Tag: 4-H

York County 4-H: Growing Leaders, Building Community

York County 4-H continues to provide engaging opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills and explore new interests. From exciting projects to celebrating agriculture, our 4-H’ers are making their mark in the community!

4-H Journalism Project Takes Off
This fall, we launched the York County 4-H Journalism Project, giving youth the opportunity to dive into the world of media and storytelling. Participants are learning about interviewing, photography, and article writing while covering local 4-H events. Through this project, they are developing valuable communication skills and gaining hands-on experience in journalism. We look forward to seeing their stories come to life and sharing their work with the community!

Celebrating Agriculture Month
November was all about agriculture in York County 4-H! As part of Agriculture Month, we hosted special activities highlighting the importance of farming and local food production. Our 4-H’ers participated in farm visits, hands-on workshops, and educational sessions about livestock, crops, and sustainability. This month-long celebration reinforced the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives and inspired youth to explore careers in the ag industry.

Making a Difference: 4-H Community Service
York County 4-H’ers have been actively giving back to their community through a variety of service projects. The Teen Council raised money to purchase toys for the children’s hospital during the holiday season, wrapping and delivering them to bring joy to young patients. The Sewing Club is crafting pillows with book pockets to donate, providing comfort and literacy support to those in need. The Fort Mill 4-H Club collected materials to create birthday bags for community members who may not have the means to celebrate. Additionally, both the Fort Mill 4-H Club and Cloverbud Club spread holiday cheer by caroling at local nursing homes. Our 4-H’ers continue to use their ‘hands for larger service’ by making donations to blessing boxes around the county, ensuring that those in need have access to essential supplies.

York County 4-H at the SC Women in Agriculture Conference
Nine York County 4-H’ers and 4-H alumni had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 South Carolina Women in Agriculture Conference. This event provided valuable networking, mentorship, and learning experiences for our young leaders interested in agriculture. Their participation highlights the impact of 4-H in fostering future agricultural professionals and advocates.

Swine Project Nears Completion
We are nearing the end of our annual Swine Project, with over 80 pigs in this year’s program. This initiative continues to grow, offering youth hands-on experience in animal care, responsibility, and agricultural education. We are excited to see the project’s continued expansion and the skills our participants develop along the way.

Celebrating 2025 SC Miss 4-H: Dacy Freeman
A big congratulations to Dacy Freeman, who has been named the 2025 South Carolina Miss 4-H! Her dedication to 4-H and leadership within the program exemplify the best of what 4-H has to offer. We are proud to have her represent York County at the state level.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the summer, we are excited about the day-camp and overnight camp opportunities that York County 4-H’ers will have. These experiences provide youth with unforgettable learning, leadership, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Thank you to everyone who supports York County 4-H—we couldn’t do it without you!

Kristin Kunde 
York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

A Collaborative Effort

Mark Cathcart

As a 4-H agent I try to figure out how to promote our organization, give back to our communities, and of course, pay for it all. Every now and then an opportunity comes along that can help with each of these goals.  Just such an opportunity came to Union 4-H with the collaboration of “Forged in 4-H” and the Union County Agricultural Fair.

“Forged In 4-H” is a program designed to teach metallurgy and blacksmithing skills in a safe manner, with the use of chemistry, geometry, physics, math, and hands on projects.  This program uses learning techniques that allow students to experience and learn the trade of blacksmithing in a modern and traditional manner.

As an update, Forged in 4-H is now housed in a building located on the Union County Fairgrounds. The use of this building was donated to Union County 4-H for the purpose of teaching blacksmithing, as well as providing a new and interesting exhibit for the Fair. Along with the modern blacksmithing equipment, a new 1800’s style blacksmith shop has been constructed in part of the building.  This allows the teaching of blacksmithing on a completely different aspect and level. In addition to the educational aspect of this project, it will give the opportunity to the patrons of the Union County Agricultural Fair, Union County Farm Show, and other events held here to see how blacksmithing was done then and now. 

