Happy 2012!

Hey all,

Happy 2012! We hope everyone had a wonderful, fun and refreshing Winter Break. The year 2011 saw many new and exciting opportunities and programming from the formation of the Archery Team to the official launching of OMK L/RSN (Operation: Military Kids’ Local/Regional Support Network). Some of the highlights of the year include: claiming an Everyday Young Hero by Youth Service America, gaining a National Power of Youth Award and National Achievement in Service Award by the National Association of Extension Agents, picking up a Southern Region entry in the Horse Show and Promotional Piece Contests, claiming the State Horse Essay Winner, earning a $20,000 grant to launch the OMK Support Network, gaining 4 new MASTER 4-H titles, sending over 550 stockings to deployed troops and earning the Georgia Leadership in Action title, claiming 1^st place at the Houston Area Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging Contest and 2^nd place at the Georgia Wildlife Judging Contest, and sending over twenty 4-H’ers to district project achievement. Sumter County 4-H has also hosted the Southwest District Cloverleaf Project Achievement, Winner’s Workshop, and Make the Jump! Day Camp while 4-H’ers represented our county on statewide initiatives included the Engaging Youth: Serving Communities Team, 4-H Summer Camp Counselor at Rock Eagle, Citizenship Washington Focus delegate, Global Citizenship and Environmental Experience in Puerto Rico, Clovers & Company Cast, and Communications Team Members. With over 750 participants enrolled, we saw a fantastic 2011!

As 2012 has rolled in, there comes continuation of amazing programing, more opportunities to set new goals, learn new skills, have new experiences, make new friends, and strive towards excellence. We hope everyone takes advantage of all the great opportunities 4-H and our community has to offer. So, how can you get involved with Sumter County 4-H in 2012? Nine 4-H’ers have already submitted Junior/Senior Project Portfolios and are gearing up for Project Achievement at Rock Eagle February 10 – 12^th where they will present speeches on their selected project. Fourth through sixth graders will have this same opportunity on March 17^th as Sumter County once again hosts the Cloverleaf District Project Achievement, and new this year, pre-4-H’ers can join our Cloverbuds Club!

Please let us know how you would like to get involved!