Extension Agent with 4-H Youth Development Tyler Painter recently sat down in an interview explaining what the Botetourt County 4-H has been up to in the community.
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic restricted local 4-H activities involving Botetourt County Public Schools (BCPS). During that period, Painter and other Youth Development leaders could plan activities and events once the state adjusted most protocols.
Before the shutdown of school activities throughout the state, local 4-H had programming in almost every school in the county.
Good news: the local 4-H currently works with BCPS and the county to establish a 4-H club in all Botetourt County elementary schools. Painter expects their upcoming calendar to be full of in-school activities and programs for Botetourt County students in elementary, middle, and high schools.
In the meantime, the clubs are going strong, 4-H camp was a success this summer, and Painter and the 4-H are excited about what’s ahead for the youth of the Botetourt community.
Botetourt’s Honey Bee Club is one of but a few bee clubs in the state. Throughout the summer months, the club participated in hive inspections at local residences. Mike Wolfe leads the charge, letting the youth observe the hives and understand a hive’s upkeep and functionalities.
The Horse and Pony Club remains active in the community. Junior photographer Ashley Wilmer will compete in the state horse show in a couple of months.
Several 4-H club members competed in the Botetourt Fair over the summer. Many showed animals and competed in different shows. They are still in the middle of showing season in the area.
Some of the other clubs staying busy include the Shooting Education Club—the shotgun team currently prepares for the state shotgun competition.
The Team Leadership Club acted as camp counselors at 4-H Camp over the summer.
“Obviously, we had COVID restrictions in place,” Painter mentioned during the interview. “The thing that I can’t stress enough is that we were so excited to get back to camp this year. After not being able to go, it was great. Our numbers were limited, but it was so great to hear laughter and observe kids enjoying our summer camp.”
Painter mentioned they couldn’t have had a successful camp without their volunteers. 4-H currently plans for next year’s camp.
Local 4-H secretaries will provide more information about the clubs and programs in the coming weeks.
