In 2008, 4-H is "Still Keepin' It Green." And we couldn't do it without our Lincoln County 4-H'ers, volunteers and agents.

Local 4-H'ers are proud to continue the tradition of mastery, generosity, belonging and independence through various activities and especially by helping the community. This year they competed in many district and state competitions and activities such as Cloverleaf DPA, Jr. Sr. DPA, Youth Summit, Ga. National Fair, Georgia Jr. National Livestock Show, elected to the Northeast District Board as Vice-President elect and members attended various leadership camps across the state.

Lincoln County 4-H'ers help the community, but they also need help from the community. They need support through funding, volunteers and guidance in their project areas.

"Lincoln County 4-H programs offer so much to the youths here," said Mr. Monte Stephens, Cooperative Extension agent with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "There is a project in 4-H that interests almost everyone. Whether it's through learning and judging events, activities, community volunteering or statewide competitions, our students are learning more about themselves and how they can better their communities."

More than 300 active 4-H members from 5th through 12th grade are enrolled in Lincoln County. Extension 4-H agents meet with 4-H members in the school and after school.

In 2007, more than 200,000 youths participated in Georgia 4-H programs. Besides projects and competitions, members can go to camps and events all over the state and nation. Special UGA football and basketball days, camps at the beach, mountains and city and even trips to Washington, D.C., offer exciting ways for our students to learn while having fun.

In Lincoln County, our 4-H activities this year included our annual Awards Banquet, Poultry judging competition, the Community Garden Project and many livestock steer and heifer shows.

But the 4-H'ers aren't the only ones having fun. Adult volunteers work with 4-H'ers by helping them prepare for competitions, sharing their knowledge with them and, most importantly, spending time with them.

"I don't know what we'd do without our volunteers," Mrs. Martha Partridge, Lincoln County Extension Coordinator said. "They work with our 4-H'ers on so many projects and teams."

Many volunteers are 4-H alumni, so they recognize the benefits of 4- H. I encourage the young people of Lincoln Co. to talk with some adults about 4-H and I'm sure they will have many fond stories to share about there positive experiences.

To learn more about Georgia 4-H's legacy, or to become a part of its future, call Cooperative Extension at 1- 800-ASK-UGA1, come by the office at 288 Northeast Peachtree St. Lincolnton, Ga. 30817 or visit the Georgia 4-H Web site at georgia4h.org.