WALK GEORGIA

The fall session of Walk Georgia opens this Sunday, August 23. Registration will be open through September 8. Activity may be logged September 6 - October 31.

Grab your tennis shoes, tune up your bike, or pump up your basketball and join us as we explore our great state.

What is Walk Georgia?
Walk Georgia is an 8-week program to increase your physical activity in a fun, community-oriented way. You may participate as an individual and track your progress with other individuals in your county and state OR form a team of four to exercise together.
The online component of Walk Georgia provides an activity record to keep track of your weekly physical activity and time. The activity that you record is translated into "walked" miles, based on average rigor of the chosen activity and the time you were active.
When you accumulate miles, you will be able to navigate a map of Georgia and chart your course to "walk" Georgia. As you move throughout this virtual state, you will be able to view fun facts about each county you visit and learn new ways to improve your health. You will also be able to see how you compare to other individuals throughout the state.
We hope you will be inspired to join us and others in your county as we get more active and become healthier!

Participate as an individual or build your dream team and get registered at http://www.walkgeorgia.org.

For assistance with account registration visit: http://www.walkgeorgia.org/public/acctCreation_participant.html.

We recommend registering schools or large groups by September 3. Schools or groups may access the school registration kit at http://www.walkgeorgia.org/index.cfm?public=schoolKit.

To get started, go to the Walk Georgia website and create your account. For more information, contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1 or email walkga@uga.edu.
http://www.walkgeorgia.org
Move more and enjoy living more!
The Walk Georgia Task Force

Hunters Education Skills Challenge (ALBANY,GA)

The Hunter Education Skills Challenge offers participants an opportunity to advance their outdoor education skills through competition. The program includes events that simulate realistic conditions in order to reinforce and test a young hunter's skills and it would be a great opportunity for 4-H members.

Who can participate?
Any youth (18 years of age and younger) who have completed a hunter education course. The competition includes two divisions: Junior (14 years of age and younger) and Senior (ages 15-18).

How can I get involved?
Youth first compete in a local challenge. Saturday, August 29, 2009 at Chickasawhatchee WMA in Albany 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

How does it work?
Each challenge involves organized competition consisting of six components: archery, air rifle, safety trail challenge, orienteering, wildlife identification and a responsibility exam. Different components of the competition are worth different points for a maximum possible score of 500. The top 10 scoring participants at each local challenge event (in each division) are eligible to participate in the state challenge.

ArcheryComprised of 10 three-dimensional animal targets. Scoring is based on the Archery Shooters Association scoring system. Maximum score: 120

Air RiffleComprised of 10 shots at 10 yards. Shooters shoot two shots at each approved position in the Georgia Hunter Education Guide Book and two shots in their preferred position. Maximum score: 100

Wildlife IdentificationComprised of 20 items (hides, skulls, pictures, tracks, etc.) that participants have to identify. Maximum score: 100

Safety Trail ChallengeComprised of six locations at which a shooter must decide if they have a safe shot. There are six locations. Maximum score: 60

OrienteeringComprised of six flagged spots. Each participant must correctly take bearings and write down degrees of location. Maximum score: 60

ResponsibilityWritten test comprised of 30 questions that participants must answer. Maximum score: 60

The Hunter Education Skills Challenge offers youth an opportunity to advance their outdoor education skills through competition. This is an advanced hunter education program that takes youth who have received their hunter education to the next level by transferring the skills they learn in the classroom into the outdoors.

Volunteers are needed at event venues to help youth in the various competitive sections. Volunteers can help with all components, including archery, air-rifle, orienteering, shoot/don't shoot scenarios, wildlife identification and the responsibility exam. Most challenges are two to three hours. If you would like to help at one of the events, please contact Jennifer Pittman at 770.918.6416 or Jennifer.Pittman@dnr.state.ga.us.

University of Georgia (SW DISTRICT) Recruitment Event

WHEN: Thursday, September 3, 2009

TIME: 5:30 pm

WHERE: UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center

WHO: 10th-12th grade students and college
transfer students interested in UGA
College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences - Parents Welcome

WHAT: Information on the college, admissions to
UGA, financial aid, and more!