Not only will this program be an asset to Union County, but it will also further set Union County 4-H apart from other 4-H programs in the state.  No other county has the equipment to conduct such a program.  It will create a draw for people outside of Union to come to our county, as it is unique to this area of the state. It will afford visitors the opportunity to see demonstrations, by 4-H youth, with modern blacksmithing equipment, as well as how blacksmithing was done 200 years ago in the same building.

It will soon be time for our 4^th annual Peach Country Livestock Expo!  This partnership between Spartanburg and Cherokee County 4-H provides a much-needed opportunity for our area youth to exhibit their animals during the spring season.

Each year the event has seen growth in youth participants, species exhibited, and community sponsors.  For 2025 we have added a Dairy Goat Show and a Horse Show!  Last year we hosted almost 70 youth exhibitors and hope that with the addition of two new species that we are able to increase that number to 100 this year!

The show is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.  Please join us to cheer on our 4-H and FFA youth!

The schedule is as follows:

• Friday, March 21^st at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds
  • 6:00pm – Market Swine Show
• Saturday, March 22^nd at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds
  • 11:00am – Beef Cattle Show
  • 2:00pm – Rabbit Show and Chicken Show
  • 5:00pm – Dairy Goat Show
• Saturday, April 26^th at Croft State Park
  • Time TBA – Horse Show

For more information about the show (to attend, enter, or sponsor) please contact Laura Haddon by email at lhaddon@clemson.edu or by phone at (864) 596-2993.

Bryan Smith

We are happy to announce that Mrs. Lauren Smith has accepted the Laurens County 4-H Agent position.  Her first day was March 3, 2025. 

Lauren has a B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from Clemson University.  She has spent the past several years working as the Outdoor Program Manager with the Girls Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands (based in Spartanburg), providing over 40 programs each year as well as hiring and training seasonal staff.

We are excited to have her in Laurens County.  Welcome, Lauren!

Jackie Jordan Urban Horticulture

Join us as we grow together, one pot at a time!

The Pots of Possibilities Series is a container gardening program designed to help combat food insecurity and promote sustainability in Fairfield County.

Offering classes each spring and fall, this initiative provides residents of all ages with the tools and knowledge to grow their own food in small spaces. The program is completely free of charge, but spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your place in this hands-on, community-driven experience.

For more information, check out The Pots of Possibilities Series Flyer

Martina Wicker 4-H Youth Development

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of several new 4-H clubs, offering even more opportunities for our youth to grow, learn, and engage in hands-on experiences in various fields of interest. 

1. Horse Club – Hosted by Joyner Family Horse Farms 
This exciting new club provides youth with the chance to connect with horses and develop their skills in equestrian activities. From interactions with horses to learning about horse care, this club offers an invaluable experience for young people passionate about animals. A special thank you to our volunteer, Mr. Jimmy Joyner, for opening his barn and sharing his experience and expertise with our youth.  

2. Farm & Family Club – Hosted by Crazy Chic Heritage Farms 
The Farm & Family Club is all about fostering a love for agriculture and understanding the importance of farming in our communities. This club focuses on the showmanship of poultry and encouraging youth to build strong family connections through farm-related activities. 4-H volunteers Abbie & Shaun Kowalke do a phenomenal job of helping to foster the love for agriculture and poultry.  

3. Midlands STEM Charter School 4-H Club 
The Midlands STEM Charter School 4-H Club focuses on hands-on learning projects and exploration of all that 4-H has to offer. The youth in this club have already been very busy planting a tree at the school for Arbor Day, working on passion projects, and will soon begin planting seeds to help with our Fairfield Container Gardening classes. Teachers, Courtney Corby and Lauren Beck, do a miraculous job of organizing, fundraising, and hosting the club.  

4. Farm Animals & Sustainability Club – Hosted by Set in Stone Sustainability Farm 
This club is dedicated to educating our youth on sustainable farming practices, the importance of environmental stewardship, and the showmanship of swine. Youth will gain firsthand experience in managing farm animals while learning how sustainable practices can protect our planet for future generations. A special thank you for SeVen Stone for opening her farm and heart to the youth of Fairfield County.  

