Your Local 4-H Agent
Cindy Foley
Address:
123 East Liberty Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Work 412-973-1381
Join 4-H
4-H provides hands-on, learn-by-doing, opportunities for everyone.
Sumter County 4-H Clubs
For general 4-H club information, please contact the county office at 412-973-1381 or email us (address: cgfoley@clemson.edu)
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Crosswell 4-H Club
Contact: Jessica Kaneft | jkaneft@crosswellhome.org
Grades 1–12 | Wednesdays | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
The Crosswell 4-H Club provides youth with engaging hands-on experiences in gardening, STEM, healthy living, leadership, and community service. Members participate in interactive projects that build confidence, teamwork, and life skills while giving back to their community. Major projects include Youth Gardening, Cooking Like a Chef Workshops, Garden and Farm tours and Personal Finance projects.
Crosswell Home for Children, established in 1935 by the Estate of John K. Crosswell, has served as a home for more than 1,000 local children.
4-H Membership required ($15 annually). Club is available only residence of Crosswell Home for Children.
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Community Literacy Lab (CLL) 4-H STEM Club
Contact: Penny Esterley | penny.esterley@literacylab.net
Grades 1–12 | Thursdays | 455 Rast Street
4-H STEM Club helps learners explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on projects, community service, leadership opportunities, and real-world problem solving. Participants build practical skills while developing confidence, teamwork, communication, and citizenship.Club activities include:
• Engineering and design challenges
• Robotics and coding projects
• Environmental and water quality studies
• Agriculture and food science
• Public speaking and presentations
• Community service projects
• Career exploration and leadership development4-H Membership required ($15 annually).
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4-H Coding Club: Girls Who Code
Grades 6–12 | Thursdays | 455 Rast Street
Girls Who Code is designed to inspire and empower learners to explore computer science in a welcoming and supportive environment. Participants learn coding concepts, computational thinking, problem-solving, and technology skills while creating projects that reflect their interests and goals.Club activities include:
• Scratch programming
• Web design and development
• Mobile app design
• Game development
• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Digital storytelling
• Technology career explorationNo prior coding experience is required. Learners progress at their own pace while developing creativity, collaboration, and confidence in technology.
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Sumter County 4-H Horse Club
Contact: Frankie Richardson | redbarnponypark@yahoo.com
Grades 1–12 | 1st Sundays 2:00pm | Red Barn Pony Park
Designed for youth who love horses, the Sumter County 4-H Horse Club teaches horsemanship, horse care, equine science, safety, leadership, and sportsmanship. Members learn both mounted and unmounted skills while building responsibility and confidence through educational activities and competitions.
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High Hills Community 4-H Club
Contact: Loretta Sanders | loretta.sanders@sumterschools.net
Grades 1–12 | 2nd & 4th Saturdays 9:00am | Clemson Extension Office
The High Hills Community 4-H Club offers a traditional 4-H experience where youth explore agriculture, outdoor education, STEM, healthy living, leadership, and civic engagement through hands-on projects, guest speakers, and community service. Annual service projects include holiday baskets for local seniors and nursing homes. Longest running 4-H Club in Sumter.
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Wilson Hall 4-H Club
Contact: Chris Stelle | chrisstelle@wilsonhall.org
Grades 8–12 | 1st Wednesday 8:00am | Wilson Hall
The Wilson Hall 4-H Club engages elementary students in interactive civic engagement, natural resources, agriculture, healthy living, and leadership activities during the school year. Members develop critical thinking and teamwork while learning through Clemson Extension's learn-by-doing approach. Major projects include 4-H Water GOAT waterway clean-up Project in collaboration with Sumter Soil and Water Conservation District and Clemson Sumter Water Resource. Additionally, SC 4-H Cooking Like a Chef Summer Camp and Sumter County 4-H Team Cooking Challenge.
4-H Membership required ($15 annually).
Register for 4-H Membership at 4HOnline.