10th-12th Graders:
To sign up, contact your local County
Extension Office (229)-225-4130, or email akcarter@uga.edu, or SW District office

(229)-386-3414 or email scromer@uga.edu.

Transfer Students:
Contact Erin Womack at (229) 386-3528 or
ewomack@uga.edu for more information.

Please register by August 28, 2009

Eric Hall Memorial Shoot

The Eric Hall Memorial Foundation is sponsoring a Sporting Clays tournament on Saturday, October 3, 2009. Please see the attached donation registration form for more information. The Eric Hall Foundation supports The Thomas County S.A.F.E. Team. Last year they generously donated a $500.00 college scholarship to a Senior 4-H S.A.F.E. participate and purchased a new thrower for The Thomas County 4-H S.A.F.E. team.

In addition to the tournament The Eric Hall Memorial Foundation is holding a drawing/raffle on a chance to win a Beretta 391 (12 gauge) shotgun. Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. The Thomas County S.A.F.E. team is participating by assisting in selling tickets and $1.00 for every ticket sold will directly benefit The Thomas County S.A.F.E. team.

Will you please consider entering the tournament or purchasing one or more tickets? Due to the rising cost of ammo, insurance and targets it is imperative that The 4-H S.A.F.E. team have successful fund-raisers. The young people would greatly appreciate your support and you could possibly win a new gun!!

Tickets maybe purchased at The University of Georgia/Thomas County Extension Office which is located at 227 West Jefferson Street Thomasville, GA (Behind Ponder's Office Supply and beside the Public Library) or by contacting a 4-H S.A.F.E. member, or you may contact The Eric Hall Memorial Foundation.

Thanks in advance.

Thomas County 4-H S.A.F.E. Team Blasts to 2nd State Championship!

The Thomas County 4-H S.A.F.E. (Shooting Awareness, Fun and Education) team members recently traveled to the beautiful Tom Lowe shooting range in Atlanta, Georgia to compete in the State 4-H Trap and Skeet competition.
4-H’ers statewide competed for individual and team awards at the annual event.

Five Thomas County junior division shooters and 49 other shooters from around the state displayed their shooting skills by competing on a total of 150 targets. By the end of any exciting day of competition, Thomas County Jr. S.A.F.E. team “smoked” the second place team from Fayette County by 35 targets and walked away with its second consecutive State Championship title. Members of the four man junior team included Brice Evans, Conner Gibbs, Jared Gibbs, and Trey Lanier.

Nine Thomas County senior division team members and 101 other senior division shooters competed on a total of 200 targets. Senior team members representing Thomas County included Brandon Barnes, Gordon MacQuirter, Nick Murphy, Ryan Setliff, Josh Smith, Brittany Vinson, Chelsea Vinson, Zach Walters, and Jon Wynn.

In the Senior division, Gordon MacQuirter (TCCHS) placed 7th in Trap and 4th in Skeet to give him a second place win overall in the State.

Junior shooter Trey Lanier (Brookwood) placed 1st in both Trap and Skeet which brought him to winning the coveted Overall State Title. Other junior awards included the following: Conner Gibbs (TCMS) – 3rd place Trap, 8th place Skeet, 3rd place Overall; Chandler Barnes (Brookwood) – 5th place Trap, 5th place Overall; Brice Evans (TCMS) – 4th place Skeet, 6th place Overall.

During the State competition awards ceremony, honors for the 4-H Trap and Skeet Postal League were also presented. Thomas County 4-Hers recognized were as follows: Brice Evans – Junior Trap & Junior Skeet; Jared Gibbs - Junior Skeet; and Gordon MacQuirter – Senior Skeet.

If anyone in grades 7-12 is interested in being a part of next year’s 4-H S.A.F.E. program, please contact Cindy Wynn or Amanda Carter at the Thomas County 4-H office (225-4130).