5. Homeschool Club 
Recognizing the diversity of learning environments, the Homeschool Club brings together 4-H members who are homeschooled for community building, learning, and shared experiences. While this club is titled “Homeschool Club”, it is open to all youth. This club is a great opportunity for homeschool families to engage with one another and the broader 4-H community.  

Martina Wicker 4-H Youth Development

As we embrace the start of 2025, we are excited to share some wonderful updates and accomplishments from our Fairfield County 4-H program. The fall of 2024 brought new opportunities, clubs, and enthusiastic youth working hard to make a difference. Here’s a look at the latest highlights and events that are shaping the future of 4-H in our community. 

Cookie Co-Op Series – September 2024 

In September, four talented young ladies participated in the Cookie Co-Op Series, a program designed to sharpen baking skills and build teamwork. After a series of workshops and practice sessions, these young bakers entered the South Carolina State Fair Cookie Competition. Their hard work and creativity paid off, as the group earned impressive results: two red ribbons and two blue ribbons! This achievement is a testament to their dedication and baking expertise. Congratulations to all participants – we are so proud of your accomplishments! 

Gingerbread Competition – December 2024 

In December, Fairfield County 4-H hosted the Gingerbread Competition at Christmas, where families came together to compete in decorating the most imaginative and festive gingerbread house. The event was a fun-filled evening of creativity, laughter, and holiday cheer. A special congratulations to Benjamin Lewis, the winner of the competition, for his impressive design and attention to detail. Thank you to all the families who participated – your teamwork and holiday spirit made this event a memorable one! We cannot wait to host the competition again next year!  

Richard Winn Shooting Sports Achievements 

We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our youth in the Richard Winn Shooting Sports program. This team continues to excel, with many participants achieving new personal bests and showing impressive growth in their skills. 

In addition to improving shooting accuracy, our young athletes have demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and sportsmanship in all their practices and competitions. These achievements speak to the perseverance and commitment of our youth, and we look forward to seeing even more progress in the coming months. 

Looking Ahead to 2025 

As we look ahead to the spring and summer, we are excited for all the upcoming events and opportunities for our members. Be sure to stay tuned for more details on upcoming workshops, 4-H camps, and special events. Whether your child is interested in animals, STEM, sustainability, or leadership, there’s a place for them to thrive in Fairfield County 4-H. 

Thank you to our volunteers, mentors, and families who continue to make Fairfield County 4-H a thriving community. Your support is crucial in helping our youth achieve success and reach their full potential. Together, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow and making the best, better!  

Stay connected, stay involved, and let’s continue to make 2025 a year of growth and achievement for our Fairfield County 4-H members! 

Greenville County 4-H is excited to introduce the Greenville 4-H Club, a new general-interest club open to all 4-H ages! This club brings back the tradition of community-based 4-H clubs, a structure that has historically been the foundation of 4-H across the country. Unlike the recent trend in South Carolina 4-H of offering primarily Special Interest (SPIN) clubs, the Greenville 4-H Club provides a broad range of activities designed to engage members in hands-on learning while building a sense of community.

The club’s first meeting was held in early February at Annie’s House, hosted by the local nonprofit Sustaining Way. Members enjoyed a tour of their sustainable gardens and then got creative making seed paper valentines—a fun and eco-friendly way to spread kindness and encourage upcycling.

Looking ahead, the next meeting is set for March 8th at Annie’s House, where members will continue to explore new skills and experiences. As more families move to the Upstate, we hope clubs like these will provide a welcoming space for youth to learn, grow, and thrive in Greenville County 4-H.

Want to get involved? Contact the Greenville County 4-H Agent, Amie Mabe to learn more and join the fun!

