State Fair of VA - Sept 23 - Oct 3

It's the best of Virginia! Come see Virginia’s finest animals and agriculture,
exhibits and shows, toe-tappin' music, fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more! Plan now to be a part of one of Virginia's greatest
annual traditions since 1854. The Meadow Event Park, I-95 exit 98 next to Kings Dominion.Visit the website for more information on competitions and evernts. http://www.statefair.com

Eco-Ventures Camp

Madison & Orange 4-H teamed up again this summer for Eco-Ventures. The goal of the program is to get youth involved in the environment and help them learn what they can do to make a difference. Twelve youth including 4-H summer exchange student Tomoki participated in this activity.

Our day started with a tour of the Covanta Energy from Waste plant. This facility is located inside the Fairfax County landfill. They make enough energy from the trash produced by Fairfax county to power 80,000 homes a day. From there the took a break at Prince William Forest Park for lunch before heading on south to Westmoreland State Park to set-up our tents. The first thing we saw when we got out of the vans was a bald eagle soaring overhead. It was an awesome sight. After dinner we headed out for a night hike. We learned about what the park is doing to help protect bats and some of our group practiced their owl calls. It started raining just as we were going to bed, but we stayed warm and dry in our tents. The next morning our group headed out on a hike to evaluate the Potomac River watershed & test water quailty. We also searched for sharks teeth at fossil beach. It was a great Eco-venture!!

Summer 4-H Fun!!

This summer has been filled with lots of 4-H activities and fun!! The summer started off with a great week at 4-H camp and 4-H Congress. We hosted a series of summer workshops for local youth including (Arts & Crafts, T-shirt Art and Gifts in a Jar). In July many local 4-H members participated in the Madison County Fair. Late summer brought two more opportunities for camping including Eco-Ventures and Cloverbud Day Camp. It was a busy but fantastic summer!!

4-H Congress - Three New All-Stars!!

Virginia 4-H Congress was held June 14-17. Since this was also during the week of 4-H Camo we had a limited participation. Ashley B. attended this 4-day event as the Madison delegate. On Tuessday evening, June 15, three Madison 4-H members (Kim Finks, Garrett Henshaw & Danielle Scott) were inducted as 4-H All-Stars. All Stars is the highest honor a 4-H'er can receive, so congratulations, and know that we are PROUD of you!!!