Today officially marks the first day of summer. The weather is warming up and summer is definitely here, but long gone are the lazy days of kids being bored and complaining of nothing to do. At least that’s not the case for those involved in the Adams County 4-H program, which has been keeping a number of area youth on the go.

Our office has been working hard to provide all county citizens opportunities to learn, work and take a leadership role in shaping the future of our hometown through volunteerism, community service and diverse educational programs. This is possible thanks to a powerful staff of dedicated employees. Penny Rachal, Paula Gaylor, Melanie Sojourner, Ulrica Scott, and I look forward to continuing to serve your needs in Adams County as your local extension service.

The Adams County 4-H Shooting Sports program sent nearly a dozen youth to the District Shooting Sports match in Pearl earlier this spring. Several local contestants placed in their age divisions, and Pepper Taylor qualified for the air pistol completion at the upcoming state meet.

Several 4-H members attended and entered various contest at the state’s largest 4-H event, the Annual 4-H Club Congress held on the campus of Mississippi State University. In addition, last week Adams County had the largest county representation at 4-H Project Achievement Day on the campus of Hinds Community College.

The Adams County 4-H Junior Leadership Program has been very busy this summer with community service work being done for both the Natchez Children’s Home and Adams County Humane Society. Last weekend a dozen local teens from this group attended a leadership development and whitewater rafting trip to Chattanooga, Tenn.

Adams County 4-H is very proud that this year we have filled 30 full scholarship positions for local youth ages 9 –15 to attend the Tara Wildlife Camp at Vicksburg. Tara is a world class facility and this camp is a once and a life-time opportunity for many youth. During the week participants get to participate in everything from canoeing, fishing, hunter safety, wildlife identification, conservation, camping along with many other outdoor activities.

There are still several events coming up this summer to participate in. Next week, on June 24-25 from 1-4 p.m. there will be a 4-H Kids in the Kitchen Workshop held at the extension office. Then Aug. 3–5 will be the Annual 4-H Hunter Safety Camp to be held at the Adams County Sherriff’s Range. 4-H has many fun and exciting programs available to area children ages 8–18 and there is sure to be something for you. You can get more information about all of these 4-H youth activities by calling our office at 601-445-8201.

Keep in mind the extension service is not just for youth. Recently many Adams County Master Gardeners attended the state conference in Starkville where they represented Adams County with pride. The Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers council recently attended the MHV State Convention in Starkville as well bringing home multiple state awards for their dedication, commitment, and service to Adams County.

The Adams County Extension staff thanks all of you that have participated in these programs for your time and dedication. We look forward to continuing to work with each of you in the future.

David Carter is the director of the Adams County Extension Service. He can be reached at 601-445-8201.