Kanawha County 4-H

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What is 4-H?

4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the United States involving more than 6.5 million young people and 540,000 youth and adult volunteers. The focus is on helping youth learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills by participating in projects and service.

Membership is open to any youth when he/she is in at least 9 years of age and is not older than 21 within the current 4-H year, which runs from October 1 – September 30. The Cloverbud program is open to youths ages 5-7 years of age. On a local level 4-H offers community clubs, specialty clubs, cloverbud clubs, county camp(s), club outings, Achievement Banquet, and more! In 4-H youth socialize, learn, and develop life skills in a safe, educational atmosphere.

Studies show that 4-H members

do better in school
are more motivated to help others
feel safe to try new things
achieve a sense of self-esteem
develop lasting friendships

Clubs

Clubs are organizations run by 4-H members and volunteer 4-H leaders and are a great way for 4-H'ers to stay involved all year long. Club members hold offices like president, treasurer, secretary, and health officer, among others. Club business, recreation, community service, and special speakers or presentations are all part of regular club meetings. Clubs can be for 4-H'ers in a community, at a school, or centered around a special interest.

Community Club meetings return fall of 2023!

Charleston Explorers
Meets once a month on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Charleston downtown library (123 Capitol Street) in room 311A. Contact Jocelyn at jocelyn.crawford@mail.wvu.edu with questions.
Elk Valley Shamrocks
Meets the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at Jarrett Memorial United Methodist Church (19 Jarrett St, Elkview). Contact club leader Julie at jcfacemire@yahoo.com with questions.
Kanawha County Teen Leaders
The teen leaders will be meeting four times during the club year:

Saturday, October 28, 9 a.m. to noon at Camp Virgil Tate
Friday, December 8, 5-8 p.m. at Camp Virgil Tate
Friday, February 23, 5-8 p.m. at the Extension office
Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to noon at Camp Virgil Tate

Contact Jocelyn at jocelyn.crawford@mail.wvu.edu with questions.

Nitro Nightcrawlers
Meets once a month on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at West Sattes Community Center ( 234 Lee Avenue, Valentine Cir, Nitro). Contact Jocelyn at jocelyn.crawford@mail.wvu.edu with questions.
Riverside-Area Club
Meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Library (1 Warrior Way, Quincy, WV). Contact Cameron at cameron.waggoner@mail.wvu.edu with questions.

School-Based 4-H Clubs

Afterschool 4-H clubs will be held at Bridgeview Elementary School and Sharon Dawes Elementary School for students who attend those schools. Contact the school or Jocelyn at jocelyn.crawford@mail.wvu.edu for more information.

General Interest 4-H Clubs Special Interest 4-H Clubs

Camps

4-H summer camp programs focus on positive youth development and provides opportunities to try new experiences in an encouraging environment. At residential camps, campers enjoy a fun-filled five day, four night camp which provides youth the opportunity to meet to new friends, experience fun evening camp fires, and earn skills such as fishing, cooking, art, sports, STEM, and outdoor recreation. 4-H Camp allows youth to develop important life skills like leadership, responsibility, and setting and achieving goals.

Kanawha County 4-H Camp registration is open!

Camper ages 9-17 sign up here: https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/28630

Campers ages 18-21, contact the Extension office at 304-720-9889 or jocelyn.crawford@mail.wvu.edu

Help us solve the Mystery at Camp Tate! Each day, campers will participate in classes, assemblies, games, and team building. Activities will include STEM, cooking, arts and crafts, outdoor sports and much more!

June 3-7, 2024
Ages 9-21 (this is an overnight camp)
$200- Financial assistance and camperships are available!

Southern District Horse Camp registration is open!

Campers ages 9-17 sign up here: https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/27083

Campers ages 18-21, contact the Extension office at 304-720-9889 or jocelyn.crawford@mail.wvu.edu

June 16-22, 2024
Ages 9-21 (this is an overnight camp)
$350
Campers are required to bring their own horse, tack, feed, and other equipment

Day Camps

At day camps, 4-H'ers and Cloverbuds age 5-10 experience all of the fun of residential camp without the overnight stay.

West Sattes Community Center in Nitro July 9-12, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Camp Virgil Tate in Sissonville July 22-25 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Kanawha County 4-H Heritage Showcase will be July 20, 2024

More info to come!

Recent WV 4-H News

2025 My Hands to Larger Service mini-grants available

Since 2020, the West Virginia 4-H All Stars have generously funded mini-grants for West Virginia 4-H teens and their respective 4-H clubs to assist in the planning and completion of a community service project through the My Hands to Larger Service 4-H Project.

Mini-Grant Application

Read 2025 My Hands to Larger Service mini-grants available

West Virginia 4-H Announces 2024 Youth in Action Award Winners

The West Virginia 4-H Youth in Action Program announces four young leaders in 4-H pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM.

Read West Virginia 4-H Announces 2024 Youth in Action Award Winners

It Pays to BEE a Writer: State 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest

West Virginia 4-H is excited to announce the 2024 State 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest!

The topic for this 750-1000 word essay is Varietal Honeys.

Read It Pays to BEE a Writer: State 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest

Older WV 4-H News