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Team Perseverance 4-H Club
Contact: Junko Allen | scpanthers100@gmail.com
Grades 1–12 | Mondays 3:30pm | South Sumter Gym 630 S Sumter St.
The Team Perseverance 4-H Club empowers youth of all abilities through inclusive programming focused on leadership, life skills, STEM, healthy living, and community engagement. Team Perseverance is a nonprofit and offers programs and services throughout the South Sumter area (to empower youth to reach their full potential through education, mentorship, and innovative intervention programs designed to enhance their total well-being. Members build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections while discovering their strengths. Major projects include the planning and installation of youth garden at South Sumter Community Garden project, 4-H Production of MTI’s Broadway Junior Revue: Pure Imagination.
4-H Membership not required.
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Shiloh Lift Project 4-H Club
Contact: D. Edwards | shilohprojectlift@gmail.com
Grades 1–12 | Thursday 3:30pm | St John Elementary
The Shiloh Lift Project 4-H Club provides youth with opportunities to grow through mentorship, leadership development, entrepreneurship, STEM, financial literacy, and community service. Shiloh Lift Project is a nonprofit and offers programs and services throughout the Northeast rural Sumter County area (to empower youth to reach their full potential through education, mentorship, and innovative intervention programs designed to enhance their total well-being. The club encourages members to develop positive character, career readiness, and a commitment to making a difference in their community.
4-H Membership not required.
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Sumter County 4-H Garden Club
Contact: Kortnee Rotante | intentionallearninghomeschool@gmail.com
Sumter County 4-H Garden Club is a youth gardening program in collaboration with Sumter Master Gardener Community Garden. Its purpose is to assist young people in acquiring a basic knowledge of gardening, leadership, and service. Meetings will be held starting Wednesdays, 9am at Open to youth ages 5-18 as of January 1.
4-H Membership required ($15 annually).
Register for 4-H Membership at 4HOnline.
Coming Soon
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Sumter County 4-H Livestock
Contact: Dr. Cindy Foley | cgfoley@clemson.edu
Sumter County 4-H Livestock is for any animal enthusiast, though most members currently focus on equine programs. Open to youth ages 5-18 as of January 1.
Interest Meeting will be held July 30 3pm at Clemson Sumter Extension Office.
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Sumter County 4-H Teen Council
Contact: Dr. Cindy Foley | cgfoley@clemson.edu
Sumter County 4-H Teen Council members can impact county programming, lead local service projects and events, represent 4-H in their communities, build connections with like-minded teens, and more! Meetings are held every two months (or as needed in preparation for an event/project) both in-person and virtually according to the schedule of the members. Open to teens ages 13-18, as of January 1, with at least one year of experience in community service or leadership (with any organization). No club fee. 4-H Membership required ($15 annually).
Interest Meeting will be held July 30 3pm at Clemson Sumter Extension Office. Friday, July 31 12pm (Lunch included)
Kits & Program Reservations
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Request a Program
Your 4-H agent is available for free and reduced cost programs in the educational setting of your choice (schedule dependent).
- I'd love to help you with adding 4-H to your existing clubs or activities (or with starting an all-new in-school, homeschool, or community 4-H club)!
- Become a certified South Carolina Green Steps School!. The process is easy and rewarding. We already have several in the state, and I would love to serve as your mentor!
- Consider joining the Extension School and Community Garden family for resources & expertise, access to discounted plants delivered throughout the school year, and a recertification opportunity.
- Your current agent, Dr. Cindy Foley, is a published scholar, veteran and military spouse and offers professional development, workshops, and keynote presentations for educators, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups. Customized trainings are available to meet the needs of schools, agencies, and community organizations.
- Have another great idea or desired program in mind? Email cgfoley@clemson.edu or call/text (4129731381) to start a conversation!
