4-H Youth Development
Clemson Extension agents with primary Youth Development responsibilities work closely with state extension specialists and researchers located on campus and at the various research and education centers located across the state. They provide expertise in topics including animal agriculture and veterinary science, natural resources and the environment, gardening, leadership and citizenship, personal growth and development, and science, engineering and technology.
Local Agent
Beverley Connelly-Brown , 843-470-3655 Ext 113, bconnel@clemson.edu
Clubs
Being in a 4-H club provides important opportunities for youth to learn subject matter and life skills while working with a caring adult and other youth. Once youth are 4-H members, they become eligible for a variety of benefits of belonging to 4-H, including awards, trips, special events, etc. Of course, it's meant to be fun for the kids and the leaders too!
Here is some information about the 4-H clubs currently active in the county. If there isn’t one to meet your needs, a new one can be started. Most 4-H clubs are led by volunteers, which may include staff in after school sites, military installations, etc. Starting a 4-H club isn't difficult and you are encouraged to seek help from parents or other volunteers. Local Extension/4-H staff can help you get started.
Blue Bird 4-H Thumbs Up Club
Volunteer Leader/s—Sister Mary Trzasko and Shirley Faulcon
PO Box 325
Port Royal, SC 29935-0325
Phone: 843-986-5437 ext. 228 Email thumbsupbft@islc.net
BTW Braves 4-H Club
Volunteer Leader/s—Betty Ford and Lorinda Eugene
Booker T. Washington Center
Yemassee, SC 29945 Email evangbjford7@yahoo.com
Cross Water 4-H Club—Home School
Volunteer Leaders/s—Gina Legge and Beverly Barnett
Clemson Extension Office Beaufort County
Beaufort, SC 29901
Phone: 843-846-8228 Email pizeno@excite.com
Low Country Livestock 4-H Club
Volunteer Leader/s—Mary and Mercy Eklund
7053 Hale Dr. Beaufort, SC 29906
Phone: 843-522-3478
Low Country 4-H Rabbit Club
Volunteer Leader/s—Kim Davis
16 Cotton Grass Rd. Bluffton, SC 29910
Email wesdavisfamily@aol.com
Laurel Bay 4-H School Club 1—OMK
Volunteer Leader/s—Pat Musgrave
Email Pat.musgrave@am.dodea.edu
Laurel Bay 4-H School Club—OMK
Volunteer Leader/s—Zee Wilson
Email Zee.wilson@am.dodea.edu
Beaufort Middle School 4-H GPS/GIS Club
Volunteer Leader/s—Beverley Connelly and Margaret Rushton
Email bconnel@clemson.edu or mr1763@beaufort.k12.sc.us
Humanities Robotics 4-H Club
Volunteer Leader/s Judi Babalis
Mossy Oaks Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902
Volunteer Leaders
- Michelle Smith
- Ben Smith
- Tina Malphrus
- Ellen Newcomb
- Sara Grace and Debbie DeRouen
- Kathleen Dickman
- Michelle Varn
- Ervenia Faulkner—Beaufort Gazette
- Molly Smith—Boys and Girls Club
- Bob and Debbie Andoga—Boys and Girls Club
4-H Cloverbuds
An introductory program designed to help children, ages 5-8, explore various 4-H project activities in a non-competitive environment, preferably in separate 4-H Cloverbud clubs.
4-H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service, a nationwide partnership of federal, state, and county governments, and the private sector. 4-H Youth Development programs are offered on an age-appropriate basis to all youth, ages 5-19, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status.
For more details about 4-H and state 4-H events and opportunities, visit the SC State 4-H website.
Opportunties
There are many ways to volunteer in 4-H. Volunteers are critical to reach more youth and offer a variety of 4-H projects, events, and activities. Here are some examples of the many ways you can volunteer to help 4-H in the county:
You can serve as a:
- 4-H club leader or helper
- Coach to train 4-H youth for 4-H competitive shows and contests
- Judge for 4-H awards and contests
- Organizer or helper for county 4-H educational or fund raising events
- Teacher for 4-H school enrichment programs
- Trainer for other 4-H volunteers in his or her area of expertise
- Project expert for a 4-H club
- Seeker or co-writer of grant proposals to help fund 4-H programs
- Organize annual 4-H awards program/dinner
- Recruiter of 4-H clubs and leaders in a section of the county
- Chaperone for 4-H trips or conferences
- Writer of 4-H news releases
- Photographer for 4-H activities and events
- Co-writer or co-publisher of a county 4-H newsletter
- Designer or distributor of 4-H promotional materials
- Representative or speaker on behalf of 4-H at local service clubs, County Council meetings, etc.