The Union County 4-H Program is very active in projects and activities providing many opportunities to youth in our area. Heading into the new year, Union County youngsters will be ready to kick off several 4-H events and contests.

Looking ahead into spring, the time is here to order 4-H chicks. Orders are being taken during January, fees and forms being due on a first come first serve basis no later than February 5. Be aware these may sell out prior to the due date as there are limited spots for both breeds which this year includes Black Sex Link and Golden Comet birds. All 4-12th graders can become involved in this project. Also, a few of the 4-Hers are thinning their flocks in preparation of the new birds, so if you would like to purchase these, by availability, please contact the 4-H office for more information.

Also in January, the County Public Speaking, County Poster Contest, and Honor Club Initiation takes place. The date is set for this three-in-one event for January 15 at Revival Vision Church on Durham Drive. Registration will begin at 5pm with the contest to start at 5:30 pm for the Public Speaking portion of the event. The Poster Contest "Top Ten" winners for the county will be notified individually with an invitation to attend the ceremony with ribbons being awarded for the 1st - 3rd place winners, moving them forward to the State Contest. Honor Club Initiation will be held in conjunction with Union County Public Speaking and Poster Contest. After the contestants are finished with their speeches, we will conduct the Honor Club Initiation Ceremony. This will happen just before public speaking awards are announced. Initiates and Members will need to wear dress pants or a skirt and a collared shirt. Please arrive no later than 5:30 pm. In the case that there is no school for Union County or school is released early due to weather, these contests will be postponed to a snow date. For this date and location, please call 865-992-8038.

As many of you know, pig show season is at the max. December held the County and Region Shows for Union County 4-Hers and the Eastern Region at the Brehem Animal Science Building on the UT Ag Campus. The kids are full force in prep for the State Show to be held January 10-12 in Murfreesboro. As suit follows from previous years, our participants will be selling their quality hogs for slaughter to the public after the shows have completed. If you would like to purchase a hog for your freezer contact sdewitt@utk.edu for an order form before the slots are filled.

Heading into February, things do not slow down for the children. Clover Bowl Contests in school begin with the County Competition scheduled for April 16th. The Clover Bowl Contest acquaints 4-Hers with themselves and their surroundings through participating in an enjoyable and educational program. In addition, it is hoped that this program will help participants develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Information for questions will be in the areas of 4-H, Tennessee Facts, Life Skills, Government and Science.

A favorite for many is the 4-H Baking Contest which is also held in February. More information will be available for this later in January. The County Contest will be in conjunction with the UT Extension Open House and Photo Show during March Extension Month on March 19. Reminder to be capturing moments to enter into the Photography Contest as well.

In 2019, the Tennessee 4-H Project Portfolio moves to a web-based format. To help those working with the 4-H Project Portfolio have a better understanding of what each part of the portfolio should contain, a series of training videos have been created at https://4h.tennessee.edu/Pages/programs.aspx. In order to view the updated forms and information, scroll down to the bottom of the page for help creating a web based portfolio with all the new forms. Students only create new forms for 2019 going forward. They do not redo 2018, 2017, and 2016 forms.

Keep in mind that on top of all these other fun 4-H happenings, camp registration is right around the corner. With many of our youth already on the path toward achieving their camp scholarships, we are looking towards a full and fun camping season for 2019. Junior Camp, for 4-6th grades, is scheduled for June 3-7. Jr High Campers, grades 7-8th, will be July 8-12, both in Greeneville.

4-H involvement is a respectable way for youth to become engaged in extracurricular activities as well as service learning in their community. All 4th - 12th graders are encouraged to get involved. So, if your child is interested in any of these, or any of the other unlimited opportunities that 4-H provides, do not hesitate to reach out to the local Extension office at 865-992-8038 or to ashley.mike@utk.edu for guidance on how to become involved.