Editor’s note: 4-H Youth Agent Beth Randall is no longer with the Lauderdale County Extension Service. 4-H Agent Tracy Robertson will temporarily write the 4-H column .



I had the opportunity this past weekend to visit with some friends and family as we went camping on the Pearl River above the Ross Barnett Reservoir.

I have not done the camping thing since I was a little girl — not that being a little girl was so long ago for me. I had a wonderful time spending the day with the family and getting to meet some new friends. We passed the time fishing, skiing, catching up and watching others travel up and down the river on their adventures.

My nephew came with us and, like many kids his age, he is not much for the outdoors like the rest of my family. Most of the time we can barely drag him away from all the “cool video games” and what not. He even brings his Game Boy out on the river so he will have something “fun” to do.

I am not much on technology. I usually only know what I must to get me through work. Yet, I cannot help to notice how savvy kids are these days with technology. Obviously in today’s society we cannot function without technology, and the youth have completely embraced it. I do not want to say that the technological movement is a bad thing, but I can’t help but wonder if it is dragging everyone away from playing outside and getting your hands dirty. There are many exciting things to do outdoors and 4-H gives youth the opportunity to do just that.

Most people hear 4-H and they think of agriculture. Well, yes, this is how 4-H was started 100 years ago here in Mississippi. Agriculture is still a huge part of 4-H, but there are so many new exciting clubs to be involved in that don’t relate to the row crops or livestock and still keep you outdoors enjoying nature. One such club is the new Environmental Club.

This club is great for youth who are interested in plants and the study of our environment. Our volunteer leader is so excited about this club she is getting all sorts of crafts and fun activities lined up. This is a great and fun way to learn about how to protect our environment, and getting our hands dirty while planting a pretty garden and watching it grow.

If you are 8-18 years of age and are interested in joining this club you can visit with us during our first meeting on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in the Detention Center Training Room across from the courthouse.

Another great club we have here in Lauderdale County is our 4-H Field and Stream Club. This club does all sorts of things with the outdoors. One of the most popular events we have is our shooting sports. This allows youth between the ages 8-18 to get involved with competitive shooting and compete on a county, district, and state level.

The field and stream club also gives youth the opportunity to learn about wildlife and their habitats. We have a wildlife judging team that learns about the different species in the Southeast region. There are also wildlife camps offered through Mississippi State University each summer that teach different concepts like sports fishing, fly tying, bow fishing, edible and poisonous plants, hunter education and boater safety courses, and so much more. The Field and Stream club meets on the third Tuesday each month at 6 p.m.

If you are interested in either one of these clubs and would like to get involved please call Tracy Robertson at the Lauderdale County Extension office at (601) 482-9764.