Decatur County sixth, seventh and eighth grade students attended 4-H Junior Conference at Rock Eagle 4-H Center on November 3rd and 4th. Kinsey Ward, Rachel Hayes, Olivia Griner, Aiden Angle, Luke Wright and Abram Austinson, along with Teen Leader, Journey Austinson, joined over 800 4-H’ers from across Georgia for this leadership event. The 4-H’ers participated in classes about healthy living, STEM in agriculture, and acts of kindness. They also participated in several service learning projects.

Rachel Hayes, Kinsey Ward and Abram Austinson presented posters at the Project Exhibit. Kinsey and Rachel both won a “People’s Choice” award. Journey Austinson was chosen to teach four workshop sessions of “Mindful Living” during the weekend conference, as well as help with recreation and community service activities. The jam-packed weekend included recreation opportunities, talent show auditions, a performance by the Georgia 4-H Clovers and Company and a Saturday evening dance.

Georgia 4-H Junior Conference is one of many opportunities offered to fulfill the mission of Georgia 4-H. This mission is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. This task is accomplished through “hands on” learning experiences, focused on agricultural and environmental issues, agriculture awareness, leadership, communication skills, foods and nutrition, health, energy conservation and citizenship. For information about Decatur County 4-H, contact Lindsey B. Hayes, Teresa Adkins or Kameron Landeen at 248-3033 or linsbell@uga.edu.