2024 Reflections: New Hanover County 4-H’s Brightest Moments

As we close out an incredible year, the New Hanover County 4-H program is thrilled to gather and reflect on the remarkable accomplishments of our youth, volunteers, and community partners. From hands-on learning experiences to impactful community projects, 2024 has been a year of growth, resilience, and triumph. Below is a collection of success stories where we highlight the passion, dedication, and potential of the next generation of leaders.

Exploring the Wonders of the Coast: Inspiring Youth Through Hands-On Marine Education

North Carolina’s youth are increasingly disconnected from the natural world, with fewer opportunities to explore and learn about the state’s diverse ecosystems. Studies show that youth who engage in hands-on environmental education develop stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, many families lack access to such programs, particularly those in inland or urban areas. Recognizing this gap, New Hanover County 4-H, along with Extension offices from eight other counties, sought to create an immersive learning experience that would engage youth aged 12-18 with the unique marine environments of the North Carolina coast. With several of the participants from underserved or first-time 4-H families, the need for an inclusive and impactful program was clear.

To address this issue, the “Island and Sound Exploration” trip was organized, bringing together 64 youth from across the state for a day of discovery and hands-on learning. Extension personnel worked closely with marine educators and local partners to design an engaging curriculum that highlighted the coastal ecosystem’s beauty and importance. Campers boarded a vessel in Carolina Beach and traveled through Myrtle Grove Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway before arriving at Masonboro Island, a pristine barrier island. Activities included guided exploration of the island’s beach, marshes, and tidal creeks, along with interactive lessons led by expert marine educators. The program was designed not only to educate but to inspire stewardship of North Carolina’s natural resources.

The trip had a transformative impact on participants, many of whom had never visited the coast or experienced hands-on environmental education. Participants reported a greater understanding of marine ecosystems, and many expressed an increased interest in environmental conservation. Parents noted that their children returned with renewed enthusiasm for science and the outdoors. For some youth, the experience inspired aspirations to pursue careers in marine biology or environmental science. The program also strengthened partnerships between county 4-H programs, setting a precedent for future collaborative efforts. By fostering a deeper connection to the natural world, this initiative not only enriched the lives of participating youth but also laid the groundwork for future environmental stewardship activities across the state.

Growing Minds and Gardens: Empowering Youth Through Grant Funded Environmental Education

In underserved areas of Wilmington, NC, many youth aged 5-12 lack access to hands-on environmental education and opportunities to engage in meaningful outdoor activities. Studies indicate that early exposure to gardening and environmental education can foster critical thinking, teamwork, and a sense of community. However, limited funding and resources in after-school centers often prevent the implementation of such programs. Recognizing this gap, New Hanover County 4-H identified a pressing need to introduce environmental education to two local afterschool centers, reaching approximately 70 youth in these communities. This effort aimed to not only provide educational enrichment but also to promote positive developmental outcomes.

Through a grant awarded by the New Hanover County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association, New Hanover County 4-H launched a year-long program based on the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Curriculum. Each participating student received a JMG booklet, gardening supplies, and monthly materials for interactive lessons. Activities included planting seeds, maintaining small gardens, and conducting experiments that connected scientific concepts to everyday life. Reflection journals and group discussions allowed the 4-H and afterschool center staff to track their learning journey. The program was facilitated by Extension 4-H staff, 4-H Teen Leader volunteers, and afterschool educators, creating a collaborative environment that supported both students and staff.

The program significantly impacted the 70 participating youth, fostering ot only knowledge but also enthusiasm for gardening, composting, and environmental stewardship. Journals and discussions revealed marked improvements in their understanding of plant science, ecosystems, and sustainability. Many of the students reported feeling more confident in their learning abilities saying “I am smart, I remember this from last time”, and many expressed a newfound appreciation for teamwork and community involvement. The program also encouraged service projects, such as planting flowers at their centers, which instilled pride and ownership in their shared spaces. This success story highlights the potential for similar grant-funded programs to engage underserved youth across North Carolina, offering a model for integrating environmental education into afterschool settings statewide.

Evergreen Success: The 4-H Wreath Fundraiser Making a Difference

The New Hanover County 4-H Program has experienced steady growth over the past year, creating a greater need for funding to support youth activities, scholarships, and community programs. To sustain and expand life-changing opportunities for local youth, additional financial resources became crucial. Meanwhile, Fraser Fir Christmas tree farmers in Ashe County, particularly those affected by Hurricane Helene, faced challenges in maintaining their livelihoods.

Recognizing this dual need, the New Hanover County 4-H Annual Wreath Fundraiser offered a unique solution: a way to support 4-H programming while also aiding North Carolina farmers recovering from disaster-related setbacks.

