By Laura Allen

4-H Agent

With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, students and parents alike are now at home around the clock. Yes, there’s schoolwork to do and chores that can be done, but there’s also time for you to explore the world of 4-H. Here are some resources to help you during the coming weeks.

NC 4-H Daily Spark:

Log in to Facebook and go to the North Carolina 4-H page to prepare for the NC 4-H “Daily Spark.” Starting on March 23, NC 4-H will be posting live or recorded videos of activities that can be done at home. A schedule of the next week’s events will be posted every Friday. You can also check out other cool things on this Facebook page, such as live hatching during 4-H embryology projects across the state.

Rowan County 4-H:

Check out the Rowan County 4-H Program Facebook page for upcoming online programs held locally, at the state level or across the nation that 4-H’ers can participate in. 

National 4-H:

Go to https://4-h.org/about/inspire-kids-to-do/ to download the 4-H Healthy Living Activity Guide for 30 hands-on, inspirational activities to help your child live a healthy lifestyle.

Additionally, use this time to consider the following opportunities for your child to learn and grow:

Youth ages 5-18 (as of Jan. 1) can sign up for the Rowan County Pullet Project to raise chicks and then show them at the Rowan County Fair. All information and the registration form can be found here: https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/02/rowan-county-pullet-project/

Register your 5-year-old to 18-year-old children (as of Jan. 1) for competitions in public speaking presentations, talent or expressive arts during Rowan County 4-H’s County Activity Day.

In order to participate, the online registration form is due by April 9, which is a firm deadline. Arts and crafts are due to the extension office by April 17 and the talent and speaking presentations will be held on April 27.

The registration deadline is firm, however, event changes may have to be made depending on the future of COVID-19. Those who register will be notified of any changes. All details and the registration link can be found here: https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/2019/03/rowan-4-h-county-activity-day-presentations-talent-expressive-arts/

Register your child to attend 4-H Camp at Betsy-Jeff Penn with Rowan County 4-H on June 28-July 3. The registration deadline has been extended to April 17. The registration form and deposit can be mailed in. If you want your child to attend camp, please register sooner than later.

Spots for 13- to 14-year-olds are full, so there are now only spots available for 8- to 12-year olds. All details and the registration form can be found here: https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/2019/02/rowan-county-4-h-attending-4-h-camp-july-7-12-2019/. 

Rowan County 4-H encourages you to wash your hands, stay home and stay well during the coming weeks. While you’re home, we also hope you’ll check out some of the opportunities that 4-H provides.

If you have questions about Rowan County 4-H or any of the opportunities mentioned, please email laura_allen@ncsu.edu.