UF / IFAS Extension Leon County 4-H

UF / IFAS Extension Leon County 4-H We create educational opportunities to help youth thrive in a complex and changing world.

Highlights from our 2026 Insect Camp! 🐛✨This year’s Insect Camp was full of discovery and hands-on learning! One of the ...
06/12/2026

Highlights from our 2026 Insect Camp! 🐛✨

This year’s Insect Camp was full of discovery and hands-on learning! One of the highlights was our field trip to the North Florida Research Center, where campers toured entomology labs and met researchers who shared their personal journeys and passion for the field.

Back at camp, the young scientists put the scientific method into action. They developed a hypothesis about which color light would attract the most insects, designed their own experiment, collected and analyzed data, and reflected on how their process could be improved.

After testing and discussion, the campers concluded that blue light attracted the most insects at night!

Between catching insects in the field and applying real-world science practices, campers had an unforgettable experience connecting curiosity with discovery.

Our Summer Campers were feeling fin-tastic last week during our annual Aquatics Day at Wildlife Camp! Campers explored t...
06/11/2026

Our Summer Campers were feeling fin-tastic last week during our annual Aquatics Day at Wildlife Camp! Campers explored the outdoors through kayaking and fishing, and even teamed up with a scientist for a hands-on macroinvertebrate survey. Along the way, they discovered what makes our aquatic ecosystems so special while learning how to enjoy water-based activities safely and responsibly.

Summer campers at our Wildlife Camp dug deep. Literally, into one of the most important building blocks of life: soil! C...
06/10/2026

Summer campers at our Wildlife Camp dug deep. Literally, into one of the most important building blocks of life: soil! Campers explored the different particles that make up soil, including sand, silt, and clay, and discovered how each plays a role in creating healthy ecosystems.

Soil is more than just dirt. It supports plant growth, filters water, and provides habitat for countless organisms. Conserving soil is essential to protecting our environment, preventing erosion, and ensuring we can continue to grow food and sustain natural systems for future generations.

During this hands-on station, campers investigated a soil pit to observe the different layers of soil, searched for signs of the water table, and practiced navigation skills using a map and compass. These activities gave them a deeper understanding of how land and water interact.

Campers also explored career connections in fields such as soil science, environmental science, agriculture, and natural resource conservation, learning how professionals study and protect soil to support healthy ecosystems and communities.

Campers at last week’s Wildlife Camp gained hands-on experience exploring career connections in the environmental sector...
06/09/2026

Campers at last week’s Wildlife Camp gained hands-on experience exploring career connections in the environmental sector. Staff from the Florida Forest Service led the forestry station, where campers learned how professionals manage forested land through controlled burns and other land management strategies.

During this station, campers dug fire lines, competed in a relay race to gear up like Forest Service professionals, and even had the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat of a bulldozer specially modified for cutting fire lines. These interactive activities gave campers a deeper understanding of the important work involved in wildfire prevention and forest management.

Last Saturday, our 4-H Archery Program hosted its final meeting of the year, celebrating a successful season with a frie...
05/21/2026

Last Saturday, our 4-H Archery Program hosted its final meeting of the year, celebrating a successful season with a friendly competition. Members had the opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve developed, while also gaining encouragement and confidence to compete at the state level.

A special thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteers and supportive 4-H families. Your commitment and encouragement make programs like this possible!

🌲 Program Highlight! 🌲Four members of our Wild About the Woods Club recently represented us at the State Forest Ecology ...
05/20/2026

🌲 Program Highlight! 🌲

Four members of our Wild About the Woods Club recently represented us at the State Forest Ecology Contest in Gainesville! Participants were challenged across a wide range of skills, including identifying trees and wildlife, recognizing forest health issues such as insects and diseases, and demonstrating their knowledge of ecosystems, map reading, orienteering, and forest management.

We are incredibly proud of all our members and deeply grateful to the dedicated volunteers who helped prepare them for this achievement!

⭐ Special Congratulations to Arlo, who earned 1st Place in the Junior Division (Ages 8–10). What an outstanding accomplishment!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful sponsors who donated to our 4-H Silent Auction! Your gene...
05/15/2026

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful sponsors who donated to our 4-H Silent Auction! Your generosity made a meaningful impact on our programs and the youth we serve.

Thanks to your support, the Silent Auction raised an incredible $1,148, while our Mother’s Day Bouquet fundraiser brought in an additional $623. These funds will help provide summer camp scholarships for Leon County residents and supply valuable materials for our 4-H After-School Clubs.

We are truly grateful for our community’s continued support and commitment to helping our 4-H programs grow and thrive. Thank you for investing in our youth!

Check out this Free Online Summer Camp option for Ages 13-18!NextGen AgTech Innovators Summer Camp: Smart Herd Technolog...
05/14/2026

Check out this Free Online Summer Camp option for Ages 13-18!

NextGen AgTech Innovators Summer Camp: Smart Herd Technology

https://agtechsummercamp.4honline.com

Ever wondered how farmers know when an animal is healthy, stressed, or needs help? This summer, explore the world of Smart Herd Technology and discover how wearable livestock collars, sensors, and smart farming systems are transforming animal agriculture while supporting better animal care and more sustainable food systems. Participants will learn the animal science behind livestock health and behavior, explore how technology is used to monitor animal wellbeing and farm efficiency, and build and program animal-monitoring projects using Arduino, Tinkercad, and Wokwi.

In the 4-H Dairy Goat program, experiential learning is at the heart of everything we do, giving youth hands-on opportun...
05/13/2026

In the 4-H Dairy Goat program, experiential learning is at the heart of everything we do, giving youth hands-on opportunities to build the professional skills and knowledge needed for success in animal science careers.

During our recent Leon County Showcase, Rosalynn, who has been with the Get Goating Club for three years, demonstrated this approach through her presentation on identifying goats using tattoos and microchips. By teaching her peers these essential livestock identification methods, Rosalynn not only strengthened her own understanding but also helped others gain practical skills used in real-world herd management. This type of youth-led learning experience highlights how 4-H members grow as both knowledgeable animal caretakers and confident leaders.

Thank you, Rosalynn, for an informative presentation! We look forward to learning more from you!

Public speaking is an essential skill in the development of our youth members. Events like the Leon County Showcase prov...
05/12/2026

Public speaking is an essential skill in the development of our youth members. Events like the Leon County Showcase provide participants the opportunity not only to demonstrate their current abilities but also to receive meaningful feedback they can use to grow and improve.

This was clearly demonstrated by Riya, who delivered a passionate and engaging speech about endangered animals. She effectively informed and persuaded her audience while maintaining the attention of our judges throughout her presentation.

Riya showed excellent stage presence and confidence as she shared her message.
We look forward to hearing Riya’s next speech and seeing all that she will accomplish. Thank you, Riya, for bringing such an informative and persuasive element to our showcase!

Address

615 Paul Russell Road
Tallahassee, FL
32301

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18506065204

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