4-H Youth Development
Southampton County 4-H Program
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Southampton County 4-H Web Page. We will be listing links to other web sites we feel will be helpful to you and your 4-H'er, 4-H forms you may need throughout the year and we are going to have answers to some of the more frequently ask question the public has about 4-H. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for this web site.
Frequently ask questions about 4-H
How can I join 4-H?
In Southampton County any one between the ages of 5-19 can join 4-H by coming into the Virginia Cooperative Extension Southampton County Extension Office. Activities available for youth vary by age. Cloverbuds are kids between the ages of 5-8 and 4-Hers are between 9-19.
Is 4-H just for kids who live on a farm?
No you don't have to live on a farm to be in 4-H. In Southampton County we have over 70 projects to choose from. We have something for everyone. 4-H offers opportunities in projects from computers to food/nutrition to citizenship to natural resources. We offer 8 4-H Clubs and are growing. Southampton County also has the traditional Beef, Swine, Horse & Pony and a 4-H Livestock Show. Just to name a few.
What is 4-H?
4-H is a hands-on educational program for youth. It is concerned with helping boys and girls increase their knowledge, skills, citizenship, and leadership. The 4-H Program uses a combination of club work, projects, and activities to help accomplish this goal. 4-H is a great opportunity to meet new people, make lasting friendships, learn new skills, get the skills to be tomorrow’s leaders, and oh HAVE FUN!!!
How much does 4-H cost?
To join 4-H there is no cost, but some activities do have a cost with them. This will vary on the activity.
What things can you do in 4-H?
In Southampton County we have a 4-H Camp that takes place every year during the summer. It is a five days and four nights at Airfield 4-H Center in Wakefield, VA.
Southampton County also has eight clubs that meet year round for youth to participate in. These are:
Airfield 4-H Swamp Shooters (Shooting Sports)-Contact: Rachel Melius-757-488-6224
Cloverbud Club- Contact: Laurie Brittle: 757-562-4867
Dixie Dream Riders (Horse Club)- Contact: Diane Kropewnicki-757-859-2553
4-H Library Club (General)-Contact: Amy Lehman-757-653-2821
Ivor 4-H Club (General)-Contact: Kathy Clark-757-859-6129 (after 5 p.m.)
Southern Dragonfly Riders (Horse Club)-Katie Cobb-757-630-9271
Teen Leadership Council (Teen)-Erika Bonnett-757-653-2572
A county contest is held each February in which youth can participate in method demonstrations, photography, fine arts, arts & crafts, public speaking, illustrated talks, and much more.
4-H Livestock Program and Show is held in conjunction with the Franklin/Southampton County Fair each August. Livestock participation is due in mid-June of each year and entries must be received at the Extension office at this time.
4-H Day camps and one day camps are held throughout the year and summer. Please see the newsletter for updates on what day camps are being held.
Helpful 4-H Links