Tawanah Reeves-Ligon, Dorchester County 4-H Agent
Of course, you know by now that 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development program and has been striving “to make the best better” for over a century! Our “learn-by-doing” model allows youth to experience the learning process while allowing for discovery and self-determination that may not take place in other environments. From clubs (like livestock and shooting sports) to camps (like Camp 4-H20) to special events (like our regional and state fairs), 4-H offers a multitude of ways for K-12 participants to find their spark, a place to belong, healthy relationships, and safe community engagement. But there’s another special option to grow through 4-H: projects.
Projects take place at both the local and state levels. They cover an astounding number of special interests and present unique opportunities for participants to break into small groups or learn independently. For example, at the local level, students can participate in the Dorchester County Embryology Project (incubate and hatch chicks in the classroom!) through their schools or community groups. Some state projects include, but are not limited to, small animal projects like Dairy Goats, Poultry, or Rabbits. If your child is interested in larger animals, they can participate in Horse, Beef Cattle, or Swine. What if they love STEM? Every year, South Carolina 4-H hosts an Engineering Challenge event that gathers participants from all over the Palmetto State in fierce, fun competition.
For those who want to be active in their community, there’s the Pinckney Leadership Program which offers annual conferences, camps, and regional roundups featuring workshops and guest speakers. There is also the 4-H presentation contest which provides youth with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate effective public speaking, communication, and teaching skills through an organized presentation or demonstration.
If a 4-H’er is interested in the field of natural resources, there are myriad options through 4-H at the state level, such as the Honey Bee, Wildlife Food Plot, and the Small Garden projects. The Honey Bee project allows for independent learning about beekeeping and the role of pollinators in our ecosystem. Wildlife Food Plot projects offer hands-on, field experience by engaging youth in establishing, maintaining, and observing a wildlife food plot. There are also healthy living projects, such as Cooking Like a Chef or the Healthy Habits Summit.
Projects like these and more are offered throughout the 4-H membership year (September to August), so you have to stay connected to both South Carolina 4-H and your local county 4-H program to know when opportunities are open for enrollment. Typically, once registered, participants will receive a record book and possibly some starter materials for their project. Most projects can be pursued as a small group, club, or individual, though some are only for individual 4-H’ers. Projects are typically posted on the South Carolina 4-H Facebook and Instagram as well as the Dorchester County 4-H Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Excited to get started on a 4-H project, either locally or at the state level? Want to learn more? Contact your local county office today! For Dorchester residents, the office is located at 201 Johnston Street, St. George, SC 29477 and is open from 9am-3pm Monday through Thursday (closed 12p-1p for lunch). Your Dorchester 4-H Youth Development Agent is Tawanah Reeves-Ligon, and she can be reached at tawanar@clemson.edu or via call/text at 864-784-0516.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
