From Gardens to Ag Days – Spring Growth in ANR Outreach
From April to June, ANR programming included a variety of educational and community engagement efforts. A home vegetable gardening class was offered, which taught participants how to start and maintain a successful garden. A forage farm tour was also held, covering a wide range of topics from pasture weed management to achieving optimal baleage moisture levels. In addition to these events, multiple committee meetings took place, and the annual 3rd Grade Environmental Summit was held, along with several Youth Ag Days.
Travis taught an introductory swine production class for the Hart County Extension Agent, expanding regional collaboration and agricultural education.
He regularly attended the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Ag Promotions Committee meetings and the Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District meetings. Travis remained well connected to the community and was always willing to assist with various activities and events.
The 3rd Grade Environmental Summit was an educational event for all third graders in Madison County. The Extension Office collaborated with Keep Madison County Beautiful to educate students on the importance of environmental protection and other key topics.
The end of the school year also marked Ag Day season across the county. These events were essential for introducing younger generations to the agricultural industry and exposing them to various aspects of the field. Travis supported five different Ag Days during the second quarter, helping to foster agricultural literacy and appreciation among youth.
Hands-On Learning for Healthier Living – Family and Consumer Sciences in Action
Special Education Life Skills Programming
During the second quarter, “Independently Healthy” classes continued at Madison County High School, serving special education students. These sessions focused on developing practical cooking and nutrition skills, helping students build independence and confidence in the kitchen. The hands-on format encourages real-world application of healthy habits and personal responsibility.
Community Health Education (Lunch & Learn Series)
In April, the Extension office hosted its second Lunch & Learn session at the Madison County Government Complex. The focus was on preventing heart disease through physical activity, with practical strategies for incorporating movement into daily routines. These quarterly sessions provide accessible health education for local residents in a convenient lunchtime format.
Food Safety & Preservation Outreach
The Extension office contributed to food safety awareness through both education and service. An article published in the Madison County Journal highlighted the importance of safe food preservation and encouraged residents to have their pressure canners checked annually. On June 9, the office hosted a Pressure Canner Check Day, giving community members the opportunity to ensure their equipment was functioning safely ahead of canning season.
Youth Programming
Youth engagement continued through participation in the Kids Cooking Camp held at the University of Georgia. Campers learned basic cooking skills through age-appropriate, hands-on lessons that promoted kitchen safety and nutrition. This experience helped build foundational culinary knowledge and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
FCCLA Partnership
The Extension office continued its collaboration with local FCCLA programs by attending the Regional FCCLA Advisory Committee Meeting. This ongoing partnership supports Family and Consumer Sciences education in schools and strengthens leadership development opportunities for students involved in FCCLA.
Looking Ahead
In the coming quarter, Madison County FACS programming will continue school-based life skills education, expand adult nutrition offerings, and begin community food preservation workshops based on recent training. We look forward to continued engagement with schools, families, and community members across the county.
4-H – Where Fun Meets Leadership!
In-School and Club Programming
During April, 4-H reached over 250 youth through in-school club sessions held at Colbert, Ila, Hull, Comer, Colt, and Madison County Middle School. These club meetings, held between April 15 and 23, focused on language arts, STEM, and agricultural science projects. Additionally, the Robotics Club met twice in April, providing 13 youth hands-on STEM exploration through coding and building activities with volunteer-led guidance. Communication efforts included newsletter outreach on April 1 and 28, keeping 306 families informed of upcoming events and opportunities.
S.A.F.E. (Shooting Awareness, Fun & Education)
The quarter included over a dozen BB and shotgun practice sessions, led by dedicated volunteers. Key matches included the District BB Match on April 12, the State BB Match on April 26, and the State Shotgun Match on May 10. Archery activities were highlighted by the State Outdoor Archery event on May 3 and an Archery Season Celebration held on June 29, recognizing youth involved in outdoor sports.
Leadership and Citizenship
Youth leadership development remained a strong focus. Teen Leader Training took place on June 24, preparing youth for leadership roles during summer events and throughout the year.
The Ambassador Training Summit on May 29 and the State Council meeting on June 20 offered further leadership opportunities.
Additionally, youth represented Madison County at the Senior Conference on April 5 and participated in the State 4-H Congress Workshop on May 27, which emphasized project achievement preparation and public speaking skills.
Livestock and Judging Programs
April featured focused training and competition in livestock judging disciplines. Five youth participated in poultry judging practices and the Area Contest, sharpening their animal science knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Wildlife judging saw over 40 cumulative youth contact hours with practices throughout the month, culminating in a judging contest and celebration.
Hippology practices and horse-related events ran from April through June, including participation in the State 4-H Horse Show, Hippology Contest, and Educational Contest.
Planning for the livestock judging season took place on May 16, involving collaboration among volunteers and staff.
STEM and Service Learning
A major STEM outreach effort was the 3rd Grade Environmental Summit on May 12, which provided 54 youth contact hours focused on environmental science and sustainability.
On May 9, the Block Party brought together STEM and leadership activities to engage the community. Service learning continued with painting and clean-up projects on May 10 and May 22, contributing nearly 40 service hours. Youth also volunteered at the Taste of Madison County event on May 10, promoting local food and nutrition.
Summer Camps and Outdoor Education
Preparation for summer programming began with Cloverleaf Camp Orientation on May 8, which welcomed 45 campers and their parents.
Twelve 4-H’ers attended various camps during the quarter, including Junior Camp at Fortson on June 2, Senior Camp at Jekyll on June 29, Senior EXTREME Camp at Rock Eagle on June 2, and Wilderness Challenge Camp at Wahsega on June 23.
On May 19, 27 youth earned a full-day reward trip for their outstanding involvement throughout the year. Outdoor adventure programming included Kayaking the Broad on June 17 and Fortson Fun Day on May 30, encouraging physical activity and teamwork.
Volunteer Impact
Volunteers contributed over 250 service hours across various programs such as S.A.F.E., Horse Judging, and Robotics. Volunteer recruitment and contact efforts were ongoing, with specific outreach sessions on April 10 and 30, May 10, and June 10 and 13, ensuring strong community support for 4-H programming.
Youth Engagement Summary
- Total Events Tracked: over 60
- Youth Leadership Opportunities Offered: 7 + regional and statewide leadership events
- Community Service Hours Logged: over 100 hours
Madison County 4-H continues to offer diverse and meaningful opportunities for youth development and community involvement, setting a strong foundation for continued success!