The Annual Wreath Fundraiser engaged 4-H families, volunteers, and the broader community to sell handmade Fraser Fir wreaths sourced from Cline Church Nursery in Ashe County. This marks the second year of partnership with the nursery, further solidifying a mutually beneficial relationship. Over 200 wreaths were sold, generating approximately $1,800 in net profit. Extension staff and 4-H members worked together to coordinate sales, promote the fundraiser through local networks, and distribute the wreaths. By combining holiday spirit with community engagement, the fundraiser demonstrated how local action can have a broad impact.

The fundraiser successfully provided vital financial support for the New Hanover County 4-H Program, enabling the continuation of scholarships for summer camps, educational activities, and leadership development for local youth. Additionally, by sourcing wreaths from Cline Church Nursery, the fundraiser helped sustain a North Carolina Christmas tree farm affected by Hurricane Helene, further demonstrating the interconnectedness of community support. The program’s dual impact highlights the value of community-based initiatives that address multiple needs simultaneously, setting an example for other counties looking to support youth programming and NC local agriculture in creative ways.

A Sweet Celebration: 4-H Awards Night and Ice Cream Social

New Hanover County 4-H has undergone many changes in the course of the past 2 years. A new agent as well as a new program assistant, who knows what will happen! With things finally starting to calm down from a lot of change, we started to look back on the past year and knew there were a lot of achievements that we needed to recognize. We had four youth receive awards for their presentations, and we had three youth receive awards for their project record books.

Because of the continued support of our community through volunteering, awards received for various youth, and continued club meetings where volunteers take control and responsibility to plan and lead their own club, we decided we needed to have a night to recognize everyone in our program! We wanted to make our awards night different though. We decided to have an awards night to recognize achievements, followed by an ice cream party. Finally, instead of medals or ribbons, the awards for the night were plants that were donated by the Ability Garden.

Because of this awards night, we had many 4-H families compliment our event afterwards. This event served as an incentive for youth to participate and try their best in various activities and programs like presentations and project record books. We had thirty six total participants including youth and their families. We recognized many different individuals for their accomplishments including: volunteer of the year, youth of the year, outstanding club on the year, project record book winners, and presentation winners. This event also served as an opportunity for our community to meet one another and to see what opportunities there may be in the rest of the New Hanover County 4-H program.

Eggs, Education, and Success: The Power of 4-H Embryology

Eggs and chicken are essential components of the typical American diet, particularly for children, many of whom primarily consume chicken nuggets. However, not everyone is familiar with the process of how we obtain chickens and eggs for cooking. The poultry industry plays a crucial role in the economy, contributing millions of dollars, and is vital for both our financial stability and nutrition. Additionally, the industry provides numerous jobs that people may not be aware of

 unless specifically informed. The second-grade curriculum in New Hanover County focuses heavily on life cycles, with the embryology program offering teachers hands-on tools to enhance their lessons. New Hanover County has 35 public elementary schools, enrolling around 1,808 second-grade students.

The school enrichment program focused on embryology was designed to teach every second-grade class in New Hanover County Public Schools about the process of an egg developing into a chick and eventually becoming a chicken. Thanks to funding from the New Hanover County Farm Bureau, we are able to provide each class with eggs from the NC State poultry unit, which they can incubate until they hatch into chicks. During the incubation period, we visit the schools to educate students about various aspects of eggs, different chicken breeds, and more. As a result of this program, some chicks may not survive or may hatch in less-than-ideal conditions. This gives students the opportunity to learn about the challenges that eggs and chicks may face in their lives, helping them develop a greater appreciation for the origins of their food. Each year, this program reaches over one thousand second graders, along with their teachers and parents, to educate them about chicken embryology.

Before I began assisting with the embryology program, I never imagined that children would be so enthusiastic about chickens and eggs. The students were always excited to share updates about their eggs and how much longer it would be until they were expected to hatch. They have consistently been engaged in the program, eager to ask questions and provide answers to my questions. Through this program, I hope these students have developed a greater understanding of where their food comes from and perhaps sparked an interest in learning more about the poultry industry.

The New Hanover County 4-H program had an exceptional year in 2024, marked by achievements that highlight its commitment to youth development and community engagement. Key successes included the 4-H Awards Night, where members were recognized for their hard work and leadership. The Island and Sound Exploration provided hands-on learning about coastal ecosystems, fostering environmental stewardship. Through the Jr. Master Gardener Program and a supporting grant, participants deepened their knowledge of horticulture and sustainability. The popular Embryology program brought science to life in classrooms, sparking curiosity about animal development. Additionally, the annual Wreath Sale was a resounding success, showcasing teamwork and community support. These milestones reflect the dedication of 4-H members, leaders, and supporters in cultivating a brighter future.

If you are interested in getting involved with 4-H either as a young person or a volunteer, reach out to 4-H Program Assistant, Alex Eaker, at alex_eaker@ncsu.edu!