Over the past two months, Caldwell County 4-H’ers have been busy learning and doing! This summer, youth have immersed themselves in a variety of activities, each designed to foster new skills and spark curiosity. From hiking adventures and entomology lessons to developing horsemanship abilities and creating unique art pieces, the 4-H Summer Exploring 2024 Program has truly offered something for everyone.

In addition to these activities, the participants have also delved into the world of robotics, coding robots with precision and creativity. Rocket-building has taken center stage, allowing participants to explore the fundamentals of aerodynamics and engineering. For those with a passion for animals, the program has included a 3-day camp on the many breeds of dogs and it takes for adequate canine care, facilitated by experts in the field.

None of these camps would have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of our local partners. We extend our gratitude to United Way, whose funding and resources have been invaluable. A special thanks goes to Terry and Lisa Triplet, Beekeepers of Caldwell County, who have shared their vast knowledge of entomology and the importance of bees in our ecosystem.

Our 3-day dog camp dubbed “The Dog Days of Summer” was greatly enhanced by Caleigh Kale of Off Leash K-9, whose expertise has helped our youth learn effective and compassionate training techniques. Additionally, Dr. Whisnant and Vet Tech Kim Chester of Caldwell Animal Hospital provided essential veterinary insights, ensuring that our young learners understand the intricacies of animal health.

We also thank Dawn from The Teenie Weenie Grooming Shed for demonstrating the art of dog grooming, and Caldwell Animal Care and Enforcement for their unwavering support and commitment to animal welfare.

These partnerships have not only made our summer camps possible but have also enriched the experiences of our 4-H’ers, inspiring them to learn, grow, and explore new interests. We look forward to continuing these valuable collaborations and offering even more Summer Exploring opportunities for Caldwell County youth next summer.

To learn more about how youth can participate in 4-H or what is currently offered locally, contact Caldwell County 4-H Agent Gabby Whorley at glwhorle@ncsu.edu. Families can also view local 4-H information online at caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu.

Caldwell County 4-H is a proud member agency of United Way.
Gabby Whorley is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with Caldwell County Cooperative Extension. The Caldwell County Cooperative Extension Center, 120 Hospital Ave. NE #1 in Lenoir, provides access to resources of N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University through educational programs and publications.