Last Thursday, February 19th, York County 4-H’ers stitched together history, hands-on learning, and heart for their community during our 4-H Sewing Workshop — and it was a day to remember.

A Field Trip into Textile History and Innovation

Our day began with a unique field trip experience that connected the past, present, and future of the textile industry right here in York County.

At the Baxter Mill Archive, youth explored an extraordinary collection that began with a passion for preserving historical textile prints. What started as a focused archive has grown into more than 1.5 million sketches, swatches, garments, painted boards, antique books, and fabrics. Participants learned how the Archive has evolved from a physical design center serving creatives to a modern digital destination offering print-on-demand fabric and wallpaper — making its vast design resources more accessible than ever before.

Next door, youth had the opportunity to see textiles being created in real time at Springs Creative. With roots dating back to 1887 and now led by the 5th and 6th generations of the Springs-Close family, Springs Creative blends tradition with innovation. Students observed how state-of-the-art digital printing technology is used to produce high-quality fabrics and wallpaper right here in South Carolina.

Together, these experiences gave our 4-H’ers a powerful look at how textiles connect history, artistry, technology, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility. What began as a simple sewing workshop quickly expanded into a deeper understanding of an industry that continues to shape our region — and the many career pathways available within it.

Sewing for a Purpose

After returning to the York County Extension Office, it was time to put their skills into action.

Youth worked together to create zipper pouches — practicing measuring, cutting, pinning, and sewing with purpose. For some, this was a chance to refine skills they’ve been developing. For others, it was a brand-new experience navigating a sewing machine. Regardless of skill level, every participant showed patience, focus, and determination.

But these weren’t just practice projects.

Each zipper pouch will be filled with hygiene items and donated to a local shelter, providing practical support to individuals in need within our community. The sewing workshop became more than a skill-building event — it became an opportunity for service and compassion.

Building Skills That Matter

This workshop beautifully reflected what 4-H is all about:

• Learning by doing
• Exploring career pathways
• Developing life skills
• Giving back to the community

Youth left not only with improved sewing abilities, but also with a deeper understanding of York County’s textile history and the impact they can make through service.

We are so proud of these young leaders for their hard work, teamwork, and willingness to use their talents to serve others. Events like this remind us that when we combine education with heart, incredible things happen.

Here’s to more stitching, more learning, and more opportunities to make a difference — one zipper at a time.

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
Civil Rights Statement

At Hickory Grove–Sharon Elementary School, 4-H is creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students in grades 3–6 — made possible through strong school and community partnerships and the dedication of club leader Julie Parris.

Hands-On Learning That Builds Life Skills

This fall, all 3rd–6th grade clubs participated in the 4-H Pie Project, where students worked together to make no-bake pumpkin pies. With support from parent and teacher volunteers, students completed every step themselves, building confidence, teamwork, and practical skills.

Students have also explored agriculture in real and engaging ways — from learning how farms operate to discovering how wool becomes yarn through creative, hands-on activities.

Community Partners Making a Difference

Local community members play a key role in the club’s success. Beth Black of Blacks Peaches visited with 5th–6th graders to share what it’s like to run a farm and the responsibility behind agricultural careers. In December, Robin Currence and her team at Lincoln Road Farms welcomed students into their kitchen to learn how to bake the “4-H way.” Students proudly shared their homemade cookies and biscuits with teachers as a holiday thank-you, reinforcing service and gratitude.

Youth Leading the Way

This winter, students are researching South Carolina agricultural commodities and preparing presentations for a schoolwide 4-H Day in May. Their plans include hands-on activities and “make-and-takes” for younger students — giving them the opportunity to lead, teach, and inspire others.

Music, Culture, and Connection

The HGSE Pickers, a 4-H strings group, practice weekly and are preparing for an upcoming bluegrass festival. Many of these students also participate in grade-level 4-H clubs, showing how 4-H connects academics, arts, and culture.

