4-H

  • 7 youths pose for a picture in a forest

    Georgia’s forests are not just a vital part of the state’s economy—they are also providing a hands-on classroom for local youth. With 24.5 million acres of forestland, Georgia is one of the most forested states in the United States, contributing over $41 billion annually and supporting more than 140,000 jobs. Through programs like Georgia 4-H’s…

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  • A 7th grade young man standing in a barn next to many horse show ribbons.

    Georgia 4-H recently hosted the State 4-H Horse Show at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, where young equestrians from across the state showcased their skills in various equestrian disciplines. Among the standout participants were Forsyth County youths Timothy Laszlo and Dustin Thomas, who, along with certified volunteer leader Lynn Brecht, represented their county with…

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  • A young woman posing in front of a light and balloon display.

    Since 1942, the State Congress has been the premier event for high school-aged Georgia 4-H members, showcasing their talents, leadership, and community service. Held annually in Atlanta, this four-day event features a range of contests, recognizes scholarship recipients, and honors state winners across various projects and competitions. It also serves as an opportunity to celebrate…

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  • Image of the 2024 archery national medals for 4-H shooting sports

    The National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships is an annual event that brings together youth from across the United States to compete in various shooting disciplines. The competition typically includes events in archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, and pistol. Participants qualify for the national championship through state-level competitions and must demonstrate not only shooting proficiency but also…

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  • from behind, an adult man and three middle school youths at an archery competition.

    Under the mentorship of devoted volunteer coaches, nineteen young archers recently took aim at the Georgia 4-H State Archery Match, held at Rock Eagle 4-H Center on May 4, 2024. Competing within their age and experience brackets, spanning Cloverleaf, Junior, and Senior divisions, as well as Novice, Recurve, and Compound disciplines, participants were able to…

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  • June 6th: Forestry Day in the North Georgia Mountains This event is open to all 4th-12th graders but they must be prepared to walk 3 miles. We’ll travel to Ellijay for a full day of activities including a property tour with Master Naturalist, Winston Davis, and his property managers to go over land management practices…

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  • A group of 7th-12th grade youth with their public speaking awards.

    Each year, local students in 7th through 12th grade submit a Portfolio to the local Extension Office to signify their intent to participate in Junior/Senior Project Achievement in March. Portfolios are a celebration of youth’s work and accomplishments over the last calendar year. The document is two pages long and highlights the student’s work in…

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  • Two youth wearing helmets climbing a rock wall.

    In a typical summer, over 8,000 youth ages 9 to 18, accompanied by over 1,000 adult and teen leaders, travel to Georgia’s five unique 4-H centers for a week of camp that will be remembered and cherished for years to come. The opportunity to attend summer camp is beneficial for youth in numerous ways. For…

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  • A young girl standing next to an apple tree.

    In just a few days, school will be out for the holidays and many of us will be preparing to travel to see family and friends. Growing up in a family that loved cooking (and eating!), I learned that two key ingredients are essential to a memorable holiday gathering: good food and good company. In…

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  • Two adult women helping several young children start seeds in seed trays.

    Forsyth County has undergone tremendous growth and change since 1987. The completion of Georgia Highway 400 in the 1980s turned Forsyth County into a suburb of Atlanta, encouraging population growth. Along with this growth, many locals have watched the county go through significant amounts of change, including a decrease in farmland within the county. In…

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