4-H Legislative Day
On Tuesday, March 12, 4-H members, agents, leaders, and officers gathered at the South Carolina State House for the 6th annual Legislative Day. The purpose of 4-H Legislative Day is for students to meet and interact with legislators and to share their 4-H experience. This day is also set aside to create awareness for career opportunities in South Carolina’s government. This day continues to grow exponentially each year with over 300 in attendance this year. 4-H is an organization of young people, ages 5-18, across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. These children have the opportunity compete in hands-on projects centered on health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement. 4-H impacts the students who participate by developing life skills so that they can become productive, contributing citizens in their community. It is offered to all youth regardless to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status. Youth who are looking to be involved in 4-H should contact their 4-H County Agent.
Youth also have the opportunity to participate in programs like the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program that is hosted for a week at Clemson University in June and July. Students from around the state of South Carolina has had the opportunity to apply to participate in the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program hosted at Clemson University. Rising sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. To complete this process, students should fill out an application, write an essay about leadership, and submit it to the 4-H Office at Clemson University. The Pinckney Program is in its fourth year and continues to be one of the top leadership development conferences to attend. This program aims for the standards and principles of the late Senator Clementa Pinckney. Senator Pinckney was a strong advocate for 4-H and believed in the impact it had on his life. South Carolina 4-H will continue to strive and honor the legacy through this annual program hosted in the summer. While at the summer conference, students receive a wealth knowledge from speakers and participate in activities focused on multiple facets of leadership development such as leadership skills, self-actualization, teamwork, civic engagement, concepts, and tools to take back to their respective counties. Students leave with confidence and empowerment to become greater leaders. Those who attend this program are also invited to a special luncheon after Legislative Day. For younger youth (rising 7th and 8 =th graders), they are eligible to participate in a 4-H Pinckney Leadership Camp at either Camp Bob Cooper or Camp Long. These youth are involved in a traditional camping program which is focused on leadership skills. Applications for this program are still being accepted until April st . For more information go to https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/pinckney/index.html.Other 4-H events include 4-H Club Camp, Small Garden Project, Wildlife Habitat Education Program, Poultry Project, and more. 4-H Club Camp is a South Carolina tradition for over 50 years. 4-H Club Camp is a residential camp that offers traditional camp activities with plenty of fun, friends and adventure!
Activities include swimming, hiking, archery, nightly games, campfires and much more! 4-H Poultry Project is also a great opportunity for youth to learn to life skills while caring and providing for their 4-H birds from infancy to adulthood. For additional information, please call Jennifer Stevens, Fairfield County 4-H Agent at (803) 635-4722.
