By Danny Federico Riverbend News
The Branford 4-H Club invited all youth between the ages of five and 12-years-old to join them for a special three-day Explore 4-H Summer Day Camp, which was held from Wednesday, July 21, through Friday, July 23, at Hatch Park in Branford. Each day, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., campers were able to learn about different projects involved in 4-H, as well as take part in fun crafts and activities.
On the first day of camp, youth were given a demonstration on proper showmanship techniques for showing livestock, including cows, goats and pigs. The animals and demonstrations were provided by Christina Vann, Molly Hamlin, Tori Jensen, Noah Ramsey, Cody Norton and Cooper Norton. After, the campers were able to participate in a woodworking project by making their own hat racks. This project was organized by Matt Bradow, who did all the prep work and provided all the supplies involved. The final activities for the day included a demonstration by Sandhill Graphics, where youth learned the process of screen printing by making their own 4-H Club T-shirts and drink koozies. Jenny Sloan, Karen Terry, Peggy Terry and Hannah Terry with Sandhill Graphics donated all the materials used.
The second day of camp, Thursday, July 22, was a day filled with animal fun. The morning started out with a presentation by Dr. Jena McInnis with Suwannee Oaks Animal Clinic, who explained to the children the importance of wellness checkups and vaccinations for their furry friends. She also brought along Filbert the bearded dragon and Elsa the ball python for the campers to hold. Next, youth helped get grapes ready for homemade jelly in a demonstration by KarenAnn Norton. Laura Goss with the Florida Peanut Federation then brought peanuts on the vine and taught the campers about peanut production. She also brought supplies for youth to make their own trail mix as a morning snack. After, Yochani Abreu from Small Beginnings Sheep Farm provided a lesson and craft tools involving wool. Closing out the day was a presentation from Mystic Jungle, who brought guinea pigs, tortoises, snakes and many more exotic animals for campers to learn about.
The final day of camp opened with a variety of science demonstrations, put together by Branford High School science teacher Josh McInnis. Demonstrations included lessons on surface tension, acids and bases, gases and more. Then, youth learned about beekeeping, pollination and how important bees are in a presentation by Stacy Young, Branford's Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisor. Her presentation was followed by a session on plants by Barrett Young, Florida FFA Association's Area II State Vice President. After his presentation, campers were able to decorate their own biodegradable plant pots and plant basil seeds to take home. Later, youth enjoyed an amazing water day with water provided by the Branford Volunteer Fire Department. In addition, a foam bubble machine was donated by Brent and Hanna Knighton. Campers who wanted to take a break from the water were able to enjoy delicious watermelon, which was donated by Matt Bradow and compete in a watermelon seed spitting contest. They were even able to make their own butter, using mason jars, heavy whipping cream and glass beads.
"Over the last three days we have hosted up to 55 students daily, ranging in age from five to 12," Branford 4-H posted in their Facebook group. "Students have learned so much in different areas, from community service and leadership skills, to production agriculture, textiles and fabrics, native and exotic wildlife, animal showmanship…and the list could go on! If your child is interested in being part of a dynamic 4-H group with a strong sense of service to our community, Branford 4-H might be the place for you."
For those interested in learning more about getting their children involved in Branford's 4-H Club, check out their Facebook group "Branford 4H (Suwannee Co.)." Keep an eye out on their page for a fall kick-off meeting announcement.
Hatch Park is located at 403 SE Craven St., in Branford.