by Julie Pigott Dillard | May 25, 2018
2018 4-H Camp Timpoochee Staff: from left to right – Savannah, Jessie, Mason, Zach, Miles, Teagan, Jesse, Jack
Your 2018 4-H Camp Staff has just finished a week of training where they learned all the skills they need to make your camp week the best ever! Ms. Ariel, 4-H Camp Timpoochee’s Director, interviewed the staff so you could find out a little bit more about them. She asked them their favorite song, favorite camp activity and had them finish this sentence: “I wanted to be camp staff because….”
Jesse J. is from LaGrange, GA, and is a 3rd year staffer. Her favorite song is What Can Make a Hippo Smile. Her favorite camp activities are archery and outdoor skills. Jessie says, “I have always enjoyed leading people and helping them grow in their own way. By becoming staff I can really impact children by being a positive staff.”
Teagan is from Madison, FL, and is a 2nd year camp staff member. Her favorite camp song is Herman the Worm and her favorite camp activity is OMC – Organized Mass Chaos! Teagan says, “I wanted to be that person I looked up to at camp.”
Jack is all the way from Swansea, Whales, so you’ll notice his accent is quite different from ours! He’s a 2nd year staffer who loves to sing Baby Shark and dance. Jack says, “Waking up and loving what I do-it doesn’t feel like a job. I get to impact others in positive ways and help children grow.”
Zach is from Bonifay, FL and is a 1st time staff member. His favorite song is Princess Pat and his favorite camp activity is kayaking. Zach says “I wanted to impact kids in a positive way.”
Miles is from the west coast – Santa Rosa, CA – and this is his 1st year as a camp staff member. His favorite song is Yogi Bear, and his favorite camp activity is kayaking. Miles says “I wanted to be camp staff to help guide kids to be leaders.”
Matt, a 1st time staff member from Pensacola, FL, loves to sing The Coconut Song and play Capture the Flag most of all. Matt says he wanted to become camp staff “to offer kids the same experience I had as a kid.”
Jessie M., a 1st time staff member, is from Chipley, FL. Her favorite camp song is Tarzan. If you’re looking for her on camp and can’t find her, she’ll probably be in the Arts and Crafts room because that’s her favorite camp activity. Jessie says, “I wanted to help give kids a sense of belonging.”
Mason is from Cottondale, FL, and it’s his 1st time being camp staff. His favorite song is Five Little Muffins, and his favorite camp activity is kayaking. Mason says, “I wanted to positively impact youth.”
Savannah, from Trenton, FL, is a 1st time staff member. Her favorite song is Pink Pajamas. She’ll probably get you to sign it lots of times during her favorite camp activity – campfire. Savannah says, “I wanted to help make a positive impact.”
Thanks to 4-H Camp Timpoochee’s Resident Director, Ariel Blanton, for interviewing her staff for us. Next week, we’ll learn about Ms. Neva’s staff at 4-H Camp Cherry Lake. If you’d like to learn more about 4-H Camp and its positive impacts, contact your 4-H Agent: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/.
by Julie Pigott Dillard | May 23, 2018
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 Rattling Bog 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/.
by Whitney Cherry | May 21, 2018
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.
by Whitney Cherry | Apr 6, 2018
These 4-H’ers started their own seeds and sold them in a plant sale to raise money to help feed hungry children in their communities.
It seems like as the weather warms, we all start itching to get outside. A favorite outdoor project of many of our 4-H’ers is starting plants from seeds. There is something exciting and satisfying about raising your own vegies or flowers from seed.
If you’ve never started your own seedlings before, you’re in for a treat. It’s not as hard as you may think. Seeds can be purchased locally at any feed and seed store, nursery, or garden center. Follow the planting instructions on the package, and don’t be afraid to ask store employees for advice. We also have vegetable planting guides at your local Extension office with best times to plant, planting depths, seed and row spacing, etc. These are free of charge, so feel free to call, email, or stop by to pick one up.
For first timers, now is the time to research. Get your plan together for what you’re planting and when it needs to be sewn. Then start collecting containers. Special seed trays can be purchased, or you can recycle old nursery trays and pots if they’re cleaned properly with a mild solution of bleach and water and rinsed well. You can also use disposable cups, newspapers can be turned into biodegradable pots very easily, or you can sew seeds in old deli trays, rotisserie chicken containers, milk jugs, almost anything that will hold a couple inches of soil.
Seed starting is a great project for all 4-H’ers and it’s a great way to teach responsibility, record keeping, teamwork, and care for living things.
These 4-H’ers are working together to fill orders at the plant sale. They started these plants from seed.