Thomas County 4H Shooters Aim High

Thomas County 4H Shooters Aim High
(WCTV6 Interview. "Click the above link to view")

One of the best 4H Shooting programs in the state resides in Thomas County, where year in and year out, the ultimate goal is within shooting distance.
"We're two time National Champions," Don Clark says, "We've won State several times. We've won high individuals, placed as individuals and as teams. Thomas County SAFE Program has had a lot of success. We're real proud of what our young people have done."

7th through 12th grade, boy and girl, it's a program that anyone can succeed at, if they put in the work. Jon Wynn says, "You've got to have concentration skills, you've got to be patient. You've got to handle pressure."

Chelsea Vinson adds, "You just have to come out here and practice. You can be just as good as the guys. It took a while for me to get up with them but once you get up with them it's fun."
And, according to Clark, safe as well.

Clark says, "We've never had an accident in Georgia in any of our county programs across the state. We teach these young people how to handle guns safely and we're teaching them a sport they can carry throughout their life."

That's a goal they all are shooting for.

4-H'ers attend Camp Rock Eagle

Amanda K. Carter
akcarter@uga.edu

Twenty-six Thomas Co. Cloverleaf (4th-6th grade) 4-H'ers attended Rock Eagle 4- H Center for a memorable week of summer camp on June 29 through July 3, 2009. R.J. Byrne (Thomas County Ag Agent), Cindy M. Wynn (Thomas County 4-H Agent) and Amanda Carter (Thomas County 4-H CEPAIV) chaperoned the 4-H’ers.

The theme for the week of summer camp was Indian lore. Over 900 4-H'ers from counties all over the state were divided into three tribes Shawnee, Cherokee and Muskogee.

Thomas Co. 4-H'ers was a part of the Muscogee tribe. The Muskogee tribe is the land of the flaming arrows led by tribal mico’s and camp counselors. Campers had the opportunity to compete against other tribes in games, tribal meetings, cabin and area clean-up, class attendance, behavior, sportsmanship, cheers and a pageant throughout the week for an opportunity to win the tribal shield.

In addition, 4-Hers enjoyed many educational activities such as Herpetology, Natural History Exploration; Health’s Our Pledge, Wildlife, Forestry, Lake Ecology, and Entomology, just to name a few. Other activities included swimming, canoeing, sailing, archery, putt-putt, zip line, and a variety show put on by the camp counselors.

In keeping with tradition the story of the Rock Eagle Mound and how Rock Eagle got its legendary name was told at a pageant performed by campfire on Thursday night at the Pageant Grounds.

Thomas Co. 4-H'ers and adults enjoyed their exciting week at camp and they look forward to next year's summer camp adventure.

The Georgia 4-H summer camping program is ranked among the top in the nation. If you are interested in learning more about the 4-H camping programs or other 4-H opportunities and events please call The University of Georgia/Thomas County Extension Office at 229-225-4130.

Pulling for 4-H

2008-2009 4-H S.A.F.E. State Modified Trap Team!!

Jon W. 2nd place high individual state winner.

Senior 4-H S.A.F.E. 5th Place Modified Trap Team.Junior 2nd Place State Modified Winning Team (not pictured Dustin D.)

Amanda K. Carter
akcarter@uga.edu

Hold on: isn’t 4-H about kids raising cows and planting crops? Isn’t it about entering the county fair, attending camp, public speaking or sewing? You can shoot in 4-H? The 4-H program has something for everyone, including shooting sports. Shooting sports participants are expected to participate in at least 2 approved activities. These activities may include entering items into the Deep South Fair, attending leadership workshops, public speaking contest, and community service activities, etc. A main component of the 4-H shooting sports program is education. We want all participants to have a great time, get a little practice in and learn something. Ultimately the main emphasis is on helping young people grow into the best adults they can be, by developing qualities like responsibility, decision making, team work, citizenship and building youth adult partnerships.

The S.A.F.E. (Shooting, Awareness, Fun, & Education) Shooting Sports Program would not be possible without the countless hours certified coaches and volunteers devote to the program and the generous support of the community.

