By: Paul Schattenberg, 210-8459-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Natalie Cervantes, 210-631-0400, ntcervantes@ag.tamu.edu
SAN ANTONIO — Prospective and enrolled 4-H project leaders are invited to attend the Project Leaders Academy May 21 for an in-depth look and training on 4-H programs in Bexar County, said coordinators.
The academy will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. John Berchman’s School, 1147 Cupples Road in San Antonio. It is free to enrolled 4-H members and adults and $10 per person for the general public.
“Adults and youth are invited to this project orientation and training,” said Natalie Cervantes, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for 4-H youth development, Bexar County. “You do not have to be enrolled in 4-H to attend. We will even have a separate activity room for young children in the event interested adults need some help keeping their children engaged while they enjoy the training.”
Cervantes said 4-H projects range from animals, creative arts, outdoor education and science to healthy living and more.
“Prospective or experienced project leaders will be given the tools at this workshop to start innovative projects at their club and network with local experts in that project area,” she said. “This will also be a fun and exciting opportunity for youth who are involved in or want to be involved in 4-H projects.”
Cervantes said project leaders serve as mentors, lead projects and help run events in 4-H clubs.
“It’s not necessary to have leadership or even 4-H experience to be a project leader,” Cervantes said. “We’ll even train the individual on the project, and then that person can decide the level of involvement that fits his or her skills and schedule.”
She said project leader opportunities include leading community clubs, school-based or after-school programs and camps, serving as chaperones, board members, event judges or camp counselors, and creating community service opportunities for youth.
Registration and breakfast will be from 8:30-9 a.m., followed by a welcome and introduction, then breakout sessions from 9:30-11:10 a.m. Lunch will be from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., followed by an additional breakout session from 12:20-12:50 p.m. and a short evaluation session.
Session topics will be in conjunction with specific educational tracks. The Agriculture and Outdoor Education track will address livestock, shooting sports and small animal projects for urban youth. The Healthy Living track will address smart shopping and consumer decision-making, food and nutrition, and youth gardening. The Creative Arts track will address fashion design and film-making for youth. The Science, Engineering and Technology track will address robotics and veterinary sciences. The 4-H for Beginners track will address how to start a 4-H club and how to secure funding through grants and fundraising
To register, go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu and look under “Upcoming” programs or call 979-845-2604.
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