By Kevin Tatum
Coffee County 4th – 6th grade 4-H members had the opportunity to participate in three summer fun days in early June. On Monday, June 5th, we had an activity called “Fun and Games” where we offered crafts like painting ceiling tiles, decorating (and reinforcing) cell phone charging cords or ear buds, making homemade musical instruments, and in the kitchen they were learning to make omelets, pizzas, and homemade ice cream. We also had a puzzle station with some Rubik’s Cubes for them to learn to solve. Mrs. Liz was even teaching them how to sew with the sewing machine. Between stations (and weather permitting), they could go outside and play four square, corn hole, or horseshoes. Mr. Dave and Mrs. Joyce Morris worked with the students to paint a 4-H pattern on a barn quilt. The artwork turned out to be very beautiful. We appreciated the Morris’ giving their time to help make this a project for all of the students.
On Tuesday, June 6th, we were scheduled to go to Jekyll Island for a short tour and fun at Summer Waves Water Park. Due to predicted rain that day, we changed our schedule and went to Statesboro to The Club House for a day of fun. They offered bowling, laser tag, a big ball pit, video games, miniature golf, go carts, and a golf driving range. For lunch, we went to The Cookout for a great meal.
On Wednesday, June 7th, we were scheduled to go to Savannah to visit the Ronald McDonald House to drop off some tabs from aluminum cans, then have lunch and take a dolphin cruise near Tybee Island. Since the weather was still predicting rain, we postponed this trip until Friday, June 9th. At the Ronald McDonald House, we unloaded and transferred 300 pounds of can tabs from cardboard boxes into their plastic containers. After a delicious meal at Golden Corral, we headed to Tybee Island for a brief driving tour of the 4-H Center and the lighthouse. Then we headed to the docks to load the boat for the dolphin cruise. The kids loved going out on the boat and especially loved seeing the dolphins, particularly the baby dolphins. While we were near the shipping lane of the Savannah River, a huge cargo ship came in and the kids enjoyed seeing this type ship up close. We really felt the waves from this ship. After getting off of the cruise, we went downtown so the kids could visit the Savannah River Street Candy Store. I think they tried to spend every last dime at the candy store, but what kid wouldn’t? All three days were a lot of fun and the kids got to learn a lot while having fun.
We would like to thank our certified 4-H teen leaders who volunteer their time to help put on these activities. They were Savannah Cothern, Amelia Crockett, JaVonte Grady, Anna Grace Grantham, Bethany Land, Olivia Thomas, Sariah Wells, Micheal Woods, Evie Woodward, and Kimberly Wright. We also appreciate our volunteer leaders who helped chaperon and they were Steve Hall, Melanie Weathers, and Patty Wright. You all did a great job and we really appreciate your help.
Goat Show Information
I would like to remind 4-H and FFA members who are interested in showing goats that the next tagging date for goats will be on Tuesday, July 18th, at 6:30 PM in the Billy Walker Livestock Center at Coffee Middle School. Please be sure to bring your checkbook along with your goats. Registration fees are $15 per goat for the first three goats registered. If you choose to register a fourth or fifth goat, the fee is $25 each.
The two local shows are scheduled for Saturday, August 19th, for the Bring on the Heat Jackpot show, and Saturday, September 23rd, for the county show. For more information, please contact the 4-H office at (912) 384-1402, or any of the Coffee County School System agriculture teachers at Coffee Middle, Coffee High, or George Washington Carver Freshman Campus.
If you have questions about the Coffee County 4-H Club program, or questions around the farm or home, please feel free to contact the Coffee County Extension office at (912) 384-1402. Remember, we are YOUR local connection to the University of Georgia.