This year, 24 4-H’ers participated in Modified Trap and 15 participated in the Trap & Skeet Program. Modified Trap practices were held on Tuesdays and Trap and Skeet practice were held on Thursday’s beginning in February.

In order for 4-H S.A.F.E. participants to advance to state competition, they are required to successfully qualify at the District Competition held on Saturday, April 18th at The Thomas County 4-H range. Six counties from across GA participated in the Thomas County Qualifying Match. Twenty two Thomas county members earned the privilege to advance to the state modified competition, but all participants shot remarkably. Brittany Vinson, a Sr. 4-H’er, won the 1st place Sr. high individual award. 2nd place Sr. individual award presented to Coffee County’s Russ Roberson and 3rd place went to Ryan Setliff of Thomas County. 1st place Jr. Individual was presented to Coffee County’s Dillion Smith, 2nd place Jr. was Thomas Counties Brice Evans, and 3rd place honors went to Conner Gibbs of Thomas County.

On Saturday, May 9th 22 4-H’ers from Thomas County participated in the State Modified Trap Competition at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, GA. Sixty-six Senior Teams and 47 Junior Teams entered the event with over 860 youth participating. Thomas County Junior (7th and 8th Graders) A-Team came through with flying colors in the competition, sweeping in 2nd place in the state. The team members were Dustin Dolan (TCMS), Jared Gibbs (TCMS), Ian Carnahan (TCMS), Kipp Carter (TCMS), Brice Evans (TCMS), Conner Gibbs (TCMS), & Trey Lanier (TCMS).

Thomas County Junior B-Team also did an outstanding job. Team members consisted of Carter Reed (Brookwood), Chandler Barnes (Brookwood), Justin Myrick (TCMS), Michaela Smith (TCMS), and Jordan Hurst (TCMS).

The Thomas County Senior (9th-12th Graders) 4-H A-Team placed 5th in the State Competition. Team members included Brandon Barnes (TCCHS), Ryan Setliff (TCCHS), Jordon Odom (TCCHS), Gordon MacQuirter (TCCHS), and Chelsea Vinson (Brookwood).
Our senior 4-H B-Team members consisting of Brittany Vinson (Brookwood), Jon Wynn (TCCHS), Zach Walters (TCCHS), Nick Murphy (TCCHS), and Josh Smith (TCCHS) also shot exceptional.

Jon Wynn a 12th grader at TCCHS and Thomas County 4-H S.A.F.E. (Shooting, Awareness, Fun & Education) Club President finished with a bang! He shot 25 out of 25 targets and 10 doubles. His overall placing was 3rd individual in the State.

The Thomas County Trap & Skeet team is currently preparing for State Competition which is scheduled for May 30th at Tom Lowe in Atlanta, Ga.

In addition to the district and state competition 21 4-H’ers and adults participated in the Georgia 4-H Sporting clays competition held in Macon, GA at the Meadows Gun Club. Brice Evans was awarded 5th place junior honors.

Thomas County also hosted a fund-raiser Tournament at Quail Pointe Sporting Clays on May 2, 2009. Forty two 4-H’ers and adults entered the tournament and individual scores based on The Lewis Class System were awarded. Gordon MacQuirter won 1st place A-Team, 2nd place A-Team Trey Lanier, 3rd place A-Team Conner Gibbs, 4th place A-Team Mr. Tony Aycock from Lee County. B-Team 1st place went to Mr. Jack Zeigler, 2nd place B-Team Ryan Setliff, 3rd place B-Team winner Brice Evans, and B-Team 4th place honors Lyle Dollar. Mr. Doug Barton won C-Team 1st place, 2nd place C-Team Mr. JR. Reams, 3rd place C-Team Jeremy Brown, and 4th place C-Team award went to Kipp Carter.

4-H members were encouraged to enter the State 4-H Postal League Competition. Official scores were submitted from weekly practices and mailed to the state 4-H office. Accumulative winners were awarded to postal league winners preceding the State Modified Trap competition. Ryan Setliff, Trey Lanier, and Brice Evans received awards.

