4-H Youth Development

Welcome!

Welcome to McDuffie County 4-H! On this page you will find information about activities, events, dates, forms, newsletters, contact information, and more. McDuffie County 4-H consists of nearly 700 4-H'ers and is led by the 4-H Agent, Ms. Lauren Dubberly.

So, what is 4-H...?

4-H is all about "hands on" learning experiences, focused on agriculture, the environment, family and consumer science, and leadership. These areas are the context in which we help student acquire knowledge and develop life skills that will enable them to become self-directing and productive members of society.

How do I join…?

Any youth in 5^th-12^th grade is eligible to join 4-H.

All students in the 5th and 6th grade will participate in club meetings at school. This is where they will join and meet once a month. This is also where they will receive information about after school activities.

Student in the 7th - 12th grades will also be given the opportunity to join 4-H during the first club day of each year. Meetings will be after school either at the school or the 4-H office.

Parents and students are welcome to visit the McDuffie County Extension office, in the Old Courthouse, to sign up for 4-H or visit www.tinyurl.com/mcduffie4henroll to sign up online!

Home schoolers, we want you too! Please call the Extension office or come by and visit so we know you are interested.

How can I get involved?

In-School Club Meetings

Cloverleaf- 5th & 6th graders
Juniors- 7th & 8th graders
Senior- 9th-12th graders

Judging Teams

Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging Team- 4-H’ers learn how to become better consumers and about the cotton industry. 5^th-12^th grade students compete in judging competitions, provide reasons, and give a “commercial” on the importance of cotton. Practices start in typically start in September and the area contest is in November.

Project Achievement

Project Achievement teaches youth many of life skills. Students choose a topic of interest (it can be over anything, we have over 50 categories to choose from), research the topic, write a speech, and create a presentation! Project Achievement is a fun and engaging time for students to learn important life skills like organization, record keeping, talking in front of others, and much more!
Cloverleaf students compete at a one-day event in February.
Juniors & Seniors compete at a weekend event at Rock Eagle in March with the chance to advance to state competition in July.

State Conferences/Events

Mission Make-It
- Is the Georgia 4-H Engineering Challenge for 6^th-8^th grade typically held in September
Junior Conference
- Two day recreational and educational event typically held in November for 6^th-8^th graders, there is workshops, community service, recreation, and much more.
Northeast & Northwest District Junior Rally
- Held for 6^th-8^th students at Wahsega 4-H Center in Dahlonega, GA in April, students will complete community service projects, spend time in the water falls, complete the ropes course obstacles, campfire, talent show, attend classes, make friends from Northeast and Northwest district, and much more!
Weekend in the Classic City
- For 9^th-12^th grade students to learn more about college life at the University of Georgia and is typically held in October or November
Fall Forum
- Recreational and educational event held for 9^th-12^th grade students in December, there is workshops, community service, educational sessions, and much more!
Senior Conference
- An event held for 9^th-12^th grade 4-H members at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in April. Students attend a semi-formal dance, listen to motivational speakers, attend a share fair with college recruiters, and much more!
State Council
- The constitutional meeting of the Georgia 4-H Council which includes the election of Georgia 4-H State Officers, the event is for 8^th-12^th grade 4-H members and is held at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in June. While at state council the districts will compete for the Iron Clover and attend workshops.

4-H Summer Camp

Located at one of the five 4-H centers across Georgia from the mountains to the sea. Summer camp is an unforgettable memory that last a lifetime provided by enthusiastic and well-trained camp counselors, UGA Extension Employees, and certified volunteers. Summer Camp is a five day event (Monday-Friday) in June or July for 5^th-12^th grade 4-H members. The specific dates and camp location depends on the county.
For more information about 2024 Cloverleaf Summer Camp for McDuffie County check out the flyer.
For more information about 2024 Junior Camp for McDuffie County check out the flyer.
For more information about 2024 Senior Camp for McDuffie County check out the flyer.

S.A.F.E. (Shooting, Awareness, Fun, and Education)

Shotgun Team

The 4-H S.A.F.E. Shotgun Program is a Georgia 4-H Project S.A.F.E sport. S.A.F.E. stands for Shooting Awareness, Fun and Education. The program introduces 4-H'ers to the sport of shooting; promotes shooting safety; develops discipline, poise, and self-control, and re-enforces the concept of teamwork and good sportsmanship.
During meeting times participants will learn the fundamentals of shooting and work on the skills needed to do well in the shooting sport. Participants will also learn the importance of safety in the shooting sport. Participants will have the opportunity to qualify at the Southeast District Qualifying Match and advance to the State Modified Trap and/or Trap & Skeet Match in the Spring.
Any youth, in 7th - 12th grade may join the Shotgun Team.
McDuffie County 4-H Shotgun Range is located on Brier Creek Upland Preserve
Price varies each year, please check with the extension office for registration dates and cost
Parents are an important part of the 4-H Shotgun Team activities and are always welcome. We also strongly encourage parents to consider becoming a 4-H Volunteer & certified coach.

Pop Tabs

If you are interested in collecting Pop Tabs for the Ronald McDonald House you may print out this Pop Tab flyer to learn more information.

For general information, please visit the Georgia 4-H website.

Below are some of 4-H's most broadly useful resources from the Georgia 4-H website. Please contact us for more information about participating in any of these programs through this county office.

4-H Resources

Summer Camp County offices promote and coordinate 4-H summer camp experiences unlike any other in the county. Counties travel to unique 4-H centers across the state offering fun, friendship and adventure for over 8,000 4-H'ers each summer. Visit the Georgia 4-H Website

Environmental Education The Georgia 4-H Environmental Education Program is one of the nation’s largest and oldest providers of local environmental education, serving over 45,000 people annually. The research-based curriculum provides hands-on learning experiences aligned with Georgia Performance Standards.

Livestock Program The Georgia 4-H Livestock Program gives students the opportunity to practice and acquire new knowledge in the fields of animal science, business, time management and leadership.

Project Achievement This core program showcases the work and success of 4-H'ers through presentations and portfolios on numerous topics. Members compete against their peers at the local, district and state levels in an effort to master their project.

Become a Volunteer The Georgia 4-H Foundation relies heavily on the efforts of volunteers to help coordinate and organize yearly alumni & friends events. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, read more about becoming a volunteer at the Georgia 4-H website.

Project S.A.F.E. Project S.A.F.E. (Shooting Awareness, Fun and Education) is a curriculum based and designed to assist young people in personal development, establish a personal environmental ethic and explore life-long vocational and avocational activities.

Military Programs UGA Extension Military Outreach builds partnerships and provides programs that help Georgia military families find positive ways to cope with the stress of military life.

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