4-H turns 100

Mayo Free Press

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February 19, 2009

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By Jana Hart

The Lafayette 4-H program has been active, growing and changing throughout the past century. Over the years the program has continued its focus on traditional values, all the while adapting to the changing world we live in. Lafayette

4-H’ers have always participated in livestock programs - showing hogs, steers, and poultry at area fairs, as well as camping at 4-H Camp Cherry Lake over the summer. Community Clubs have been active for decades in a variety of projects, mostly giving children leadership opportunities in small groups.

In the past 25 years, Lafayette County Commissioners, seeing a growing 4-H program, added a classroom at the Agricultural Complex specifically for the 4-H Summer Environmental Program. The 6-week day camps are held during the summer and focus on environmental education. Lafayette 4-H was also responsible for the original Recycling Awareness programs that started in the county in the 1980s. 4-H’ers distributed recycling bins and educational materials to all Mayo residents, encouraging them to participate in the countywide recycling program. In 2000, Lafayette 4-H received a seed grant to start an after school program at the Lafayette Elementary School, for children that would be home alone and needed additional care after school. That program was a huge success and is still going strong years after the grant ended.

Currently, Lafayette 4-Hers enjoy participating in county, district and state events, including demonstrations, share-the-fun, and public speaking. In the last quarter century, many Lafayette 4-H’ers have broadened their horizons by participating in National 4-H Congress, Citizen-Washington Focus, Citizenship-World Focus, American Heritage, and Florida’s 4-H Legislature. From these and other traditional 4-H experiences, Lafayette 4-H Alumni have improved the quality of their life, their family’s and their community. As we look back and remember the past hundred years, we have confidence as we look forward to a bright future for Lafayette 4-H.

For more information, contact your County Extension office at 386-294-1279.