The success of our 4-H S.A.F.E. shooting sports program would not be possible without the dedication of certified coaches, parents, and volunteers. A special thanks to Mike and Rhonda Barnes, Derek and Kim Evans, Al and Dina Lanier, Michael Odom, Henry Wynn, Kirk Murphy, Danny MacQuirter, Mike Tonkin, Todd Gibbs, Dean Smith, Charlotte Boles, Mark Cain, and Tony and Sherri Odom.

Thomas County 4-H would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Thomas County Board of Commissioners, The Eric Hall Memorial Foundation, Officer Steve Jones and local donors. Without you all this program would not be possible.

A final congratulation goes out to all the 4-H S.A.F.E. members and their coaches for a successful 2009-2010 season. If you would like to learn more about our shooting sports program or 4-H, please give The University of Georgia/Thomas County Extension office a call at 225-4130 and ask for Amanda K. Carter or Cindy Wynn.

4-H'ers learn value of water

The Albany Herald

Thursday, June 4, 2008
Ethan Fowler

ethan.fowler@albanyhearld.com

4-H'ers learn value of water ALBANY - Dougherty County 4-H member Keana Jones' thorough answer impressed Department of Natural Resources' Adam Kaeser.

Kaeser asked the assembled students at his presentation titled "Fish Ecology of the Flint River" what three things do fish need to survive in the river.

Jones responded: "Water, food and shelter."Jones and about 50 other 4-H members from Dougherty, Mitchell, Worth, Thomas, Baker and Decatur counties participated in the 4-H20 Camp at the Flint RiverQuarium Wednesday. The three-day camp concludes today in Dothan, Ala.

The camp covers everything about water, from conservation, the water cycle, careers involving water resources and the biology of watersheds. 4-H members, who range in age from 9-18, paid $25 to participate in the event.

This was the first year Southwest Georgia 4-H clubs came together for the camp. Mitchell County 4-H did the camp by itself last year.

Dougherty County Extension Agent Rad Yager is hoping that every Southwest Georgia county participates in the camp next year.

"Typically a (three-day) program like this costs $60 per child, but we're only charging $25 and a grant is supplementing the rest through Mr. (Charles) Stripling," said Melissa Martin, education manager at the RiverQuarium. "We're paying for lunch all three days, T-shirts and little mementos. I think it's kind of neat the kids took three days out of their summer to come to this camp and (I'm) really appreciative of the counties' 4-H leaders for providing transportation."

Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers' Steve Rainey presented a program titled "Water Detectives." The 4-H members went down to the Flint River and sampled the water, as well as handled a crawfish that Rainey caught in a ditch to use as an example.

He said crawfish were the "mice of the river because everybody eats them."

"I've learned how the crawfish lives, how it grows back its body parts and how to sample the river's water," Worth County student member Mary Beth Amrowski said. "I appreciate that the adults come out and take time to tell us about the river.

"Eight-year Thomas County 4-H Program Assistant Amanda Carter participated in 4-H as child for four years."I hope that the kids learn about the importance of water quality and how important it is in our everyday lives," Carter said. "(4-H) is a learn by doing organization. Both of my kids are involved in 4-H and they enjoy every minute of it, whether it's shooting sports, public speaking contests, community service opportunities and 4-H camps."

CALLING ALL PET LOVERS......

CALLING ALL PET LOVERS . . .
THOMAS COUNTY 4-H IS HOLDING A PET FOOD DRIVE FOR THE THOMASVILLE/THOMAS COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

Bring your donations to the Thomas County 4-H Horse Show on Saturday, April 18 at the Pike Creek Ranch Arena (located on Hwy. 122 east of Pavo at the Sandhill caution light) or to the Thomas County 4-H S.A.F.E. Qualifying Match at the 4-H Shooting Range on County Farm Road. Both events will begin at 9:00 a.m. and there is no admission fee.

Donations can also be dropped off at the 4-H office located on west Jefferson Street!

