
How did this all begin? Russell and Julie both grew up as Gulf County 4-H members of the Big River Riders 4-H Club. They both participated in a variety of 4-H programs; including Horse Camp, Camp Timpoochee, Congress (now known as 4-H University), District Events, North Florida Fair Ag Judging, Area A and State 4-H Horse Shows, etc. They both learned the values of 4-H through learning how to raise and compete with their animals, agricultural commodities, leadership skills, public speaking, community service, good decision making skills, and much more…
As adults, they both went in separate directions, but still maintained their love of horses and the farm life. Russell began his career in flooring and tile work, while Julie received her education degree and taught Kindergarten at Wewahitchka Elementary School. After reconnecting as adults, they married on September 25, 2010 and turned their passion for horses into a full-time love by creating their own business, Rockin’ M Ranch. Russell still does flooring, tile work on the side, and helps his grandparents with their hay business. Julie decided to leave the teaching field, and she manages their business full time. She began giving beach rides on the Cape at the age of 14 and still loves it as much today.
Julie and Russell McMillian pictured with Brooke (left) and Hayleigh (right).
Russell began his time with 4-H at the age of 12 and Julie was 8 years old. As members of the Big River Riders 4-H Club, they adored their 4-H leaders, Mr. Jesse Eubanks and Ms. Jean McMillian (Russell’s grandmother), and the Gulf County Extension Director, Roy L. Carter (now retired), whose passion for horses was contagious. Julie explained that she was a very shy child and that participating in public speaking for District Events really helped her come out of her shell. They both loved learning the values of the four H’s: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. They feel 4-H has helped them develop into productive adults with good decision-making skills and in-stilled in them the importance of giving back to their community. They have served as 4-H volunteers for the Big River Rider’s 4-H Club since Russell’s daughters joined 4-H years ago; Brooke (17) and Hayleigh (15) also ride horses and have competed in a variety of Gulf County 4-H programs throughout the years. Russell and Julie have also taught a variety of horse riding classes at multiple Gulf County 4-H day camps.
As 4-H and community leaders, their most important goal is to give back to the community that gave to them as 4-Hers growing up here. They really love introducing new riders to the love of horses and 4-H. On any day, Russell and Julie can be found throughout the county at various events supporting 4-H members and any youth for that matter.
When asked what advice she has for someone thinking about becoming a 4-H volunteer she said, “Do not have regrets…just do it. Do not be scared off by the fingerprinting and application process. It is quick and easy, and maintains the safety for you and the children. Get started! 4-H is a great opportunity for youth and adults.”
“As a 4-H extension agent, you can only hope to find 4-H volunteers as dedicated as Russell and Julie McMillian. Their passion and love of 4-H is infectious and draws in youth looking for a place to belong.” -Melanie Taylor, Gulf County 4-H Agent
For more information about Rockin’ M Ranch, please go to http://www.therockinmranch.com/. For more information about how to become involved in 4-H, either as a youth member or adult volunteer, visit florida4h.org or contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office. 4-H offers a variety of roles for volunteers to share their passions, skills and interests.