A Strong Model of Community Impact

Through dedicated leadership, supportive schools, and invested community partners, Hickory Grove–Sharon Elementary’s 4-H program is helping youth develop skills that last a lifetime — while showing just how impactful and fun 4-H can be.

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
Civil Rights Statement

A True York County 4-H Success Story

McKenna’s roots in 4-H run deep. From her earliest days showing horses to becoming an active teen leader, she embraced every opportunity to challenge herself and strengthen her skills. Her passion for agriculture, youth development, and community leadership continued to grow throughout her 4-H career — ultimately shaping her path long after aging out of the program.

Clemson Graduate & Emerging Youth Development Professional

In May 2025, McKenna graduated from Clemson University, bringing with her an academic foundation that pairs perfectly with the hands-on experience she gained through 4-H. During college, she continued her commitment to youth programming and agriculture through internships that prepared her for this role in extraordinary ways:

• York County 4-H Summer Intern (2024) – where she supported club events, summer camps, and community outreach.
• South Carolina 4-H State Office Intern (Aug 2024 – May 2025) – gaining statewide perspective and experience that she will now bring back home to our county.

These experiences, combined with her lifelong involvement as a 4-H’er, make her uniquely equipped to connect with youth, support volunteers, and strengthen the programs that make York County 4-H one of the strongest in the state.

Growing Up in the Saddle

McKenna grew up riding horses, a passion that helped shape her into the confident, hardworking leader she is today. Her love for the equestrian world continues to influence her commitment to agriculture and to helping young people discover their own passions through 4-H.

Building the Future of York County 4-H

As Program Assistant, McKenna will help support club operations, school programming, community engagement, special events, and the continued growth of our county’s expanding 4-H community. Her energy, creativity, and deep love for York County make her the perfect addition to our team.

We could not be more excited to have her back — not as a member this time, but as a leader, mentor, and role model for hundreds of youth who will walk the same path she once did.

Please join us in giving McKenna the warmest York County 4-H welcome!

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
Civil Rights Statement

The stage was set. All summer long, York County 4-H’ers had been tending to their tomato plants—watering, staking, pruning, and hoping for the perfect harvest. They all started the same way, with six small tomato plants—this year’s chosen varieties were Celebrity and Sun Gold—handed out at the start of summer. Each young grower transplanted their plants into a garden or container, then spent weeks battling weather, pests, and the unknowns of plant growth.

Yesterday, it all came down to one thing: the York County Tomato Judging Contest. Six titles were up for grabs. Ribbons, bragging rights, and a summer’s worth of work were on the line. The York County Master Gardeners stepped in as judges, inspecting each tomato with care, weighing entries to the gram, and debating over shapes, colors, and, yes… even the “worst” looking fruit.

Finally, the results were in:

2025 Winners

• Heaviest Open – Caroline Huffstetler – 355 g
• Heaviest Project – Morgan Webbie – 319 g
• Best Tomato – Natalie Estes
• Best Plate of 3 – Katelyn Huffstettler
• Worst Looking Tomato – Evie Martell
• Green Tomato – Raelynn Harris

Some tomatoes impressed with size, others with perfect form—and some, well, made everyone laugh. But every entry told a story of patience, learning, and determination.

This project isn’t just about who grows the biggest or the prettiest tomato. It’s about watching something you’ve nurtured from seedling to harvest, learning through trial and error, and discovering that sometimes the journey is just as rewarding as the ribbon.

A huge thank-you to the York County Master Gardeners for judging this year’s contest, and to the families and volunteers who made the Tomato Project possible. We can’t wait to see what grows in 2026!

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
Civil Rights Statement

As the school year comes to a close, York County 4-H is excited to celebrate a fantastic year of growth and learning through our Afterschool Clubs. This year, over 350 youth across York County engaged in hands-on 4-H programming, discovering new skills, exploring agriculture, and building confidence in safe, supportive environments.

