Youth Development
Developing Life Skills
· Horse Activities. Clay County youth were involved with several equine activities during the year. They participated in the East Central Region Horsebowl and Hippology Contest and the State Judging Contest. Team members trained with Jacquie Lueking of Flora on general horse information and on various facets of the horse industry. Clay County youth participated in the 10th Annual 4-H Horse Camp in June 2007. This 4-day/3-night camp gives kids an opportunity to camp with their horses, learn new skills, make new friends and have a GREAT time!
· Clay County students successfully hatched baby chicks in their classrooms while participating in the Embryology School Enrichment Program. They learned first-hand the stages of the chick's development.
· Clay County Elementary students in Flora, Louisville, Xenia and Clay City viewed the different cycles of butterfly development, as well as the environment in which butterflies live while participating in the Entomology School Enrichment Program.
· 5th grade students from Clay County schools gathered at Charley Brown Park, Flora, for Conservation Field Day to learn about the environment in areas of water quality, natural resources, forestry, conservation, fish, wildlife and watershed preservation .
· 4-H'ers, parents and adult volunteers from Clay and surrounding counties hit the slopes when 4-H took its 8th annual trip to Paoli Peaks in Indiana for a great ski trip!
· The 13th Annual 4-H BBQ was held at the 2007 Clay County Fair. This is the largest fundraiser that 4-H members host, serving over 700 people this year! The 4-H Golf Scramble is a great way for area golfers to show their 4-H support. The 8th Annual Clay County 4-H Golf Scramble was held in May 2007.
· Many of the 4-H clubs participate in a wide variety of community service projects throughout the year. Projects include aluminum can recycling, paper drives, cook outs, car washes, bake sales, helping with the County fair activities, cleaning roads, and much more!
· Illinois State Fair/County Fair. Livestock, vegetables, conservation, arts, and many other projects were proudly exhibited by 4-H'ers to be judged at the 2007 shows . Besides A, B, and C ratings, many trophies and State Fair Delegate awards are presented to 4-H'ers.
· Clay County 3rd grade students participated in Farm Safety Day where they learned about agricultural, germ, sun, livestock and ATV safety. In 2007 this program was a cooperative effort with University of Illinois Extension, Clay County, and Clay County Farm Bureau.
