Chesapeake's 4H Programs

Our 4H Livestock Program has been in existence for over 60 years providing practical experiences in trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship for hundreds of Chesapeake youth.

Learning opportunities are available for youth aged 9 years - 18 years of age. Opportunities include learning how to care for, raise and show a market hog, market lamb, market steer or market goat. Successful completion of this project will occur at Chesapeake's Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale, held in conjunction with the Chesapeake Jubilee during the month of May.

This year will mark the 63rd Annual Chesapeake 4-H Livestock Club Show and Sale which will be held at the Chesapeake Jubilee, Thursday, May 17, 2012 and Friday, May 18, 2012. The primary purpose of the 4-H Livestock Youth Program is to provide an opportunity for personal growth and development. Through participation in livestock projects, youth are taught how to feed, fit and show their animals. The livestock program is a signature example of the 4-H theme "learn by doing".

Fifty-nine 4-H members have been working hard to prepare for the Chesapeake 4-H Livestock Club Show and Sale. In addition, members have also been active in helping the local Chesapeake community; they collected pet food and toys for Chesapeake Animal Control, food itmes for the Southeast Food Bank, hats and gloves for the Chesapeake Office of Youth Services and donated over $200 worth of items for care packets which were sent to the "We Care Marines" organization.

Other interesting opportunities include:

• Exploring the development of a chick embryo - The 4H Embryology "Beginning of Life" project is offered in December and could be a curriculum within a poultry club or a school enrichment project avalable to any public, private or home school in Chesapeake. This program is a 21 day educational experience that explores the wonders of the developing chick embryo.
• Curing hams - Through this project 4-H'ers learn how to cure a Virginia style country ham using some of the same procedures early settlers used at Jamestown. This project starts in December and runs through May.
• Participation in a Horse and Pony Club - This club focuses on trying to bring outside instruction and information to youth interested in horses. Instruction usually includes guest speakers that concentrate on equine dentistry, vaccines, or trailer safety. This club also participates in outside contests and events.

Similarly, Chesapeake's 4H Summer Camping program is one of the most popular camps held at the Airfield 4-H Educational Center in Wakefield, VA. Each year attendance at our camp exceeds over 200 area youth for a most unique overnight, week long experience.

This overnight camping experience is available for youth aged 9 years - 18 years of age. During that week everyone will have the opportunity to experience a camp fire, participate in a carnival and field olympics. Additionally, instructional classes can include topics such as Fun with Foods, Performing Arts, Leathercraft, Canoeing, Animal Science and Archery. 4H Summer Camp 2012 is scheduled for July 16 - 20, 2012.

Enrollment

• 4-Her Enrollment Package
• 2011-2012 4H Livestock Club Rules
• Sponsorship Request Form
• 4H Volunteer Enrollment Package
• 4H Camp Registration - 2012