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Sumter County 4-H Exploring AI with 4-H
Discover the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence through hands-on activities that teach youth how AI works, how to use it responsibly, and how it impacts everyday life. Lessons introduce prompt engineering, creativity, digital citizenship, problem-solving, and emerging technologies while preparing youth for future careers. Lessons are provided for plugged and unplugged activities.
- Open to Sumter County classrooms, schools, micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, or other development programs serving youth ages 5-18 as of January 1.
- $25 per kit, includes instructional materials and videos for daily lessons, and additional support and supplies as needed and available.
- Reservations available for up to four tablets.
- To reserve/request a kit, please email cgfoley@clemson.edu.
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Sumter County 4-H Embryology Kit
This three-week program allows students to hatch chicks in the educational space of your choice, learning about biology, animal life cycles, and the responsibilities of caring for live animals. Students observe embryo development through candling, learn about poultry science, and develop skills like scientific observation and teamwork, fostering a respect for life through hands-on engagement.
- Open to Sumter County classrooms, schools, micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, or other development programs serving youth ages 5-18 as of January 1.
- $25 per kit, includes incubator, eggs, instructional materials and videos for daily lessons, and additional support and supplies as needed and available.
- To reserve/request a kit, please email cgfoley@clemson.edu.
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Sumter County 4-H Annual Gardening Series
Clemson Extension offers research-based horticulture training and technical assistance to school and community gardens throughout South Carolina. Visit School & Community Gardening to learn more and get started. Learn more.
- To support these and similar local programs, Sumter County 4-H annually offers a six-week series of workshops that are gardening and horticulture based.
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Garden STEM
Garden STEM combines science, technology, engineering, and math with hands-on gardening experiences. Participants explore plant science, soil health, pollinators, sustainability, nutrition, and environmental stewardship while developing critical thinking and leadership skills through real-world projects. Curriculum best for ages 5-12 years old.
- Open to Sumter County classrooms, schools, micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, or other development programs serving youth ages 5-18 as of January 1.
- $25 per kit, includes instructional materials and videos for daily lessons, and additional support and supplies as needed and available.
- To reserve/request a kit, please email cgfoley@clemson.edu.
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Smart Cents: Personal Finance
Build lifelong money management skills through engaging activities that teach budgeting, saving, banking, entrepreneurship, credit, goal setting, and smart spending. Youth gain the financial confidence and decision-making skills needed to become financially responsible adults.
- Open to Sumter County classrooms, schools, micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, or other development programs serving youth ages 5-18 as of January 1.
- $25 per kit, includes instructional materials and videos for daily lessons, and additional support and supplies as needed and available.
- To reserve/request a kit, please email cgfoley@clemson.edu.
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Healthy Living
Healthy Living empowers youth to make informed choices that support lifelong wellness. Through interactive lessons, participants learn about nutrition, food safety, cooking, physical activity, mental wellness, and healthy habits that promote overall well-being for themselves and their families.
- Open to Sumter County classrooms, schools, micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, or other development programs serving youth ages 5-18 as of January 1.
- $25 per kit, includes instructional materials and videos for daily lessons, and additional support and supplies as needed and available.
- To reserve/request a kit, please email cgfoley@clemson.edu.
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Nutrition Heroes: Story Time
Nutrition Heroes is a playful, story-based learning experience designed for early elementary youth ages 5–7. Through engaging read-aloud stories, interactive activities, and a take-home plush companion, children explore the basics of healthy eating, food groups, and making smart nutrition choices. This hands-on program builds early wellness awareness, curiosity, and positive attitudes toward healthy living in a fun and age-appropriate way.
- Open to Sumter County classrooms, schools, micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, or other development programs serving youth ages 5-18 as of January 1.
- No cost for the kit, includes instructional materials and must be returned within two weeks of pick-up date.
- To reserve/request a kit, please email cgfoley@clemson.edu.
