Summer 2024

Stanly 4-H Summer Blast is a series of fun, hands-on learning experiences for kids ages 5-18 presented by Stanly County 4-H.

Thanks to our fundraising efforts, we’re offering Summer Blast programming FREE of charge for Stanly County 5-18 year olds this summer! Remember to only register your child for the programs they will attend. No-shows may leave them ineligible to participate in future 4-H programs. If your child cannot attend a program they’re registered for, please let us know as soon as possible so another child can get in on the fun. 

To participate in any 4-H program, including Summer Blast, youth must be registered as official 4-H members, which requires annual renewal. Make sure your child’s free 4Honline.com enrollment is current before registering for Summer Blast programs. 

Please remember to label your child’s water bottle and lunch bags. For outdoor programs, please apply sunscreen and insect repellant before your child arrives.

Download a .pdf of the Summer Blast flyer, click here.

Waterbuggin’ Creek Peekers

Ages 12+ | May 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | $0 
Instructor: Ginger Wescott
Deadline to register: May 29
Drop off Location: Rock Creek Park, Albemarle NC
Did you know waterbugs (aka macroinvertebrates) can indicate how clean a stream is?! Stanly Soil & Water Conservation District will lead us as we investigate the water that flows through Rock Creek Park. We’ll conduct water quality tests, search for macroinvertebrates and use the data we collect to determine just how clean the water is. Caregivers are welcome to stay, but it’s not required. Please send a water bottle & bring your child sunscreened & bug sprayed, wearing old sneakers or water shoes. Bring a change of shoes. We encourage caregivers and children to stay afterwards for a picnic lunch and play in the park.

Farm to Fork Summer Camp

Ages 12+ | July 16, 17 & 18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | $0
Instructor: Katelyn Stegall and Lydia Stegall
Deadline to register: May 28
Drop off Location: Stanly Agri Civic Center
In this 3-day small farm camp, participants will learn all about small farms in Stanly County. We will visit several livestock and vegetable farms and take a trip to the farmers market to experience all that the Stanly agricultural community has to offer! We will end the week with a farm to table lunch featuring local products from farms we have visited throughout the week! Bring a labeled water bottle and a lunch on Tuesday & Wednesday (lunch provided on Thursday). Please indicate any allergies or dietary restrictions. Optional – bring money to spend at the farmers market on Wednesday.

Super Awesome Animal Adventure

Ages 5-7 | June 3,  10 a.m.-12 p.m. | $0 
Deadline to register: May 28
Instructor: Hayley Cowell and Caroline Deese
Drop off Location: Rob Wallace Park, 2900 Bethel School Rd, Midland NC
Animal expert, Ms. Shannon is calling all animal lovers to Rob Wallace Park to read about animals, go searching for wild animals, meet friendly animal ambassadors, play animal games, and make an animal craft. Caregivers are welcome to stay but it is not required. Please send your child sunscreened, in clothes that can get dirty, and with a labeled water bottle. We encourage caregivers and children to stay afterwards to have picnic lunch and play in the park.

Cooking 101

Ages 8+ | June 25 & July 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | $0 
Deadline to register: June 11
Instructor: Hayley Cowell
Drop off Location: Stanly County Library (Albemarle Branch)
In this 2-day camp, participants will learn all the cooking basics including food safety, nutrition, and hands-on cooking skills. In each class, youth will prepare a recipe to eat for lunch. Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Simple Snacks

Ages 5-7 | July 9 & 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | $0 | limit 16
Deadline to register: July 9
Instructor: Hayley Cowell
Drop off Location: Stanly County Library (Albemarle Branch)
In this 2-day camp, participants will learn all about MyPlate and the 5 food groups. They will learn basic hand washing skills and learn to make a variety of non-cook recipes. Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Botanical Boogie

Ages 8-13 | June 13, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | $0 
Deadline to register: May 30
Instructor: Andrew Pfeifer
Drop off Location: Stanly Agri-Civic Center
We‘re going on an adventure to the UNC Charlotte Botanical Garden! We‘ll explore the tropical conservatory and the rest of the garden, and have a picnic by the pond for lunch. Please bring a labeled water bottle, wear comfortable clothes & shoes and a bag lunch for the picnic. Apply sunscreen & bug spray before arrival if needed.

