Are you enrolled in 4-H Online? This is the most reliable way to get updates on 4-H programming and is required to participate in any 4-H activities. Enroll here.
What is 4-H? Why should my child join?
For specific information about a 4-H Club, call the 4-H Leader listed below.
- 4-H Livestock Club: Skyler Murray, Ag & Natural Resources Agent, 828-652-8104.
- 4-H Young Guns: Chad Ray, 4-H Agent, 828-652-8104
- 4-H Busy Bees: Sharon Fairchild, 828-460-4044
- Feisty 4-H Club: Samantha Kellogg, kelloggst8419@gmail.com
4-H Clubs are organized in communities throughout McDowell County. Clubs are led by parent and community volunteers who have been screened and trained by Extension personnel. Since 4-H is a family program, parents and guardians are actively involved at club functions and meetings.4-H is the Cooperative Extension System’s dynamic and educational program for youth. 4-H has about 6 million youth members across the United States. The name 4-H is summarized as the four-fold development of youth through the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is the largest youth organization in the country, and over 120 years old. While 4-H has its roots in agriculture, we offer a variety of programming including STEM, Fine Arts, Civic Engagement and more! As an extension of our land grant universities, our work with youth includes research on best practices and understanding the impact our programming has on our community. Our traditional programming prepares 4-H youth for roles in leadership and public speaking, and youth can build a portfolio and apply for a variety of 4-H scholarships as they reach college age!
What services can you provide in McDowell?
Your 4-H Agent in McDowell can provide a variety of services:
- By enrolling in 4-H Online you’ll receive regular updates about unique community events and projects.
- Our county offers a variety of clubs that serve specific communities or provide a variety of experiential learning opportunities. You can even create brand new clubs if you have an adult volunteer and five children from three separate families. Your agent can supply you with supplies, activity kits, or additional instruction free of charge!
- Every summer McDowell 4-H provides a variety of day camps called Summer Discovery. These are designed to be low-cost camps that typically teach a skill and are highly accessible to the community. Many of these camps are led by extension staff experts.
4-H is also a leader in providing youth curriculum and school enrichment to their communities. Educators and other community partners are free to rent out curriculum guides and activity kits, or contact your agent for access to our
State 4-H Online Curriculum Page. We are also available for direct instruction, and our activity kits and curriculum guides provide detailed information on targeted grade level and alignment with state standards.
Program Areas
STEM & Agriculture
4‑H science programs provide 4‑H youth the opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through fun, hands-on activities and projects.
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HEALTHY LIVING
4‑H healthy living programs help 4‑H youth learn how to lead lives that balance physical, mental, and emotional health.
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How Do I Get Started?
Fill out an enrollment form on
4HOnline; pick a project; sign up for a workshop; or stop by the N.C. Cooperative Extension, McDowell County Center to talk with Chad Ray, 4-H Extension Agent, about your interests!
