Our 4-Hers are an active group of youth vested in the community. Currently, Tennessee 4-H Foundation has launched a Friends and Family Campaign to provide county 4-H clubs with an opportunity to grow funds, gain new support, and increase awareness of 4-H. Union County joined the movement and is looking to raise funds towards a goal to grow the county’s established endowment fund. This trust provides a quarterly payout to be applied to educational 4-H programs as well as camp and conference scholarships, right here in Union County for years to come.

The youth of Union County are our future. Showing faith and support for them exhibits that we are investing in making our community steadily grow and prosper. Tennessee 4-H plays a significant role in providing educational experiences that help our young people gain knowledge, develop life skills, live healthy lives, make intelligent career choices, and form positive attitudes, adding to their lifelong success.

Some of these outstanding youth in the community have been engaged recently. The Companion Animal Project Group took a trip to the LMU College of Veterinary Medicine. Gerald Branham, Admissions Recruiter, gave 4-Hers a tour on Monday, December 17, 2018. The tour included the anatomy lab, equine, bovine, and small animal units. The students had a hands on game utilizing their fine motor skills and speed with a surgery relay race. December 20 was a busy day as the morning began at the Extension office with Honor Club members baking muffins and cooking breakfast. Later in the morning, the youth delivered the fresh baked goods as tokens of appreciation the staff at Union County Courthouse. In the afternoon, 4-H All-Star members and Extension Staff made a visit to Seven Springs Farm to Table for a tour with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Jai Templeton as well as Tom Womack and Larry Maxwell. Before the holidays, Union County 4-Hers were designing their poster art to enter in the local poster contests held in classrooms across the county. Each class was awarded three winners to move forward to the county contest. Of these entries, the Top Ten are chosen for recognition at the County Poster Contest on January 15 awarding a first, second, and third place to head on to the state contest.

To show support as a 4-H Alumni, volunteer, parent, or devoted community affiliate is important to the success of 4-H members. It is funds like these that allow programs to prosper and scholarships to be available. If you would like to donate to this campaign, it is not too late. Checks can be made payable to Tennessee 4-H Foundation and mailed to UT Extension Union County, 3925 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville, Tennessee 37807. Feel free to call us for more information at 865-992-8038.