This past weekend, several New Hanover teen 4-Hers traveled to Trinity Center in Salter Path to attend the Southeast District
4-H Teen Retreat.
The retreat is what most may imagine — the beauty of the outdoors, a calming and moving river, sounds of woodpeckers at work, the warmth of the sun beaming on your face and a relaxing and welcoming environment. Now add teenagers, fun, outdoor activities, interactive leadership workshops and learning opportunities, election of district officers and fellowshipping with peers representing 18 NC counties at the dance.
Three teens representing New Hanover County 4-H attended the Teen Retreat. Grayson Brazik, Phoebe Tiso, and Beatrice Vaughan loaded the van with their 4-H agent, J. Scott Enroughty, to embark on an overnight excursion of fun, development and learning. All three of the participants were first-time Teen Retreat attendees. This year’s retreat theme is “4-H: Make Waves of Change” with workshops on teamwork, leadership, communication, and public speaking.
Grayson Brazik, son of David and Emily Brazik, was elected the Southeast District vice president of 2023-2024. His slogan, “Pick Your Lucky Clover…Vote Grayson B. for VP” was posted on posters, brochures and stickers. Grayson will serve as the 2023-2024 vice president along with his fellow officers from Wayne, Wilson, and Johnston counties. They will be sworn in during NC 4-H Congress in July. Grayson did a great job campaigning and showcasing his leadership and communicative skills.
Another story of perseverance is Phoebe Tiso, daughter of Paul and Jennifer Tiso and Beatrice Vaughan, daughter of David and Rebekah Vaughan who stepped out of their comfort zones with meeting new people, engaging in the team building activities, and campaigning for their fellow 4-H club member. Phoebe and Beatrice faced their fears and walked away from the weekend with more confidence and many new friends.
New Hanover County 4-H continues to offer leadership opportunities for youth to experience, gain skills and abilities to utilize their skills. Every first Tuesday at 6pm, teens, ages 12-18 lead their meeting, plan events for the community, offer feedback of how to expand the 4-H program and recruit new members to gain the experiences they encounter every month. “There are several 4-H college scholarships for our youth. One of my responsibilities is to ensure they have opportunities to build their resume to qualify for 4-H scholarships and so many more,” said, J. Scott Enroughty.
To learn more about New Hanover County 4-H, contact New Hanover County Extension/4-Hat 910-798-7675, email Elizabeth_stratton@ncsu.edu or visit our website at newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu and like us on Facebook at New Hanover County 4-H or stop by to see us at 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC.