Our humane society is in desperate need of pet food. They typically feed dry Pedigree but they are accepting any brand of dog food.
They also are in need of the following items:
Dry puppy and dry kitten food
Canned puppy and kitten food
KMR Kitten Milk
ESBILAC Puppy Milk
Blankets, towels and Clorox Wipes
Heating pads w/auto turn off
Q-Tips, cotton balls & alcohol
Office supplies (Copier paper, stamps, tape etc.)

For more information contact:
Cindy Wynn or Amanda Carter
Thomas County 4-H
(229) 225-4130

4-H S.A.F.E. Youth and Adult Quail Pointe Tournament

The Thomas County 4-H S.A.F.E. (Shooting, Awareness, Fun and Education) programs goal is to enhance youth development of self-concept, character and personal growth through safe, educational and socially acceptable involvement in shooting sports activities.

Please consider investing in our future—the youth of Thomas County by participating or donating to the Quail Pointe Fund-raiser tournament scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2009.

1 Round of Trap, 1 Round of Skeet, 1 Round of 5-Stand . Scoring is based on The Lewis Class System Individual scores.

Registration Fee: $35.00 for 4-H members. $40.00 pre-registered adults and non-4-H members. $50.00 adult, youth and non-4-H members day of tournament.

Call (229)-224-4130 for more information.

With your support we can “MAKE THE BEST BETTER”!

HOTC Day - Painting the office's front hand rails...

Volunteers came over on Hands On Thomas County Day on Saturday, October 4th, 2008, to help re-paint the front entrance hand rails to the building. The front rails were rusty and the paint was peeling off. We got them sanded and painted. No more rusty rails to look at.

Thanks to all the volunteers!

- R.J.

Before

During

After

Master 4-H Status “The Ultimate Goal!"

Georgia’s best 4-H’ers gathered in Atlanta July 22-25, 2008 among whom were four Thomas County Senior (9th-12th grade) 4-H’ers with high hopes of achieving the ultimate goal of 4-H "Master" status.

The State 4-H Congress delegates are district project achievement winners who compete for state honors and the right to represent Georgia at National 4-H Congress. District Project Achievement is a public speaking contest on a subject the 4-H’er chose. It is the reflection of a year’s work complied into a portfolio and a verbal demonstration. Portfolio’s are broken down into subject areas similar to a resume. Categories consist of an introduction page, main project work, main project sharing and helping, leadership and teen leadership, community service and citizenship activities, other activities and events, and 2 pages of supporting pictures. The youth are encouraged to memorize their 10-12 minute speeches. Typically six or eight poster and/or visual aids are also used during the presentation. University faculty members and other expert judges evaluate their work and interview them on their portfolio and presentation.

District and/or Area Project Achievement is promoted yearly and open to 9 year olds through 12th grade. District Project Achievement is an educational tool that meets many language arts Georgia Performance Standards. The key components of the project achievement teaching tool are research, organization, summary, and expression.

District and Area Project Achievement is both educational and fun. The competition is a real motivator, not necessarily motivation to win over others, but to exceed any previous accomplishments of their own. We set standards in project work and encourage 4-Hers to exceed those standards. Many State Congress delegates began competing as early as 5th grade in order to prepare for State Congress.

Blake Williams, son of Bret and Angie Williams received the honor to compete in the Power and Energy project. He graduated from Thomas County Central High school last year. Blake won first place in the state competition and achieved the prestigious title of becoming a Master 4-H’er. The donor of his project was the Georgia 4-H Foundation. His project was about how to properly install a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet. His project work included countless hours working with his family business, community service, and other 4-H activities and events. He will receive an all expense paid trip to represent Georgia at National 4-H Congress in November.

"I feel that the challenges that I have faced along with my accomplishments through out my 4-H years have given me the extra discipline and perseverance needed to succeed in life!" Blake Williams said.

