Tag: 4-H

Mallory Fulmer

As summer winds down, we’re reflecting on the fun, friendships, and learning that filled our 4-H days. We are thrilled to share that all of our Newberry County 4-H summer camps sold out and were a huge success!

This year’s lineup included:

• Engineer Camp – 4-H’ers competed for two days in teams of four to take on exciting engineer challenges.
• Crafty Clovers Art Camp – A full day of creativity and fun with pottery, painting, and more hands-on art projects.
• Crochet Camp – With the help of our amazing volunteers, 4-H’ers learned basic crochet techniques learning to make granny squares and dish rags.
• Camp 4-H – Our Cloverbuds spent three days exploring Natural Resources and Agriculture through engaging activities and outdoor fun.
• Farm Tour Camp – We toured local farms and learned more about agriculture right here in our community.

In addition to our camp fun, three of our senior-aged 4-H’ers attended SC 4-H Congress at Clemson University this summer. They had opportunities to engage in leadership activities, experience college life firsthand, and build lasting connections with 4-H friends from across the state.

We’re so proud of everything our 4-H’ers accomplished this summer and can’t wait to see what the 2025–2026 4-H year brings!

Mallory Fulmer

A new 4-H year is here, and we couldn’t be more excited for all the opportunities, adventures, and learning experiences ahead! Newberry County 4-H is thrilled to announce that we will be offering 11 amazing clubs starting this September—there’s something for every interest and age group.

This year’s club lineup includes:

• Clovers in the Kitchen
• Kids in the Kitchen
• Seniors in the Kitchen
• Clovers STEM Club
• Kids STEM Club
• Teen Council
• Needleworks Club
• Homeschool Club
• Sharpshooters Air Rifle Club
• Shellshockers Shotgun Club
• Eagles Shotgun Club

We’re also growing in more ways than one! This year, eight schools in Newberry County will be participating in our School Garden Program. These schools will receive four plant deliveries throughout the year so their students can enjoy hands-on planting and gardening right at school.

And we can’t forget one of our favorite spring traditions—the 4-H Embryology Project! We’ll be working with local schools to give students an up-close look at the life cycle of a chicken, from egg to fluffy chick.

Of course, that’s just the beginning. We’ll be offering fun camps and hands-on workshops throughout the year, so keep an eye out for announcements—you won’t want to miss a thing.

Here’s to another year of growing leaders, building friendships, and making memories in Newberry County 4-H!

By: Amie Mabe, Greenville County 4-H Agent

As we begin a new 4-H year in Greenville County, members have an exciting opportunity to showcase their growth and achievements through updated 4-H portfolios. These portfolios not only serve as a valuable record for future college applications but also offer a chance to earn county awards and prepare for the State Portfolio submission. An interview component will be held in the spring, required for senior members and optional for juniors. Cloverbuds are encouraged to participate by reciting the 4-H pledge alongside their submission. Portfolio guidelines for junior and senior members are available on the Greenville County 4-H website, where they can be downloaded or requested as a printed copy. Start your 4-H story today and make this year one to remember!

By: Amie Mabe, Greenville County 4-H Agent

The second annual summer program, Cloverbud Days, introduced our youngest group
of 4-H’ers to all areas of our program. Due to its success and continued interest, we’re
excited to announce the launch of a new club specifically for Cloverbud-aged members.
This club will meet monthly at the Greenville Extension office on the third Thursday of
each month.
This summer also featured a Junior Master Gardener program in partnership with the
summer camp at Front Porch Housing. With around 29 youth participants, this initiative
engaged youth ages 5–18 in gardening and leadership through interactive outdoor
activities. Additionally, our summer program at the Sterling Center introduced youth to
the wide range of 4-H project areas and was a major success, drawing nearly 40
participants each week.
None of these programs would have been possible without the incredible efforts of our
4-H program interns, Chloe Margeson and Mathilde Mitton, who planned, marketed,
prepared, and implemented each of these initiatives. Their dedication and creativity
were instrumental in making this summer a meaningful and enriching experience for all involved.

By: Amie Mabe, Greenville County 4-H Agent

This year’s Greenville County Volunteer Conference was a resounding success! Held at
Upstate Circle of Friends, the event brought together 25 enthusiastic participants
representing five county programs. As the second annual gathering of its kind, the
conference offered valuable training, resources, and networking opportunities to both
new and returning volunteers. Attendees left feeling more prepared and inspired to lead
their clubs and support 4-H programming throughout the upcoming year. We’re excited
to continue this tradition next summer, further strengthening our volunteer community
and enhancing the impact of 4-H in Greenville County.

By: Amie Mabe, Greenville County 4-H Agent

The new 4-H year officially begins on September 1st in Greenville County, and we’re
excited to launch with 15 active clubs serving youth across the region. Many of these
clubs are led by dedicated volunteers who play a vital role in delivering high-quality
programming and mentorship. Whether you’re a returning member or new to 4-H, you
can explore all available clubs and find the right fit by visiting our newly updated
website. We look forward to another impactful year of learning, leadership, and growth!

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, Fairfield County 4-H hosted its annual Awards Night, an evening filled with celebration, recognition, and community spirit. The event marked the official end to the 2024–2025 4-H year and gave members, families, and volunteers a chance to reflect on the successes of the past year while looking forward to the future.

