Not Even COVID-19 Can Stop 4-H.
Local April 9, 2020 Daniel Prince
Even though schools are closed, and citizens are under stay home orders (unless absolutely necessary to get out), that doesn’t mean we can’t engage students through the 4-H program. We actually have got a lot going on! The best way to stay up to date on 4-H is through our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeCoExt) and by signing up to receive our electronic newsletter (http://tiny.utk.edu/cc4hnews).
One of the things we have going on is our online photography contest. This contest is open to youth in grades 4-12. Participants may enter one photo in the following categories: action, animals, buildings, creative, landscape, people, and selfies. The deadline to enter is May 1. Youth may email photos to jmatthe1@utk.edu. They also have the option to post their photos on the Facebook page in the comments section under the information for the online photo contest or may private message them to that Facebook account. When submitting, be sure to include your name, grade, school, and teacher’s name. Remember, any photo entered must have been made by the students submitting the photo.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had started meeting 4-H clubs for the month of March and had been collecting hard copies of photos. All those photos we have on hand will be entered in this contest as well. We will ensure those photos get returned. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category. Winning photos may be posted on our Facebook page.
Another activity we have going on is an online 4-H Demonstration Contest. This contest is open to 4th and 5th graders. Participants should prepare a 2-3 minute demonstration showing how to do or make something. They should have someone video them giving their demonstration then submit their video in one of three ways. Option 1 is to email the video to jmatthe1@utk.edu. Option 2 is to private message their video to the UT-TSU Extension Facebook page. Option 3 is to use the comments section of the Facebook post on Online Demonstration Contest and post there. All videos are due by May 1. This is open to all 4th and 5th graders even if they participated in their in school contest. Participants will receive some 4-H merchandise.
We have a lot more opportunities available, so go check them out! I’ll close with a mention of 4-H camp. I’m sure a lot of people are wondering if we will even have 4-H camp. Honestly, we don’t know, but all agents across the state are moving ahead as if it will happen! We are planning, promoting and registering! To register contact me at jmatthe1@utk.edu or Anna Duncan at aduncan@utk.edu. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Written by Michelle Matthews