More than 248 students in grades 4-12 from across middle Georgia gathered at Fort Valley State University Sept. 17.
The students were on campus to participate in the annual 4-H FFA (Future Farmers of America) Agriculture Youth Field Day. The purpose of the event, sponsored by FVSU’s Cooperative Extension 4-H Program, is to provide an opportunity for students in the community to learn about activities in agriculture, veterinary sciences and family and consumer sciences.
In addition to interacting with FVSU faculty, staff and students, participants viewed live animals from FVSU’s Life on the Farm exhibit, participated in physical games and activities, learned about healthy living and tasted goat milk ice cream samples. At the end of the day, the students received free admission to the football game between the FVSU Wildcats and the Clark Atlanta University Panthers.
Anala Bond, a seventh-grader from Twiggs County, said she enjoyed herself by participating in events that kept her active and prevented her from just sitting around. Anala said she plans on returning to next year’s 4-H FFA field day. She plans to convince more of her peers to join her because of the variety of activities offered.
Leslie Weaver, FVSU’s 4-H program coordinator, says the event was a success. “Most of these students have never seen a real live animal up close and personal, visited a college campus or interacted with people from different counties. It was a great opportunity for these kids to come out and share the Wildcat experience,” Weaver said.
For more information about FVSU’s 4-H Program, contact Weaver at (478) 825-6955 or e-mail weaverl@fvsu.edu.