With so many outlets for face-to-face activity stripped from the summer of 2020 by COVID-19, youth organizations have been forced back to the drawing board. Typically, 4-H would be hosting camps, fun days and club meetings. Instead, the youth-oriented nonprofit is focused on alternate ways to connect with current and potential members. From Camp in a Box, to a virtual talent show, an at-home agronomy project with prize money available, or creating your own “plant people,” Lowndes County 4-H’ers can engage.

Junior 4-H members, ages 8 to 13, can participate in a Virtual Project Achievement Day. Demonstration videos on STEM activities, Sports Fishing, Photography, No-Sew T-shirts, Crazy Hair Art and more are posted to help youth complete specific activities.

A Virtual Share the Fun Talent Show invites junior members to submit short videos to be posted on 4-H social media.

For more information on the achievement day or talent show, junior members should contact the Extension office at 662-328-2111 or email 4-H Extension Agent Darrell Banks at [email protected].

Surrounding county 4-H groups are offering similar activities.

Not a member?

While some activities are open to current 4-H members, Grab and Go “plant people” kits are available to all youth.

“It’s an easy gardening activity,” said Banks of the learn-at-home project. “We give them soil, seeds and materials they need; they can decorate a face. When they water it, it’s going to grow ‘hair.'”

The activity might be compared to creating a homegrown chia pet.

“Any youth can pick up a kit,” said Banks. If multiple Grab and Go bags are desired, contact the Extension office at 662-328-2111 to ensure enough will be ready for pickup.

“Our plan is to do new activities each month,” Banks explained. “The organization has gained new 4-H members through some of the ones we’ve already offered.”

Learn more about 4-H at 4-h.org, visit your county’s Mississippi State University Extension Service Facebook page or contact your county Extension office.

Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.