J.T. Wynn, son of Henry and Cindy Wynn competed in the Horse project. He recently graduated from Thomas County Central High School. J.T. placed 3rd in the state competition. J.T presented a leather demonstration entitled: Introduction to Saddle Making: 101. J.T. owns a leather business, "Just the Thang" Leather Goods. His project donor was the Georgia 4-H Foundation. J.T. served as summer 4-H camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, was a member of the State and District 4-H Board of Directors, 4-H Horse Club president, and he participated in countless community service projects.

Sara Parramore, daughter of Dayne and Carol Parramore competed in the Veterinary Science project and placed 4th. Sara graduated from Thomas County Central High school last year. The donor for her project was the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. Sara presented a hands on demonstration about how to properly wrap a horse’s leg to prevent injury. She was also an active member of the 4-H S.A.F.E (Shooting Awareness, Fundamentals, and Education) Team and 4-H Horse Club.

Jon Wynn, son of Henry and Cindy Wynn competed in the Dog Care and Training project. Jon is senior at Thomas County Central High School. The donor for his project was the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. Jon’s demonstrations title was: Georgia Field Ready and he talked about methods to insure that your dog is ready for hunting season. Other 4-H activities included serving as chairman the 2nd Annual Something To Bark About 4-H Dog Show.
The 4-H’ers were busy from the time they arrived. The event was held at the Crowne Plaza in Atlanta. An opening assembly honoring state 4-H scholarship winners and 4-H Volunteers for Success winners was first on the agenda. District meetings and check in followed. Dinner and competition presentations by the 4-H Performing Arts projects rounded out the evenings events.

The competitions were held on Wednesday, July 23. Demonstrations were given and 4-H portfolio interviews were held. The state winners were announced that evening at Six Flags over Georgia.

The Thomas County delegation, along with others at Congress, were entered at breakfast Thursday, July 24 by Georgia Power. 4-H’ers enjoyed 4-H donor visits and educational tours, including a visit to the State Capitol. The Georgia EMC Formal Annual banquet was held on Thursday night.

When you combine what 4-H’ers learn from project work, community service activities, leadership events, educational retreats, and the experience of working with community and university leaders the life skills gained are immeasurable. All Thomas County Youth are encouraged to participate in District or Area Project Achievement. Preparations for the next competition is underway.

For more information contact Thomas Counties, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension at (229)-225-4130.

Left to Right: J.T. Wynn, Blake Williams, Sara Parramore, & Jon Wynn.

4-H Shotgun Team Shoots Down State Title!!

On May 31, 2008 Thomas County Jr. and Sr. Trap and Skeet teams, a part of the 4-H Shooting Awareness, Fundamentals and Education (S.A.F.E.) program, traveled to Atlanta, GA. to compete in the State 4-H Trap and Skeet competition. The one day event was held at the prestigious Tom Lowe shooting range.

Competing against eight other teams (46 shooters total) from around the state, Thomas County’s Jr. (7th and 8th grade) Team walked away with first place honors and the State Championship trophy.

The four member team included Brandon Barnes, Brice Evans, Trey Lanier, and Nick Murphy.

Thomas County’s two Sr. teams competed against 28 teams, a total of 104 shooters. Sr. Team members included Gordon MacQuirter, Josh Smith, Brittany Vinson, Chelsea Vinson, Blake Williams, and Jon Wynn.

Individual honors were as follows: Brandon Barnes – 5th overall in Trap and 5th overall in Trap & Skeet combined; Brice Evans – 2nd overall in Trap and 8th overall in Trap & Skeet combined; Trey Lanier – 5th overall in Skeet and 11th overall in Trap & Skeet combined; Gordon MacQuirter – 5th overall in Trap and 10th overall in Trap & Skeet combined.

"We are proud of all Thomas Co. 4-H competitors. They did an awesome job representing Thomas County and the 4-H S.A.F.E program" said Amanda Carter.

Anyone interested in the 4-H S.A.F.E. program, please contact Amanda Carter or Cindy Wynn at the Thomas County Cooperative Extenstion (4-H) office at (229) 225-4130.

Doll Sewing workshop

4-H'ers sewing doll clothes for Salvation Army.

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