Dawn Stuckey, 4-H Youth Development Agent
Colleton County 4-H has been busy this Spring and Summer wrapping up health and wellness programs at Colleton County Schools and planning summer activities for 4-H members around the state. Club members held fundraisers to support projects, participated in state events, and tried a few new field crop projects. Keep reading to find out what we have been up to.
Colleton County 4-H Club held a bake sale to fund their Colleton Animal Shelter Kennel project. To maintain an aminal kennel at the facility, the club needs an annual donation of $250. They support their mission by volunteering and fundraising for the shelter.
Colleton 4-H Club members presented their hobbies to club members to practice public speaking. During the April Meeting, club members shared how to care for and raise chickens, how to show a rabbit, and a collection of gems and fossils. For some members, this was the first time they had presented to a group. The members enjoyed learning about the different topics.
Colleton Horse Clubs attended the State 4-H Horse Show in June. Five of the group earned placement in the Southern Regional Show held in Perry, GA, this August. You can read the full article here.
Another school year full of health and nutrition classes for Cottageville Elementary and Black Street Schools ended in May. This was the 7th year for programs at Cottageville and the second year for Black Street. More than 700 students learned to eat healthier and make better choices, as well as where their food comes from. We even hatched a few chicks to help students at Black Street ECC understand what is inside an egg. We have restocked and are ready to begin again this fall.
Speaking of chicks, the 2024-25 4-H Pullet Chain has begun. Chicks for the Savannah Valley participants arrived in May and were delivered to youth around the region by county 4-H Agents. The Poultry project committee has been working with participants to prepare their homes for the chick’s arrival. The members of the Laying Flock Project have joined them, and all participants are working to grow the best-looking and healthiest chickens to show at the fair. In late August, birds will be NPIP tested, and training will be done to prepare for poultry shows at the Orangeburg County Fair and the SC State Fair in October.
Colleton and Dorchester counties have worked with agents in the Savannah Valley to provide a network of knowledge for participants. This year, the Savannah Valley 4-H Livestock Kick-off, held at the Orangeburg Fairgrounds, brought new participants and veteran participants together to share how to get started and get the best results with your livestock project. You can read more about the event here.
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