Jackson County 4-H Wraps Up a Dynamic Summer
By: Shelia Mader
The 2025 summer season has been one of growth, learning, and community spirit for Jackson County 4-H, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. The local program was recently honored by the Optimist Club of Jackson County, The Artists Guild of Northwest Florida, Inc., the Jackson County Cattlemen’s Association, Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Jackson County Youth Leadership and Education Association (JCYLEA) for their outstanding summer programming and their commitment to youth development.
With support from these generous sponsors and community partners, Jackson County 4-H was able to host a series of engaging and skill-building summer camps for youth across the region. Each camp was designed to introduce students to a new set of hands-on activities while sparking lifelong interests and potentially opening the door to future competition and club participation.
Clucking with Confidence: Chicken Camp
In partnership with Washington County 4-H, the 2025 Chicken Summer Camp gave participants an introduction to poultry judging. With a focus on the fundamentals, the camp aimed to prepare youth for participation in the 2025-26 Chick Chain Club, an initiative where kids learn to care for, show, and judge poultry. The program welcomes all interested youth, even those without chickens of their own, and offers valuable experience in responsibility, observation, and teamwork.
Hooks and Needles: Fiber Arts Take Flight
The 2025 Hooks and Needles Camp was a unique collaboration between the youth program and the adult Hooks and Needles Club, whose volunteers generously offered their time to teach campers the basics of crocheting, needlepoint, and beginning embroidery. This introduction to fiber arts aims to evolve into a full-fledged 4-H Fiber Arts Club in the 2025-26 year, with members encouraged to create original works for entry into regional events such as the Panhandle Youth Expo, the North Florida Fair, and the National Peanut Festival.
Tailgate Training: From Flame to Fame
At the sizzling 2025 Tailgate Camp, campers got hands-on lessons in grilling and food safety while preparing four different proteins, chicken, shrimp, pork, and beef. Each participant created their own dry rubs and marinades before facing off in a mock competition judged just like the real thing. Congratulations went to Micha Yoder, who took home the overall high score. Organizers are hopeful to send a team to next year’s district-level Tailgate competition.
Taking Aim: Archery Camp Hits the Mark
The 2025 Archery Summer Camp combined sport and safety, as kids learned not only how to shoot a bow and arrow but also received basic First Aid training. Over the course of three days, participants made significant progress and ended with a balloon-popping challenge and a planned mock competition, sadly rained out but still a highlight of the summer. Plans are already in motion to launch a dedicated Archery Club this school year with hopes of forming a competitive team in the near future.
Looking Ahead: 4-H Open House and Dinner Set for August 21
As summer winds down, Jackson County 4-H is already gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 program year. Families interested in learning more about 4-H opportunities are invited to attend an open house and community dinner on Thursday, August 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will showcase upcoming clubs, projects, and competitions, and give parents a well-earned night off from cooking.
With the support of the community and a strong team of volunteers and sponsors, Jackson County 4-H continues to grow and thrive, offering local youth a place to learn new skills, build friendships, and become tomorrow’s leaders, one camp at a time.