August is prime time for camps, workshops

(Editor’s note: Sarah Beale, 15, will be a high school junior this fall and is a 4-H member in St. Mary’s County, Md., who recently launched a newsletter for 4-Hers through the county.)

August is such an exciting, yet exhausting time of the year.
Appreciating the warm weather and outdoor activities is important, but it is equally necessary to find ways to keep cool and value the heat from afar.
In St. Mary’s County, now is the prime time to take a breezy boat ride, find a shady place to go fishing, play in the refreshing pool, go on late-day walks, and even make new summer traditions to enjoy for years to come.
Youth of St. Mary’s who have discovered wonderous opportunities through the 4-H program are finding even more joyful experiences this summer.
Annual week camps were held between July and August, including a day camp and an overnight camp.
Each camp was offered as a chance for kids who are either new or familiar with the program to spend time with new peers.
The kids at the July day camp participated in various activities including cooking, sewing, air rifle, archery, farm safety lessons and whole group songs.
The campers ended the 5-day camp with tie-dying and water games.
In August, previous and new campers traveled to the Maryland 4-H Education and Camping Center in Garrett County.
Participants and adult counselors enjoyed swimming, air rifle practice, craft making and bunking together for a fun-filled seven-day adventure.
The 2022 Maryland Horse Visual Arts Contest opened in July for all 4-Hers aged 8-18 to submit creative works.
The contest is split into three divisions depending on the age group. Juniors, Intermediates and Senior divisions have separate winners.
Contestants may enter one work in each class which includes fine arts, photography, and visual arts.
All entries and winning pieces will be displayed in a slideshow posted on the Maryland 4-H website. 
A workshop held by the local Wild Things 4-H club on July 26 was designed to educate youth on how to properly raise and show pigs for the annual fall St. Mary’s County Fair.
The class featured information regarding daily care, feeding and walking procedures, and show ring etiquette.
Skillathons and other workshops are held throughout the year to prepare new and adept livestock owners for upcoming shows. 
On July 31, another workshop was hosted by the Maryland 4-H Aerospace Program in Anne Arundel County.
The event offers 4-Hers an opportunity to improve their understanding and skills involving science and engineering.
The participants constructed model rockets, learned about the basics of aeronautics, and discovered careers surrounding aerospace.
On Aug. 12, a “Fossil Fun Day” was hosted by the Tudor Hall 4-H club.
The event was taught by an educator from the Calvert Marine Museum.
The program is directed primarily for fourth-grade students, however, all members were welcome to attend. 
As summer comes to a close but feels warmer than ever, try to stay cool and safe until next time.