COVID-19 and going virtual did not stop Broward 4-H from growing this summer. Growing herbs and vegetables that is. But we also grew a sense of community as well.

McArthur Summer of Growing

At the start of the summer the McArthur High School 4-H club received donations of pots, seeds, and plant cuttings. The club leader assembled these donations (thank you Made In Broward!). Then he made socially distant deliveries of these garden kits to the club members’ front doors. Using curriculum from Florida Ag in the Classroom and help from guest speakers, youth learned how to grow plants and virtually toured a local pineapple grove, compost system, and food forest. Youth met on ZOOM weekly for lessons and a chance to talk about their growing gardens.

Grow With It Camp

Over the summer youth from all over the country joined Florida 4-H Adventures. These were virtual summer camps offered throughout the summer. Youth learned asynchronously on Google Sites and met over ZOOM for live lessons. One example was “Grow With It Camp.” Grow With It Camp taught youth how to grow from recycled food scraps, composting, and planting seeds in re-usable containers. One parent remarked, “your camps have been such a life saver for my [child]. He loves 4-H and we are so grateful to have an ‘outdoor’ camp to go to with all this social distancing. Please share with your peers how much of an impact your camps have made.” Check with Florida 4-H for more events to attend!

Florida 4-H virtual clubs: enroll now!

Broward 4-H clubs continue to meet virtually while our community copes with the COVID-19 pandemic. If one of our clubs does not work with your availability or interests, be sure to check out virtual clubs offered by Florida 4-H! Youth can learn from home about animals, leadership, and life skills! Registration takes place at 4-H Online. Questions can be directed to the club leaders posted on this blog.

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