July 2025

YOUR SUPPORT MADE IT HAPPEN:

Unforgettable Camp Experience!

🍀 The sign along the drive leading into Millstone 4-H Camp reads, "You will leave this place a different person. We hope you will be a better person." It's a quote by L.R. Harrill, a key figure in the development of the NC 4-H program and the first state 4-H club leader, and our week at camp proved he was not wrong.

💚 Our 4-H Agent said, "The best part was watching each Stanly camper try something new, face a fear and grow!" They did rock climbing, performed in the talent show, made new friends, learned new dances, practiced archery & riflery, fished, kayaked, played and sang with other campers from across the state.

🎑 Your support in our annual fundraisers helped make it happen! Six of our campers received partial camperships from NC 4-H Camps which were made full by funds from Stanly County 4-H - money raised in our two annual fundraisers, and all other families were able to send their 4-H'ers to camp at a significantly discounted rate. Every dollar collected at our fundraisers and every donation received is a real investment in the growth and development of Stanly County youth.

🙏 On behalf of North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Stanly County and the amazing young people we serve through our 4-H program, THANK YOU for making this possible.

😊 You can make a donation to Stanly County 4-H any time through the ongoing Clover Contribution Campaign Fundraiser at go.ncsu.edu/donate4H

WE LOVE CAMP!!!

Sunny Oaks 4-H Club 

Kicks Off Summer with Sweet Fun

The Sunny Oaks 4-H Club celebrated the start of summer with a fun-filled May meeting, complete with homemade ice cream and a lively game of “utter toss!” Club members enjoyed hands-on activities and time together.

We’re also excited to cheer on our Vice President, Ty, who represented Sunny Oaks 4-H Club well at District Activity Day. Good luck to him as he moves on to the state competition—we’re so proud of you!

Several members also spent a week this summer at 4-H Camp Millstone, where they made memories, learned new skills, and represented Sunny Oaks with pride.

The next club meeting is scheduled for August 20 at 6 p.m. at Sunny Oaks Farm. Activities Director Amara is already planning a fun lineup—so mark your calendars and don’t miss out! 🌞🐄🌅

Registration is open for the

Eggcellent Egg Contest!  

🐓 This contest is for 4-H members with a flock of chickens that are currently laying eggs. 

🐓 Participants may submit up to two sets of six (half dozen) eggs in different categories, which will be judged for uniformity and both exterior and interior quality.

🐓 Participants must attend two mandatory Zoom trainings and complete supplemental project compoets based obn their age which is part of the final score.

Click here to register.

🍀 Member Spotlight 🍀

We're excited to spotlight 4-H member, Jaxon Bennett.  He is a 6th grader at Albemarle Middle and a member of the Sunny Oaks Farm 4-H Club! This spring, Jaxon had an incredible showing at the Special Olympics, competing in 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and excelling in track and field.

At the county level, he secured second place in the softball throw, 25-meter, and 50-meter races. His success continued at the state level, where he earned a bronze in the softball throw, a gold in the 25-meter, and a silver in the 50-meter, and he's already planning to hit the links for golf in the fall games. Jaxon just attended camp Millstone for the first time, Jaxon is the son of Wes and Susan Bennett.

Do you love connecting with people and believe in the power of positive youth development? Stanly County 4-H is seeking an enthusiastic Community Engagement volunteer!

This rewarding role involves promoting our blossoming 4-H program at community events and sharing the incredible benefits of 4-H with families. Must be 21 or older, and evening and weekend availability is important.

Make a real difference in the lives of young people and help our 4-H program grow! Learn more by contacting Mandy Smith-Thompson at 704-983-3987 or smith-thompson@ncsu.edu

4-H Volunteer Leadership Series

We are excited to share a series of wonderful learning opportunities for any adults working with 4-H youth.  The following trainings will be held from 6:30PM-7:30PM virtually via Zoom and in-person at Lee County 4-H Office.  

• May 6 - 6:00-7:00PM Youth Mental Health

• Jun 4 - Summer Cooking with Local Foods

• July 31 - Parliamentary Procedure

• Aug 15 - Generational Differences and How to Cross Lines

• Sept 2 - Volunteer Self-Care

• Oct 7 - STEM Play

• Nov 5 - Chartered!

• Dec 9 - Christmas Party & Club Progress Reports

Register at 4Honline.com

Rocky River Riders 2025 Meeting Schedule

Is your 4-H'er interested in horses??  All horse-loving 4-H'ers should consider joining the Rocky River Riders Club.  Club members will be competing in the 4-H Horse Bowl on January 25 and will host a Horse Bowl Practice on January 3.  Rocky River Riders club typically meets the 2nd Friday of each month at 6pm, and will host all 2025 meetings at a new meeting location - West Stanly Saddle Club located at 13154 Saddle Club Rd in Oakboro.  The 2025 meeting schedule is listed below:

• May 9 (at West Stanly Saddle Club Horse Show)

• June 13

• July 11 (State State Horse Show)

• August 8

• September 12

• October 10

• November 14

• December 12 (Christmas Party)

Clover Contribution Campaign

Stanly County 4-H uses monetary donations for volunteer training and appreciation, free programs for Stanly Co. kids, healthy snacks and summer camp fees. We're working every day to build a generation of Stanly County citizens who are beyond ready for the challenges of a changing world. The Clover Contribution Campaign makes it easy for individuals and businesses to support Stanly County 4-H any time.  Each and every donation you make remains right here in Stanly County.  Visit go.ncsu.edu/donate4H

Volunteers Mean More Stanly Co. 4-H Clubs! 

We plan to continue growing our 4-H program by adding more clubs. Each club requires 2 volunteer leaders over the age of 21, and several clubs are ready to start meeting as soon as a 2nd leader is identified! If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer club leader, please contact the 4-H Office. Follow the link above to read the NC 4-H Club Leader job description.  These clubs are only waiting for a volunteer to get started:

• Nature & Wildlife Club

• Kitchen Kids Cooking Club

No subject matter expertise necessary!