By April B. Dillon
Extension Agent
4-H Youth Development

LINCOLN COUNTY - Local families are needed to host Japanese exchange students, ages 12 to 18, for four weeks this summer as part of a two-way exchange program sponsored by 4-H.

N.C. 4-H is looking for 22 families to host students from Japan during the summer, July 24 – August 20. There are also opportunities to host Norwegian students, July 1-30, Costa Rican students, June 21-July18 and Finnish students, June 14-July 12. This is a great way for young people to learn about another country and culture.

By April B. Dillon, Extension Agent
4-H & Youth Development

LINCOLNTON - Are you interested in wild and exotic animals such as cows, sheep, goats, cats, dogs, pigs, chickens and rabbits? You can learn more about caring, raising, judging and showing animals like these through 4-H! Kids can expand their interest in animals while also developing important life skills such as communicating and decision making!

Families interested in helping to start an animal science club for youth ages 5 to 9 are invited to come to a 4-H Animal Science Information and Interest meeting on Thursday, January 15 at 7:00 pm. This club will offer educational programs in animal science and youth may choose to raise and show an animal in their second year. A parent or guardian is required to attend this meeting with their child(ren).

By April B. Dillon, Extension Agent
4-H & Youth Development

LINCOLNTON - Would you like to learn more about all the things you can do and learn with 4-H?

Come check out Lincoln County 4-H Programs at our National 4-H Week Open House Event on Friday, October 3, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Youth ages 5 to 12 are invited to participate in their choice of two activities including sewing, bugs, rocketry, electric circuits or foods. There is a registration fee of $10.00 per child and registration is required by Friday, September 26.

By April B. Dillon
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development


ASHEVILLE - Cody Johnsen, 13, and Wyatt Johnsen, 11, were recognized for their accomplishments in the 4-H Electric Project at the 61st Annual North Carolina 4-H Electric Congress. The Congress was held July 13-15 at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Cody and Wyatt are the sons of Jeff and Kristi Johnsen of Denver.

Cody was honored with the Duke Energy Second Place Territorial Award for his Electric Cumulative Record. He received an IPod as his award for this accomplishment. Cody was also the third place state winner with his Electric Cumulative Record for the 13 to 15 age division.

(Photo Left to Right: Kristi Johnsen, volunteer, April Dillon, 4-H Agent, Cody Johnsen, Wyatt Johnsen and Wayne Huddleston, Duke Energy)

North Carolina 4-H has joined the U.S. Army’s collaborative effort with America’s communities to support the children and youth impacted by deployment. Officially launched in April 2005, OMK (Operation Military Kids) and North Carolina 4-H are proud and excited to announce the first OMK Photography and Arts Contest.

Lincoln County 4-H Clubs are re-organizing and are ready for you to join! There are lots of opportunities for 4-H members, including learning about a subject, developing talents and skills, meeting new people, traveling, developing leadership and citizenship, participating in community service and lots more! 4-H helps children to develop important life skills that will help them grow up to be successful adults. 4-H members also have lots of opportunities to be recognized and earn awards for projects completed. Ultimately, 4-H members can work towards winning national trips and college scholarships!

4-H clubs generally meet once a month and include a youth led business meeting, educational activity or program and recreation. Clubs are organized for youth between ages 5 and 18. The followig Lincoln County 4-H Clubs are enrolling new members.

Ruth Perkins, age 8, daughter of Gordon and Cheree Perkins of Iron Station, was recently named a winner of the National Junior Horticulture Association Young American Horticultural Contest. She entered a project based on a 4-H mini garden that she grew this summer. Ruth is pictured with her mother, Cheree who served as her coach for the project.

If you would like information on how your child can participate in the 4-H Club Program, please contact the 4-H office, NC Cooperative Extension, Lincoln County at 704-736-8458.