DATE: March 20, 2008
CONTACT:
Amy McCune, (864) 656-6651
amccune@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741
spalmer@clemson.edu
100 years of 4-H celebrated at teen weekend
CLEMSON – “4-H: Back to the Future” was the theme of this year’s 2008 State 4-H Teen Weekend in Winnsboro.
From a journey into the past 100 years to meet some of the key movers and shakers of 4-H, to a flash of 4-H 25 years into the future, had something for every generation.
The purpose of State 4-H Teen Weekend is to inspire teens to become more active citizens in their communities and counties. They are challenged to exemplify the 4-H motto – "To Make the Best Better" – by modeling service and leadership to their peers and developing a lifelong philosophy of civic engagement.
The teens focused on celebrating the past with an educational performance designed to recognize important figures and events that shaped the 4-H program in South Carolina. It was followed by a 4-H birthday party complete with party hats and horns, song and cake.
The following day they took stock of 4-H’s present programs and initiatives. Several project areas were highlighted through interactive workshops, including shooting sports, robotics, dance, horses, healthy lifestyles and communications. The chaperones partnered with the teens and together they donated more than 300 hours of service in community clean-up and beautification activities in the town of Winnsboro.
Participants took the future of 4-H into their hands on Sunday as they created a series of commercials to inform the public about the diverse opportunities in 4-H, and to encourage new young people and adults to get involved. A videography club from Saluda was on hand to film these commercials and will be working to edit them in time for State 4-H Congress in July.
“The State 4-H Teen Council, the organizers of State 4-H Teen Weekend, offer a world of thanks to the many chaperones who assisted with various aspects of this successful event,” said Amy McCune, 4-H events coordinator.
South Carolina 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For more information about South Carolina 4-H or its centennial celebration, contact your county extension office or go to: www.clemson.edu/4h.
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