4-H Summer Fun is a collection of educational workshops, tours, and hands-on activities planned especially for Rutherford County youth. This special program is designed to give youth positive learning opportunities and focus on developing life skills. Summer Fun is made possible by dedicated 4-H volunteers and Rutherford County Cooperative Extension Service staff. 4-H invites all children to participate in the Fun.


Registration
4-H is a non-formal youth development organization and is open to all youth, Age 5-18 in Rutherford County. All fees are for educational supplies, resources, admission fees, limited insurance, and refreshments. Limited insurance will be provided for all participants. All 4-H participants must be registered as Members in 4-H Online https://v2.4honline.com for all waivers and health forms. These must be completed and approved no later than 1 week before the participant’s first session.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least 2 weeks prior to the class, to Cynthia Robbins at 828-287-6190 or cynthia_robbins@ncsu.edu. Parents wishing to accompany children must be approved as a 4-H volunteer.
Registration is open. You may register during regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Registration will be taken in person only. No registration will be accepted by telephone. Payment is due at the time of registration. Activities are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Register only one child per form. Additional forms are available at the Extension Office or online at https://rutherford.ces.ncsu.edu. Refunds will only be made if choice of class is canceled.


Questions
For more information about 4-H Summer Fun or the 4-H Program in Rutherford County, call 828-287-6190, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.




All workshops will begin and end at the Cooperative Extension Center located at 193 Callahan-Koon Road in Spindale.




SafeSitter – Wednesday, June 3, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Safe Sitter® is designed to prepare students in grades 6th and up be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
Aspiring babysitters (boys and girls) can learn how to prevent unsafe situations, practice good safety habits, learn tips to manage behavior that will help them stay in control of themselves and the children in their care. Students also learn the ages and stages of child development, and learn age-appropriate games and activities to entertain and manage younger children.as well as practice diapering.
Students will learn skills such as choking rescue and basic CPR (does not include CPR certification). Students will also learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses.
The ability to screen jobs, discuss fees, and greet employers will set students up for success now and in the future. Students practice these skills through various role plays.
Completion of the course will provide participants with a SafeSitter certification card.
Ages: 11 and up Cost: $30
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink.


Adventures in Aviation –Thursday, June 4, 9:00 am-3;00 pm
We will visit the Sullenberger Aviation Museum on the campus of the Charlotte Airport. Immersive storytelling and hands-on, interactive exhibits capture the imagination of kids of all ages. The new museum galleries explore the planes, people, and industry of aviation in the Carolinas. With more than 40 iconic aircraft on site, we will see the history and future of aviation. We will enjoy our picnic lunch at the airport overlook.
Ages: 10 and up Cost: $28
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink. Souvenir money is optional.


Gone Fishing– Thursday, June 11 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
We will travel up to the Marion Fish Hatchery to see how fish are raised to stock your favorite fishing streams and ponds. We will enjoy a few hours of fishing in well-stocked pond. We will have the opportunity to catch bass, bream, and catfish. Fishing rods, bait and materials will be supplied.
Ages: 9-15 Cost: $8
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses/hat.


Young Naturalists – Friday, June 12, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join us for a morning of exploration where we will go on a quest for pollinators and other insects. We will learn about plants, animals, insects, worms, and more. We will make a bird feeder to take home.
Ages: 5-7 Cost: $5
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink.


Fun with Farming – Friday, June 19, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
Explore the world of agriculture through fun books, hands-on activities, and creative learning experiences. Participants will dig in the soil, plant flowers, make a tasty snack, and discover how farming connects to everyday life. Each child will also receive a book to take home and continue the fun of ag literacy beyond the class!
Ages: 5-8 Cost: $8


Kids and Chefs – Monday -Friday, June 22-26, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This hands-on day camp is taught by local chefs and Cooperative Extension staff with a focus on agriculture and nutrition. Each day of camp features cooking, games, and crafts. Participants will learn about farm production, food selection, cooking techniques, etiquette, and safe food handling. All supplies will be provided. Youth who love to try new foods will love this class! Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Ages: 10-14 Cost: $125
What to bring: Wear closed toe shoes each day.


American Heritage – Wednesday, July 1, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm
Join us for a fun day of celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. We will time travel back to the American Revolution by going through several artifacts to catch a glimpse of life back then.
We will make crafts and play games from early America.
Ages: 8 and up Cost: $10
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink


Biltmore Estate – Thursday, July 2, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Experience America’s largest home, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago.
We will explore the stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees through displays of vintage art, furniture, clothing, accessories, and more. We will tour the house that spans three floors and the
gardens and grounds.
Ages: 10 and up Cost: $50
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink, money for souvenirs or ice cream.


Farm Animals – Monday, July 13, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
We will take a trip around Rutherford County to see and learn about all kinds of animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and more. We will see traditional and non-traditional types of farms.
Ages: 9 and up Cost: $5
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink. Wear sunscreen and bring hat or sunglasses.


Rockets Away – Thursday, July 23, 9:00 am-2:00 pm
To celebrate the recent space mission of Artemis II, we will explore space and rockets.
Each participant will build his/her own rocket that we will launch .
Ages: 10 and up Cost: $20
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink.


Magic of Electricity– Wednesday, August 5, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Learn about electricity! Do you know how the electricity runs through your house and makes the lights come on? Come join us for a fun filled time of learning about electricity. We will have the power company come share with us about careers, making circuits, and more.
Ages: 10-15 Cost: $10
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink.


Sweet Confections- Thursday, August 6, 9:00 pm-1:00 pm
We will learn how to make different types of candy and treats such as fudge, peanut butter balls, lollipops, mints, and more. Participants will learn how to use candy-making equipment, follow a recipe, prepare a variety of party foods, and package them for sharing. Each participant will receive a recipe booklet. Containers and packaging will be provided.
Ages: 10 and up Cost: $ 15
What to bring: Bagged lunch and drink.