Citizenship, service and fun

"There is nothing beyond the reach of ordinary citizens doing the daily work of democracy, and no problem too great to tackle with the power of active citizenship." - Joan Claybrook

4-H Citizenship North Carolina Focus was held June 13 - 15 in Raleigh, North Carolina. More than 120 youth and adults gathered from around the state to exchange ideas, gain knowledge and learn through hands-on experiences about the importance of being an active and engaged citizen. Delegates learned and shared information related to local, state and national government and participated in service activities throughout Raleigh.

Beverly and Haley Hargus represented Henderson County 4-H at the conference. They had an opportunity to visit the Legislative Building and meet with elected officials, including Chuck McGrady, who represents the 117th District in the NC General Assembly. Representative McGrady said one of his "favorite things about being a legislator is being able to meet with young people like Haley Hargus," who is a member of the Barnyard Bandits 4-H Club. 4-H Citizenship Focus is sponsored by North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives.

4-H Volunteer Opportunities

For those who are interested in mentoring beginning sewing students this summer and fall, a volunteer orientation will be held on Monday, July 2, from 1- 3 p.m. During this time, you will learn about 4-H, fill out volunteer forms, preview the sewing projects that are planned and have your questions answered. Please call the office at 697-4891 if you would like more information. The next round of 4-H Sewing Classes begins on July 5.

4-H Sewing Classes

Learn to Sew Classes for youth ages 10 - 18. Beginners are welcome. New classes start on July 5, Sept. 6 and Nov. 1. Each class meets for four consecutive Thursday afternoons, either 1-3 p.m. or 3:30-5:30 p.m. The class fee is $25, which includes the use of a sewing machine, a pattern and a basic sewing kit. For more information or a registration form, visit henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/4-H.

4-H Money Management for Teens - (open to ages 11 - 18)

Prepare for your future by spending and saving wisely. For middle school and high school youth. Learn all about money and finances through interactive lessons and fun activities. This one day class will meet Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the NC Cooperative Extension office – across from the ball fields in Jackson Park. The fee is $10 per participant, and includes a copy of the “My Financial Future” notebook and lunch. Pre-registration with payment is required by July 2.

More 4-H Fun

- Zentangle® Art Workshop is fun for rising 5th graders through age 18. This three day class will meet Aug. 7–9 (Tuesday – Thursday) from 10 a.m. – noon. Learn to create your own unique designs with the supplies provided by the $15 fee. Taught by a Certified Zentangle® Teacher. This class is for beginners, as well as those who already have some Zentangle® experience. For more information or a registration form, visit us on Facebook or see the 4-H website.

- 4-H Clubs for ages 5-18 meet monthly for educational activities. For a current list of clubs, visit the 4-H website:henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/4-H. Scroll down to “Learn More Using the Resources Below” and click on “Clubs & Groups.” Visit the Henderson County (NC) 4-H Facebook page and share our posts with your friends.

Sue Janowiak is the 4-H Program Assistant for Henderson County. 4-H is the Youth Development Program of Cooperative Extension, a division of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NCSU.