4-H News
By Anna Amiss County Extension Agent

Thirty-one 4-H'ers enjoyed camp at Rock Eagle 4-H Center June 30 thru July 4. Pictured are, back row, from left: Bryce Lane, Brandon Cherry, Will Collier, David Amiss (adult volunteer), Sarah Beth Cates, Anna Amiss (4-H Agent), Renisha Cummings, Infiniti Jones, Niya Adams, Jay Burton, Miranda Hill, Amanda Harden, Robin Boone, Callie Dailey (teen leader), Nicholas Bame, Matt Hutcheson (adult volunteer) and Faizon Branch; middle row: Chris Stephens, Gaige Ridings, Hunter Bolton, Kelvin Wright, Tori Becton, Lani Arthur, Maggie Owens, McKayla Shuman, Jaimia Williams, Chase Wilkerson, Marquise Anthony and Daniel Friese; front row: Alexis Thompson, Haley Wise, Precharious Torrence and Nicole Wilson; and seated in front, Bubba Allen.

On June 30, 31 4-H'ers had the chance of a lifetime as they loaded a bus headed for the largest 4-H Camp in the world, Rock Eagle. They spent four nights and five days running up and down the hills of middle Georgia. While there, they learned how to canoe, sail, fly through the air like Tarzan, make friends from all over Georgia and swim as often as possible. The week started with a tour of the camp and an introduction of counselors. Then they were off to meet their tribe leaders and jump into action.

There were three tribes at camp: Muscogee, Cherokee and Shawnee. We were the Shawnee tribe. Our colors were blue and red, and our symbol was the lightening bolt. All week the three tribes competed in song, dance, and physical challenges. They were competing to win the tribal shield. During free time, there were two pools open, an incredible museum, putt-putt and basketball. Every night a counselor would bring milk to the cabins and talk about the upcoming day. Students, if you have not written your milk counselor, I encourage you to do so. They can't wait to get mail from you all.

Thursday night was the legendary Pageant. This pageant is like none other you have ever seen. It's no beauty contest. Instead, the counselors dress up in their Indian clothing and act out the history of Rock Eagle in a very dramatic performance.

Before the folklore actually begins, the tribes challenge each other to competitions such as tug of war, crab crawl and archery. Many of our boys and girls participated in these challenges, called Pageant Games. Because of our strong, determined Jenkins County youth, the Shawnee tribe led the Pageant Games victoriously.

I thought for sure the bus would be kind of quiet on the ride home since they had gone nonstop all week, but I was wrong! Instead, the singing of camp songs began when we pulled out of camp and didn't stop until we pulled into the parking lot. Needless to say, everyone had a blast. I could not have made it through the week without Teen Leader Callie Dailey. She is a trooper and a huge asset to this 4-H program. Callie is an amazing kid and the campers (and I) loved having her there!

In other news, our next summer program is this Thursday. It's the Marvelous Mini-Booth class where you can get a jump start on the rest of the students and begin work on your booth for the fair. If you plan on doing a mini booth this year, start thinking of what you would like to research and talk about. You can do it on just about anything. We have had kids do projects on recycling, pollution, animals, diseases, and even the stock market! This class is completely free; we will provide all of the supplies. The class is from 2- 4:30 p.m.

The following week, I will be at State Congress in Atlanta with Justin Lanier and Krysten Fail, our two Senior DPA winners. They will be competing for state honors in their project. Justin is competing in the Sports project, and Krysten in Arts and Crafts. If you see these two, wish them much luck.

Be preparing for the Luau to kick off the new school year! It's 6 p.m., July 30 at the 4-H Office!