In addition to celebrating new members, the evening honored youth who have demonstrated dedication, leadership, and achievement in various 4-H projects and activities. Volunteers, whose tireless support makes the program possible, were also thanked for their invaluable contributions.

This year’s Awards Night highlighted the remarkable growth of Fairfield County 4-H. More than 53 first-year members were recognized on stage, a clear reflection of the momentum and excitement surrounding the program. Each new member received a warm welcome and a special recognition item to mark their beginning in 4-H.

The evening wasn’t all formalities—members, families, and friends also enjoyed time together, sharing stories, smiles, and laughter. The celebration captured the heart of 4-H: learning, growing, and thriving together.

As Fairfield County 4-H steps into the 2025–2026 year, the excitement from Awards Night has set the tone for what promises to be another year of growth, discovery, and success.

Martina Wicker, 4-H Youth Development Agent: mewick@clemson.edu | 864-985-2904

The Midlands STEM 4-H Club is buzzing with excitement as they celebrate the opening of their brand-new Pollinator Garden, a hands-on project designed to support local ecosystems while giving youth a chance to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact in their community.

The garden, created and maintained by club members, is filled with pollinator-friendly plants chosen to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Through this project, 4-H youth are gaining firsthand experience in environmental stewardship, science, and sustainable gardening practices—all while creating a welcoming space for pollinators that play a critical role in food production and biodiversity.

As part of their preparation, club members visited Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, where they learned about the importance of garden design and plant selection from the horticulture staff. They then applied what they learned to design and plant their own space, making the garden both a learning laboratory and a meaningful contribution to the community.

The school community came together, joined by members of the wider community, to celebrate the official opening of the garden. As part of the festivities, students released butterflies that had been raised in classrooms participating in the Fairfield 4-H Embryology Program, symbolizing growth, transformation, and the positive impact of youth-led projects.

The Pollinator Garden will serve as an outdoor classroom for the club, providing opportunities for lessons in biology, ecology, and agriculture. It also stands as a symbol of the club’s commitment to community involvement, as the space will be open for others to visit and enjoy.

The Midlands STEM 4-H Club thanks all volunteers, families, and community partners who supported the development of the garden. With their help, this project has truly taken root, and the club looks forward to watching both the garden—and its young leaders—continue to flourish.

Martina Wicker, 4-H Youth Development Agent: mewick@clemson.edu | 864.985.2904

Fairfield County 4-H is proud to announce the establishment of its very first Teen Council, marking a monumental moment in the program’s growth and development. This exciting new leadership opportunity gives teens a voice in shaping the direction of 4-H, while also building their skills in teamwork, organization, and service.

The newly formed Teen Council has already hit the ground running. Members have elected officers, begun planning future activities, and played a key role in helping plan and implement the recent 4-H Awards Night on August 14. Their involvement added fresh energy and creativity to the event, demonstrating the important role youth leadership can play in the success of the program.

In addition to their leadership responsibilities, the Teen Council has also enjoyed several outings together, strengthening friendships and building the kind of teamwork that will serve them well as they continue their work. They also helped design the brand-new Fairfield County 4-H T-shirt, giving them the chance to contribute in a lasting and creative way.

Looking ahead, the Teen Council will continue to help shape the Fairfield County 4-H program throughout the upcoming year, ensuring that youth voices remain at the center of planning, activities, and growth.

Martina Wicker, 4-H Youth Development Agent: mewick@clemson.edu | 864.985.2904

Fairfield County 4-H is celebrating a summer filled with learning, leadership, and lasting memories. From hands-on projects to leadership conferences, local youth had the chance to experience the very best of what 4-H has to offer.

The season kicked off with the Midlands STEM 4-H Club’s Grand Opening of their Pollinator Garden, a youth-led project designed to support local ecosystems and serve as an outdoor learning space for years to come. Shortly after, members participated in Forged in 4-H, a unique blacksmithing class where youth learned traditional metalworking skills while exploring creativity and craftsmanship.

In June, Fairfield 4-H members had the special opportunity to tour the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion, gaining a closer look at state history and leadership.  Youth also explored their artistic side through Gallop Into Art, a program that combined creative expression with agricultural themes, allowing members to experiment with different art forms while celebrating their connection to the land and horses. At the end of the month, members attended STEM Camp and competed in activities such as Paper Rocketry, The Egg Drop Challenge, and Zipline Racers.

Later in the summer, members participated in Reel & Range Camp, where they practiced outdoor skills in fishing, shooting sports, and wildlife education. Leadership development was another highlight, with two Fairfield County 4-H members attending South Carolina 4-H Congress at Clemson University. This statewide gathering gave participants the chance to connect with peers, grow as leaders, and represent Fairfield County on a bigger stage.

The summer concluded with the highly anticipated Fairfield County 4-H Awards Night on August 14. This special evening celebrated the accomplishments of youth and volunteers, while also highlighting the program’s tremendous growth—including the recognition of over 53 first-year members.

From start to finish, the summer of 2025 showcased the impact of 4-H in Fairfield County: building skills, creating memories, and growing leaders for tomorrow. With momentum from such a successful season, Fairfield County 4-H looks forward to an even stronger year ahead.

Martina Wicker, 4-H Youth Development Agent: mewick@clemson.edu | 864.985.2904