Throughout the month of July, young people from across the county, ages 9-14, participated in a variety of activities that combined learning with fun in St. Clair County’s 10th annual 4-H Clover Classroom. The one-day workshop series offered choices in food preparation, hobbies and sports for almost 100 youth that attended.

The program kicked off with the Photography Fun workshop taught by St. Clair County High School Art teacher, Mary Morrow. Youth learned the basics of photography and how to use fun apps to get the most out of their smart device images.

Then participants learned all about fish native to Alabama and were even able to try their hand at catching a few at the Sportfishing Workshop taught by Regional Extension Agent Norm Haley and St. Clair County Game Warden Chris Cross.

Next, the kids cooked up some tasty yeast breads with Jan Parker of the St. Clair County Farmers Federation Women’s Division during the Dough Fun workshop. They learned the science and chemistry behind making yeast breads while Parker demonstrated making cinnamon rolls. Participants made their own lunch, which consisted of calzones, tossed salad and a dessert braid.

We then shifted gears when Amy Walker and Marisol Clark, Alabama 4-H Center Environmental Education Instructors, provided hands-on learning with native reptiles during the Raptors and Reptiles Workshop. The participants explored and navigated through Pell City Lakeside Park using GPS technology and a compass while discovering hidden treasures along the way. Elise Tellez from the Alabama 4-H Center led the children on this great adventure!

Our last activity involved taking a road trip to the University of Montevallo, the National Cemetery and the American Village. The trip included a campus tour provided by retired Extension Agent and Montevallo alumni Betty Gottler.

Everyone saw various landmarks and heard all about the University’s history and traditions. They also learned about the great educational and career opportunities U of M has to offer.

Next, we took a few minutes to honor and remember the sacrifices of our military heroes at the National Cemetery, which is equivalent to Arlington in Washington D.C. Adrienne Bourland provided background information about the cemetery and told about some of its rituals where her son, Kenneth Bourland, is laid to rest.

The last stop was the American Village, where participants saw American history come to life. Children were able to sit in the Oval Office, meet Thomas Jefferson, plays lots of fun table games with colonial children, and visit the national veterans shrine among other interesting activities.

Once again, the 4-H Clover Classroom program has been a great success. Comments written by the participants are filled with the words “like,” “love,” “fun,” and “I learned how to.” Many are making plans to attend next year.

If your child is interested in participating next year, please check our website next spring for more details or call and request that your name be added to our Extension Newsletter mailing list, which will include information about the Classroom as it becomes available. Join the fun!

I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to Libby Perry, 4-H Agent Assistant, all our participants, teachers and volunteers who shared their time and knowledge, those who allowed us to use their wonderful facilities and Verhonda Embery, St. Clair County Extension Administrative Support Associate. Without them this program would have not been possible!  

For more information about the St. Clair County 4-H Clover Classroom, contact Clark at the St. Clair county Extension office at (205) 338-9416 or email clarkla@aces.edu. Also be sure to join both our Facebook pages, St. Clair County 4-H and St. Clair County Extension.