Swain County 4-H is giving youth a chance to dive into hands-on learning this March, with activities ranging from hatching chicks and raising butterflies to exploring photography and starting spring gardens.
“4-H is in full swing with fun activities for area youth, ages 5-18. Our events are free to attend, provide hands-on learning, and life skills,” said Amber Johnston, Swain County 4-H Youth Development Agent.
At West Elementary School, first-grade students are participating in an embryology project focused on the early life cycle of chickens. Classrooms are incubating eggs while students monitor temperature, humidity and egg rotation, following a curriculum that tracks development until hatching. Afterward, the chicks are cared for by students before being transferred to the Swain High School FFA program to continue the poultry project.
Following spring break, younger students will also take part in an entomology unit, raising butterfly larvae in classrooms. Participants will observe the transformation from larvae to caterpillar to chrysalis and eventually butterfly, documenting each stage before releasing the butterflies.
According to Johnston, 4-H is also expanding its photography programming after strong interest in a recent workshop. The new “Focus & Frame” series will meet monthly at the Swain Cooperative Extension Center, offering flexible attendance for youth participants.
In addition, the organization is launching an “Explore 4-H” series highlighting different project areas. The March session will focus on gardening, teaching participants how to start vegetables and flowers from seed, including lessons on soil selection, spacing, germination and plant care. Youth will take home their planted seeds with the goal of showcasing results later in the year.
A community garage sale fundraiser is also planned for March 28 at the Swain County Recreation Indoor Gym. Proceeds from vendor space rentals will support youth attendance at 4-H summer camps, with organizers aiming to fully fund participation for interested campers.
“If you’d like to enroll your child, volunteer, and/or have an idea for 4-H we’d love to hear from you,” Johnston said.
More information about programs, registration and volunteer opportunities is available through Swain County 4-H.