The holiday season is a time of giving, reflection, and spreading joy, and the York County 4-H Teen Council embraced this spirit wholeheartedly with their recent Toy Mission project. Demonstrating the values of leadership, teamwork, and service, the youth council collected $375 to purchase toys for children at Levine Children’s Hospital. This heartwarming initiative showcased the power of 4-H’s “learn by doing” philosophy, providing our young leaders with a hands-on opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Turning an Idea into Action

The Toy Mission began with the teens identifying a need in their community: brightening the lives of children facing medical challenges during the holiday season. Motivated by their collective desire to help, the council organized a fundraiser and raised $375 through their hard work and dedication. This initiative was not just about raising money but about learning how to plan, communicate, and execute a real-world project—skills that will serve these youth well throughout their lives.

Teamwork in Action at Walmart

With their funds in hand, the teens headed to Walmart with a mission to maximize their impact. Dividing into small teams, they worked together to create a plan, prioritize items, and stretch their budget as far as possible. This experience provided valuable lessons in collaboration, critical thinking, and budgeting. The youth carefully selected toys, art supplies, and games, ensuring their choices would bring joy to children of all ages. Once the toys were purchased, the Teen Council members gathered to wrap each gift. This step was more than just preparing the toys for delivery; it was an opportunity for the teens to add a personal touch and reflect on the joy their efforts would bring. The room buzzed with excitement as festive paper transformed the items into beautiful presents.

Delivering Smiles to Levine Children’s Hospital

The final step of the mission was perhaps the most rewarding: hand-delivering the wrapped gifts to Levine Children’s Hospital. The teens’ visit was filled with smiles, gratitude, and the knowledge that their efforts had brought a little extra joy to the hospital’s young patients and their families. It was a moment of connection and service that left a lasting impact on both the youth and the community they served.

Learning by Doing: The Heart of 4-H

The Toy Mission exemplifies what 4-H is all about: learning by doing. Through this project, the York County 4-H Teen Council not only made a difference in their community but also gained invaluable life skills. They learned how to organize a fundraiser, plan and manage a budget, work as a team, and give back with empathy and purpose. These real-world experiences help build strong, confident leaders who are ready to tackle challenges and make a positive impact wherever they go.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Toy Mission has inspired the Teen Council to think about future service projects that continue to embody the 4-H pledge to “pledge my hands to larger service.” As we reflect on this meaningful initiative, we are reminded of the importance of empowering our youth to lead with compassion and action.

To learn more about the York County 4-H Teen Council or to get involved with 4-H, contact our local office or visit York County 4-H’s website. Together, we can continue to nurture the leaders of tomorrow while making a difference today.

Inspiring Leadership Through Civic Engagement

The York County 4-H Legislative Day, held on Monday, November 18th, 2024, brought together 4-H’ers, council members, and community leaders for an evening that highlighted civic engagement and leadership. This annual event provides youth with the opportunity to learn about local government, share their 4-H experiences, and express gratitude for the support of county leaders.

Learning from Leaders

Christi Cox, chairman of the York County Council, began the evening with an engaging presentation on the history and processes of the county council. Her talk shed light on how local government operates and the vital role it plays in shaping the York County community.

Following her presentation, the evening transitioned into a unique networking opportunity. 4-H youth met and spoke one-on-one with council members, gaining valuable insights into the responsibilities and rewards of public service. This time allowed for meaningful conversations and helped build connections between the next generation of leaders and current policymakers.

4-H’ers Take the Stage

The evening culminated during the regularly scheduled council meeting, where three outstanding 4-H members—Natalie Estes (15), Noah Parise (11), and Avery Smith (12)—delivered powerful two-minute speeches.

Each 4-H’er expressed heartfelt gratitude to the council for their continued support of the York County 4-H program. Their stories were a vivid reminder of the profound impact 4-H has on youth development.

Strengthening Civic Engagement

York County 4-H Legislative Day is more than an event; it is a platform for youth to connect with local leaders, learn about governance, and share their voices. We are deeply grateful to the York County Council for their ongoing encouragement and support, and for inspiring our 4-H’ers to pursue leadership and service in their communities.

Through events like this, 4-H continues to empower young people to grow into informed, active citizens who are ready to “Make the Best Better.”