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Cooking Like a Chef
The Cooking Like a Chef kit introduces youth to essential culinary skills through fun, hands-on cooking experiences. Participants learn food safety, kitchen basics, nutrition, meal planning, and healthy cooking techniques while building confidence, teamwork, and life skills. Lessons encourage creativity in the kitchen and help youth develop healthy habits they can use for a lifetime.
- Open to Sumter County classrooms, schools, micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, or other development programs serving youth ages 5-18 as of January 1.
- $25 per kit, includes instructional materials and videos for daily lessons, and additional support and supplies as needed and available.
To reserve/request a kit, please email cgfoley@clemson.edu.
Upcoming Events
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4-H Pinckney Leadership Program
4-H Pinckney Leadership Program
The 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program is designed for middle and high school students who are looking to develop their leadership abilities and awareness of civic engagement. Named in honor of the late Senator Clementa Pinckney, the program aims to set forth the standards and principles valued by Senator Pinckney. Its goal is to empower students to lead with humility, serve with compassion, and inspire others through integrity. Open to youth ages 5-18, as of January 1. No 4-H membership required.
Visit 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program to learn more.
Email sc4hplp@clemson.edu if interested in volunteering or participating. -
Sumter County 4-H Achievement Banquet
Sumter County 4-H Achievement Banquet
August 30 | 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Magnolia Building | Sumter, SCJoin us for the annual Sumter County 4-H Achievement Banquet as we celebrate a year of growth, service, leadership, and accomplishment. This special evening recognizes the outstanding achievements and impact of our 4-H members, volunteers, community collaborators, and supporters whose dedication helps make Sumter County 4-H thrive. Guests will enjoy an inspiring program, awards presentations, and fellowship as we honor those who are helping build youth who are Beyond Ready. Event Registration opens July 15, 2026.
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Community Innovation Fair
Sumter County 4-H Community Innovation Fair: Where Literacy Fuels Innovation
October 3 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Clemson Sumter Extension Office
Registration Opens July 6!
Join us for a countywide celebration of youth creativity, innovation, and problem-solving! The Community Innovation Fair showcases how literacy powers STEM, engineering, coding, robotics, visual arts, and real-world solutions through hands-on projects and interactive challenges.
Want to learn more before registering? Join one of our Information Meetings on August 12 at Clemson Sumter Extension Office.
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4-H at the Fair
4-H at the Fair
4-H at the Fair showcase’s youth development through competitive exhibits, livestock shows, and showmanship, allowing members to display projects, gain life skills, and compete for awards. South Carolina County 4-H all participate in the SC State Fair at State Fairgrounds annually. Members of Sumter County 4-H are always encouraged to also participate at the Orangeburg and Sumter Fairs.
- 2026 SC State Fair Youth Contests are HERE
- 2026 Orangeburg Fair information coming soon!
- 2026 Sumter Fair information coming soon!
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Volunteer Training and Support
Volunteer Training and Support
Beyond Ready youth start with Beyond Ready adults! Sumter County 4-H is working hard to put the best support systems in place for volunteers, and we are always looking for feedback to serve you better. Whether you’re a new, potential, or experienced 4-H volunteer, we want you to know that you’re appreciated and you’re not on your own. Please find valuable information, resources, and events below:
- 2027 Sumter County 4-H Volunteer Orientation Coming Soon
- Access the South Carolina 4-H Volunteer Handbook
- National 4-H Curriculum
- Utah Extension Discover 4-H Curriculum
Share your Snaps
From trail rides and fairs to shows and service projects, the Sumter 4-H Youth Development Program is full of moments worth sharing. We’re looking for great photos that capture the learning, leadership and lifelong memories being made in your local clubs and communities.
If you have snapshots of 4-H’ers working with their livestock or horses, participating in events or simply enjoying the experience, we’d love to see them. Selected photos or videos may be featured on our website, social media, or promotional materials to help show others the impact of the program.
Help us tell the story of 4-H, one photo or video at a time.
