State 4-H has a new theme

Happy 2010 Randolph County! I hope everyone has their resolutions in the forefront of their minds while leaving all those bad habits back in 2009.

Having a good support system to share your challenges and successes is a great way to get off to the right start.

The new theme is in place for North Carolina 4-H – We are 4-H – Then, Now and Forever. Keeping this theme in mind, we are putting together plans for an exciting year for Randolph County 4-H.

It is our hope that we can be a positive choice for youth and families to gain exciting experiences that will open their minds and grow confidence.

We had a good number of record books turned in from Randolph County for 2009. These books are actual records kept by 4-H youth detailing particular subjects of their choosing and the growth they made throughout the year.

A timeline of what the youth spent their time on for the past twelve months gives some insight on how to accomplish goals and how to improve for next year.

There is also a creative piece that allows the 4-Her to share their experiences through a “scrapbook” type of approach and write their very own 4-H story sharing important milestones in their life.

With each 4-H record, a section on civic engagement and community service is required.

Keeping accountability on how the 4-Her shared their time and resources learning about their community and giving back is especially helpful in growing a good citizen from an early age.

To be fair, we trade our record books with another county for judging. They are judged against other records in the same age and subject categories based on completeness, neatness, and achievement of appropriate learning/ growth experiences.

Constructive comments from judges help to teach the record keeper how to improve while encouraging them to keep up the hard work.

These records are then awarded ribbons with some books being sent to Raleigh to be judged at the state level. Top books receive cash prizes and medals. Randolph County has always done well in these competitions.

I look forward to sharing good news in the coming months.

Record keeping, presentations and community involvement as a 4-Her are great ways for us to see the growth of 4-H club and at-large members.

Each year we get together and celebrate the achievements of 4-H youth and volunteers, award these achievements, improvements and participation in local, state and national events.

This year’s event will take place Feb. 26 at First Presbyterian Church in Asheboro. This years’ theme is Operation: Randolph County 4-H Salutes!

The commitment to the sacrifice and hard work that military personnel and their families show each and every day is something we want to highlight and celebrate while showcasing these important traits to our 4-H youth.

In keeping with this theme, 4-H youth and families are collecting items to be donated to soldiers deployed overseas.

Our very own Aaron McCain, grandson of Sig McCain, is currently deployed in service to our country.

If you would like to donate items for us to send to deployed soldiers, contact the 4-H office at (336) 318-6000.

You can also find a list of items needed on our Web page at randolph.ces.ncsu.edu/. Just click on our newsletter for all the details. 



Jody Terry is the 4-H program assistant for Randolph County 4-H, part of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service in Asheboro. She can be reached at (336) 318-6000 or by e-mail at jody_terry@ncsu.edu