Our clubs reached students at the following schools:

• Bethany Elementary
• Bethel Elementary
• Clover Middle School (6th–8th grade)
• Ebinport Elementary
• Griggs Road Elementary
• Herald C Johnson Elementary
• Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary
• Larne Elementary
• Lesslie Elementary
• Midway Christian Academy
• Mt. Holly Elementary
• Riverwalk Academy (3rd–8th grade)

Celebrating Success Across York County

At Bethany Elementary, the Bethany Buds After School Club wrapped up their year with a “MOO-velous” celebration focused on dairy cattle. Thanks to Stacie and Hallie Jean Harris for bringing Piper the cow and teaching our youth about showing dairy cattle! Appreciation also goes to Ms. Guerin for supporting all our “crazy plans,” the dedicated parents who support 4-H, volunteers who stay after school every month, and Crossroads Cafe at McGill’s for treating everyone to ice cream.

Meanwhile, at Mount Holly Elementary, our 4-H club closed the year with an energetic “Ag Olympics.” Students competed in farm-themed relay races, celebrating teamwork and healthy competition. This event was made possible by the wonderful support of Ms. Ramsey, Agriculture Teacher at ATC, and two graduating ATC seniors who helped run the activities. It was a fun and fitting finale to a year filled with growth.

Across all schools, youth have engaged in diverse projects — from gardening and raising animals to crafts and nutrition lessons — designed to spark curiosity and build life skills like leadership, responsibility, and public speaking.

The Power of Community

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our 4-H volunteers, parents, teachers, and community partners. Their commitment helps create meaningful experiences that inspire our young people to explore their interests, try new things, and develop into confident leaders.

As we celebrate this year’s accomplishments, we are also looking forward to the future. York County 4-H Afterschool Clubs expect continued growth, fueled by strong community support and exciting new opportunities on the horizon.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year a success — we can’t wait to continue nurturing the next generation of leaders through 4-H!

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

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.

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

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.”

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

New Year! New Goals! New Clubs! New People!

The new year brings the opportunity to get things back on schedule here in Union County. The Union County Agricultural Fair consumes most of October and Thanksgiving and Christmas family time suspends our regular meeting schedules.  January is a time to get back to the task at hand, positive youth development. With a list of clubs provided by Union 4-H such as Trail Blazers, Shooting Sports (archery/BB gun), Baking Buddies, Poultry, Forged In 4-H, and a new Fishing club, staying involved, engaged, and busy is easy to do. We do our best to provide various types of clubs to reach the interest of as many youths as possible in our county.

Forged In 4-H hit the ground running in 2024! Forged In 4-H is a blacksmithing club that teaches the trade and art of blacksmithing. It is unique to Union, as it is the only program of its kind offered in South Carolina. The club was invited to set up a booth January 4^th and 5^th at the Grand American held in Orangeburg, SC. The Grand American is the largest wild racoon hunt in the southeast and one of the largest in the country. Over a two-day period 10,000-20,000 people will attend this event each year. Contestants come from as far away as South Dakota and Texas. Along with the blacksmithing demonstrations, we took our shooting trailer to promote 4-H Shooting Sports and raise money to support the clubs. 4-H’ers maned the booth, did demonstrations, assisted shooters, and interacted with people to promote 4-H on a national level!

A new thing coming in 2024 is the 4-H Fishing Club. A spinoff of the popularity of 4-H fishing day camp, the fishing club will meet monthly to learn about fishing gear, fishing techniques, safety, natural resources conservation, and many other things. The plan is to also meet at some fisheries to put learned skills into practice and possibly a fieldtrip to a fish hatchery.  Stay tuned to “Union County SC 4-H” Facebook page for future catch pictures.

The Union County Agricultural Fair received an agricultural award from the South Carolina Association of Fairs at the Georgia/SC Fair Association Conference. The award recognized the partnership between Union Chapter of FFA and Union County 4-H in their efforts to establish a rabbit project and show at the Union County Agricultural Fair. Through this partnership FFA/4-H Members and the special needs class at Union County High School were able to show their rabbits that they raised through the project. This has been a great project and demonstrates the things that can be accomplished when organizations work together for a common goal, opportunity, and positive youth development!

It’s An Exciting Time For 4-H