For more information on 4-H gardening programs, contact your local 4-H agent.
by Jena Gilmore | Jan 30, 2018
4-H Day at the Capitol is a unique day where our State Capitol in Tallahassee is overrunning with a sea of 4-H green! Youth from all 67 counties in Florida will travel to our Capitol on February 22nd to learn about their state government and experience the political process first hand. Throughout the day, youth will hear from public officials, participate in educational workshops, and see their legislators in actions! 4-H’ers have the opportunity, on this special day, to have their voices heard by the leaders of our government and make an impact with their 4-H story.
The day begins with an address from the 4-H State Officers and from our Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam himself. Putnam is a 4-H alumni and a leader in our Agriculture Industry. He takes pride in sharing his story annually to the #TrueLeaders of upcoming youth in 4-H. Listen to Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s interview with Southeast AgNet about how participation in 4-H helped him develop the citizenship, speaking, organizational and leadership skills that he draws on to this day. Listen Here
“(4-H) Shaped my outlook on life and prepared me for the world beyond just county fairs and livestock shows. Even my exposure to campaigns and elections came through participation in 4-H programs and the State 4-H Council.” – Adam Putnam, Florida Agriculture Commissioner
After the address from Mr. Putnam, youth explore the new and old Capitol buildings, can listen in on an official meeting, and have the opportunity to meet one on one with their legislators. We do encourage 4-H Agents, Volunteers and youth to make appointments with their legislators prior to 4-H Day at the Capitol to ensure a meeting space and time. You may be surprised to discover that many of the professionals working throughout the Capitol are 4-H Alumni and continue to utilize the life skills they learned during their 4-H experience to aid them in their careers daily.
Walton County 4-H’ers enjoying their Capitol tour.
In addition to meeting with legislators, youth may participate in mock sessions, scavenger hunts around the Capitol and educational workshops! For example, youth can sign up to take a tour of the Big Bend Farm at the Tallahassee Museum, experience IMAX National Parks and learn about the national parks while completing science labs, or they may visit the Governor’s Mansion to learn about Florida’s First Family’s official residence! Come take advantage of this annual event that exemplifies how 4-H Grows our future leaders and why “you’re going to need us.” Sign up on 4honline today through January 31st!
Helpful Resources:
by pmdavis | Oct 4, 2017
As part of National 4-H W
eek, 4-H’ers participate in 4 H National Youth Science Day (NYSD), the world’s largest youth-led science experiment. This year’s 4 H NYSD event will take place on October 4. The 2017 4‑H National Youth Science Day Challenge is called Incredible Wearables! This year’s challenge was developed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and incorporates the fast-evolving field of wearable technology, teaching kids to not only use technology but to create it and understand how it works.
From watches and eyewear to fashion and virtual reality headsets, wearable technologies are fast becoming the must-have accessory for forward-thinking people around the world. Wearable technologies didn’t start out as trendy however – one of the world’s first wearable technologies was the hearing aid! Wearable technologies are now used in industries around the globe, from education and sports, to health, fashion, entertainment, transportation and communication. In this year’s challenge, youth use the engineering design process to build a prototype wearable technology that will gather data to help solve a real-world problem. They will design and build their own low-cost wearable health monitor following the engineering design process. This process includes defining the problem, designing and building prototypes (solutions) then systematically testing and evaluating enabling them to redesign for optimization of wearability and functionality.
During the innovative, hands-on project, these future engineers must work together to design, build and refine a wearable health-tracking device that is easy-to-use and aesthetically appealing. In fact, youth from Bay County have been training with their adult leaders to teach this challenge to other youth in their community on National Youth Science Day. Jason Scott, from Scott Innovative Solutions and an engineer at NSA PC, teamed up with the Bay County 4-H Agent to teach youth and adult partner teams about this project enabling them to be able to share their knowledge with others on October 4. When participants will attempt to solve the problem of people not staying active enough to lead healthy lives. In fact, youth will build a prototype fitness tracking device that could ultimately be marketed and sold to consumers to positively affect fitness behaviors.
After completing the challenge youth will have had an experience of using the engineering design process to build a device to help them monitor their health so they can gather data to make better decisions. They will understand more about how wearable technologies like FitBits, Smartwatches and other wearable devices are made.
The field of wearable technologies continues to grow in both quantity and quality. New technologies are being developed and put on the market on a regular basis, including virtual reality and augmented reality devices, clothing and accessories, as well as health monitoring devices. The future of wearable technologies is limited only by the imaginations of those designing them. By studying STEM and participating in this National Youth Science Day Experiment, youth could use technologies to develop products and mechanisms we haven’t even thought of, but definitely desire! To find out more information about other 4-H programs like this or volunteer your time to work with youth, contact your local UF IFAS County Extension Office or visit http://florida4h.org.
Comparing device to prototype
