In this Wakulla 4-H Podcast episode, Wakulla 4-H members Caden G. And Emily Z. interview Dr. Scott Angle about Camp Cherry Lake, one of three 4-H camp properties in Florida. Future plans for Camp Cherry Lake include an extensive makeover and renovation with much-needed upgrades and modernization.
Dr. Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). He leads the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS Research, and the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, which runs 4-H.
Before coming to UF, Dr. Angle was an ex-oficio member of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees. Before he came to Florida, he was named an honorary counselor for the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in recognition of his support for summer camp. He was also recognized by the Georgia Master 4-H Club as an Honorary Master 4-H Member.
Dr. Angle has been working on behalf of 4-Hers to get funding for the camp facilities he believes Florida 4-H youth deserve. He has visited all three Florida 4-H camps and all 67 county Extension offices during his time at the University of Florida.
About the Effort to Restore Camp Cherry Lake
In this episode of the Wakulla 4-H Podcast, Caden and Emily interviewed Dr. Angle about the plans to renovate and update Camp Cherry Lake. Plans to modernize the facility include new cabins and educational facilities. The camp would accommodate campers during the summer and host workforce development programs throughout the year, with an emphasis on innovative agricultural technology.
Florida 4-H was able to begin renovating its historic 4-H Camp Cherry Lake after it received $900,000 from the state legislature in 2024. The 2024 state funding brought the camp, located in Madison County, to more than $1.1 million raised in public and private funds toward the construction of five new, ADA-compliant cabins after the former cabins were removed in 2023. In 2025, $5.6 million has been requested to help complete the project, which would include educational spaces to teach agriculture, tech and workforce development to over 5,000 students a year.
Episode 12: From Research to Recording Studio
To prepare to record this episode of the Wakulla 4-H Podcast, 4-H members Caden G. and Emily Z. toured Camp Cherry Lake with Erin Mugge, State 4-H Camping &. Environmental Education Coordinator. During that tour, they learned about the history of the camping program and the plans for the camp to become a year-round center for workforce development.
While Caden has not had the opportunity to experience Cherry Lake as a camper, he was impressed by the beauty of the site, “Camp Cherry Lake is such a beautiful place. After touring the camp and hearing Dr. Angle talk about the exciting plans for the future, I’m really looking forward to seeing the progress as the upgrades take shape. It’s going to be incredible to watch the camp come back to life. I’m also really grateful that Emily joined me for this podcast—it was such a great experience.”
Caden and Emily researched Camp Cherry Lake online, asked State 4-H Program Leader Stacey Ellison for interview question suggestions, and met to practice asking the questions they composed.
4-H volunteer Amanda Gruebel leads the Wakulla 4-H Communications and Podcast Club and supported the youth through the process, from research to the final recording experience. Amanda expressed her pride in how well the youth were able to communicate in this episode,
“Emily and Caden put in a lot of effort, and it’s great that they were able to work so well together. They toured Camp Cherry Lake in Madison County and met multiple times to review notes and decide on adequate questions for the cause. Their preparation and dedication really show through in their seamless communication with Dr. Angle.”
About the Wakulla 4-H Podcast
The first Wakulla 4-H Podcast was recorded in 2023. Episodes have featured 4-H alumni, youth members, and Wakulla community leaders. The podcast interviews have explored local history, current events and
4-H projects. Episode 12 is the first episode to focus on a topic of statewide interest.
The podcast is produced in partnership with Doug Apple, from the WAVE 94.1 radio station. This partnership has provided 4-H youth with the opportunity to record in a professional studio with expert sound editing support.
Resources
Learning Communication Skills: Producing the Wakulla 4-H Podcast
Wakulla 4-H Podcast: Episode 12
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