Dear 4-H Supporters,
We are pleased to share our 2018-2019 annual report with you. Thanks to your support, we had an extremely successful year securing the resources needed to develop the next generation of Clay County leaders through our 4-H programs. The contributions received this year allowed us to sustain the number of community clubs, summer day camps, and after-school programs offered to young people in our community. We awarded $12,266 in scholarships and continue to recognize donors through the Tommy Thomas Family 4-H Giving Tree. Please consider supporting our organization by donating to the 4-H Foundation!
Youth Explore Their Passions Through Day Camps
From feeding sharks and learning about the environment; to blacksmithing mini swords and chain links; to learning about crime scene blood splatter, Clay County 4-H day camps had something for everyone. Through our day and week-long camps youth had an opportunity to increase their knowledge and confidence through creative, hands-on learning experiences. These day camps allow youth to explore an area that interests them and we are proud to say through our 13 camps, we reached over 180 young people
We are fortunate to see how impactful these camps are when we have campers join our 4-H program following the camp. Or when we hear the campers and parents talk about their camping experiences. “I love this camp… it is always so much fun, even when you try to teach us!” exclaims Cooper Hickey, who has been camping with Clay County 4-H since he was 5 years old.
One parent shared: “My daughter has been talking about littering and how it is not good for the animals in the ocean. No matter where we are, she keeps picking up trash for us to throw away, even when she is all dressed up. I hear this (4-H day) camp is to thank for that.”
In addition to the exciting variety of day camps Clay County 4-H offers and the neat comments we receive, we are very proud that our Clay County 4-H Foundation was able to provide scholarships for 23 young people to attend these day camps. Thank you to our foundation board for ensuring we have the ability to provide day camps and scholarships, and thank you to our campers and parents for making our summer day-camp program a success!
4-H Technology Lab Gives Youth A Chance to Learn Through STEM
STEM is the new buzzword, well actually its acronym. But, I’m sure you have heard this word in the news and thought to yourself, “what is this STEM thing, and what is the big deal?” STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
In the framework of education, STEM is an approach that intentionally incorporates science, technology, engineering and mathematics. However, what we commonly forget is the key to STEM education is integrating the subjects. Fortunately, the Clay County 4-H Technology Lab has the tools to take STEM to 4-H members.
Created with a grant from the Clay Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up, the Technology Lab is equipped with ten laptops, two 3-D printers, and a host of robots to engage 4-H members.
This past summer, we hosted the “Tinkering with Rockets” summer day camp. Campers created 3-D models of their rocket designs after learning the basics of rocketry. The campers then processed their 3-D designs and sent the designs to the 3-D printers. Almost 8 hours later, the rockets were ready for launch. Each camper launched their rockets coming full circle, from design to implementation.
“Without the lab, this wouldn’t have been possible” said Clay County 4-H Agent Matthew Olson, “this lab gives us the tools to teach STEM with hands-on, learn-by-doing activities just as 4-H has been doing for more than a century.”
This coming year, youth can get in the lab with their 4-H Club or through workshops hosted by Clay County 4-H. Upcoming workshops include Robotics, Computer Coding, and 3-D printing. Check our pictures and videos from the Tinkering with Rockets Day Camp at our Facebook Page: UF IFAS Extension Clay County 4-H.
In Remembrance of T. Jesse Godbold, Sr.
On July 31, 2019, we lost a founding member of the Clay County 4-H Foundation, Mr. T. Jesse Godbold, Sr. Mr. Jesse, as many in our community knew him, was a tremendous
supporter of 4-H and the driving force who led the charge to establish the Clay County 4-H Foundation in 1972.
Mr. Jesse was born in Suwannee County, Florida in 1940, grew up on a farm and attended schools in Wellborn and Live Oak, Florida. He was a member of both 4-H and FFA. In 1961, after attending North Florida Junior College, Mr. Jesse enrolled in the University of Florida.
After graduation, he began teaching Vocational Agriculture at Santa Fe High School. He would eventually leave teaching to accept a position as Assistant County Agricultural Agent in Lake City, Columbia County. After several other stops within Extension, Mr. Jesse joined Clay County as the County Extension Director in 1971.
From the moment he joined Clay County he was a pillar of the community. Over the next 25 years he would accomplish many milestones, forge relationships, and
always work “To Make the Best Better.” His presence in our community will truly be missed.
Leave a Legacy by Helping Us Grow One Leaf at a Time
The 4-H Giving Tree is a permanent acknowledgement of the generosity of our supporters. It was provided through a special donation from the family of Tommy Thomas and installed in the T. Jesse Godbold, Sr. Extension Education Building at the Clay County Agriculture Center in Green Cove Springs.
DONOR RECOGNITION LEVELS
$25 – $49 : As a FRIEND of the 4-H Foundation you will receive a 4-H supporter sticker.
$50 – $249 : As a SUPPORTER of the 4-H Foundation you will the receive recognition for each level above and be highlighted at the 4-H banquet.
$250 – $499 : As a SPONSOR of the 4-H Foundation you will receive the recognition for each level above and be highlighted in our annual report.
$500 – $999 : As a DONOR of the 4-H Foundation you will receive the recognition for each level above and receive a donor plaque.
$1000 – $2499 : Bronze donors will have their name engraved on a BRONZE leaf on the giving tree.
$2500 – $4999 : Silver donors will have their name engraved on a SILVER leaf on the giving tree.
$5000 – $9999 : Gold donors will have their name engraved on a GOLD leaf on the giving tree.
PLATINUM DONORS OF $10,000+ : WILL RECEIVE SPECIAL RECOGNITION WITH LARGE ENGRAVED ROCKS, TREES, OR ACORNS.
Please consider a donation to help support the local 4-H Program.
2018-2019 DONORS
NE FLORIDA VINTAGE, LLC $10,000
CLAY COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION $2,1000
CLAY COUNTY FARM BUREAU $1,500
MAS HVAC, INC $1,000
LEIGH CORLEY $1,000
ROTARY CLUB OF GREEN COVE SPRINGS $600
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