Cloverbud Dairy Camp

Ages 5-7 | July 3, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | $0 
Deadline to register: June 25
Instructor: Katelyn Stegall
Drop off Location: Stanly Agri Civic Center
In this workshop, participants will learn all about dairy! We’ll learn how milk is made, and we’ll taste dairy products!

Livestock Management Camp

Ages 8-12 | July 30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | $0 
Deadline to register: July 23
Instructor: Katelyn Stegall
Drop off Location: Stanly Agri Civic Center
Participants will learn all about different livestock breeds! We’ll look at the anatomy of a chicken egg, learn how a cow’s stomach works, and even make a sweet treat to show how we mix feed for animals! Bring a bag lunch and a labeled water bottle.

Peaches!

Ages 8+ | July 10 , 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $0 | limit 10
Deadline to register : June 30
Instructor: Andrew Pfeifer
Drop off Location: Stanly Agri Civic Center
We’ll travel to NCSU‘s Sandhills Research Station – the hot spot for peach research in NC. We‘ll take a tractor ride through the orchards, see how this delicious fruit is grown and have a picnic lunch. Please pack a lunch, bring a labeled water bottle & wear comfortable clothes & shoes. Apply sunscreen & bug spray before arrival if needed.

Cloverbud Veggie Camp I

Ages 5-7 | June 26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | $0 
Deadline to register : June 19
Instructor: Lydia Stegall
Drop off Location: Stanly Agri Civic Center
This program is being offered twice – please choose either Cloverbud Veggie Camp I OR II. Participants will learn about vegetables, where they come from, how to grow them and what farmers markets are. Participants will have a snack and plant their own vegetable to take home.

Cloverbud Veggie Camp II

Ages 5-7 | June 26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | $0 
Deadline to register : June 19
Instructor: Lydia Stegall
Drop off Location: Stanly Agri Civic Center
This program is being offered twice – please choose either Cloverbud Veggie Camp I OR II. Participants will learn about vegetables, where they come from, how to grow them and what farmers markets are. Participants will have snack and plant their own vegetable to take home.

All-Out Nature Experience

Ages 9-12 | August 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | $0 
Deadline to register: July 9
Instructor: Andrew Pfeifer
Drop off Location: Stanly Agri Civic Center
Environmental educator, Ms. Shannon is calling all nature lovers to Rob Wallace Park! We’ll meet her there and Immerse ourselves in nature through creek stomping, fishing, hiking, crafting and meeting friendly animal ambassadors. We’ll bring a change of shoes that can get wet and a small towel and let Nature and the Park bring the Supplies and the FUN! Please send your child sunscreened, in clothes that can get dirty, and with a labeled water bottle. We encourage caregivers and children to stay afterwards to have picnic lunch and stay and play in the park. We’ll have a picnic lunch at the park and some playground time afterward!

Insect Adventures

Ages 8+ | July 25, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | $0 
Deadline to register: July 22
Instructor: Andrew Pfeifer
Drop off Location: Stanly Agri Civic Center
Insects are everywhere! Join our horticulture agent on an insect safari around the Ag Center, learning all about bugs. Participants will help capture several insects to examine up close using a camera scope, and we’ll run through the sprinkler at the end. Send your child sun-screened & bug-sprayed and with a labeled water bottle, a towel and a change of clothes & shoes.

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. NC State University, N.C. A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and local governments cooperating. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to Mandy Smith-Thompson at smith-thompson@ncsu.edu or to 704-983-3987. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 2 days before the event.