In March 2025, Wakulla 4-H Podcast episode, Wakulla 4-H members Caden G. And Emily Z. interviewed Dr. Scott Angle about Camp Cherry Lake, one of three 4-H camp properties in Florida. In January 2026, Caden and Emily sat down with Dr. Angle for an update.
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. The Georgia 4-H program named him 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 the 2025 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 was requested and, ultimately appropriated. The infusion of these much needed legislative dollars helped the project to make progress toward the ultimate goal that includes a full build out of educational spaces to teach agriculture, tech and workforce development.
Episodes 12 and 16: From Camp Visits to the Recording Studio to the Halls of the State Capitol
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.”
In 2026, 4-H member Caden had the opportunity to participate in two days of Capitol visits during the legislative session. He was able to discuss materials developed by Florida 4-H staff about Camp Cherry Lake during visits with legislators and staff. Caden’s research on Camp Cherry Lake has helped him to be an effective youth advocate for the project.
Representative Tant: Legislative Champion for Camp Cherry Lake
The effort to secure legislative funding for Camp Cherry Lake began in 2024. The multi-year has been championed by state legislator Representative Allison Tant. Camp Cherry Lake is located in Madison County, one of the counties in Tant’s legislative district. Representative Tant has made Camp Cherry Lake funding a legislative priority for 2026 and her advocacy on behalf of the Florida 4-H program has continued through the 2026 legislative session.
- Financial Support: Representative Tant has filed multiple appropriation requests, including a $900,000 project in 2024 and a $5.6 million request in 2025 to renovate the 12-acre facility.
- 2026 Request: She has filed a $5,000,000 Appropriation Project Request for continued renovation and expansion in the 2026 legislative session.
- Disaster Recovery after Hurricane Helene: Following devastation from Hurricane Helene, Rep. Tant was instrumental in securing recovery funding for the site and surrounding areas.
- Purpose of the Funding: The funding is intended to update cabins, improve infrastructure, and enhance youth workforce development opportunities.
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 was the first episode to focus on a topic of statewide interest. In Episode 16, Caden and Emily had the opportunity to discuss next steps for Camp Cherry Lake.
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 production and editing support.
Resources
Learning Communication Skills: Producing the Wakulla 4-H Podcast
Wakulla 4-H Podcast: Episode 12
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