2026 N.C. Cooperative Extension-Alexander County 4-H Summer Opportunities

(Updated: March 19, 2026, 10:37 a.m.)

Kids in the Kitchen:Chopped

June 2nd-4th

Time: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

Ages: 9-14 years old (as of January 1) 

Cost: $75.00
Participants will be trained the first two days on culinary skills to prepare them for the “chopped” competition on the last day. Similar to the Chopped Show, participants will compete in teams of 4 for three rounds, no elimination. Each round will have a mystery basket with items that must be incorporated into their dish. Each dish is judged on appearance, taste, and creativity. Participants have access to items in the pantry list and the equipment available. Participants must plan and prepare a dish with basket items and finish cleaning up their station within the allotted time.
Limited to 9 youth

Discovery Day Camp

June 8th-11th

Time:  8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Ages: 9-14 years old (as of January 1)  

Cost: $100.00
Travel with Alexander 4-H as we “discover” fun things in NC . Each day will be a different educational recreational activity, transportation provided by N.C. Cooperative Extension. must bring bagged lunch daily. Even if your child has been with us to one of these locations in the past we will have new experiences and new exhibits to see.

Locations that will be visited:

  • Monday- Schiele Museum
  • Tuesday - Biltmore
  • Wednesday- NC Zoo
  • Thursday- Statesville Climbing Wall & Statesville Leisure Pool

Limited to 10 youth

Snack Attack

June 15th-16th

Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Ages:  5-8 years old (as of January 1) 

Cost: $30.00
What better way to satisfy your young reader's curiosity than combining food and literature? Cooking can help our young cloverbuds learn about math, science, art, and so much more. Combining food snacks with one of their favorite books reinforce the importance of reading all the while developing lasting life skills. Our young participants will be able to enjoy several stories focusing on foods and will conclude each story by making their own snacks from the story. Join us as we navigate the literature world and bring these tasty snacks to life. New recipes are offered every year.
Limited to 10 youth

Cloverbud Discovery

June 23rd-25th

Time: 9 AM-4 PM

Ages: 5-8 years old (as of January 1)

Cost $60.00
Travel with Alexander 4-H as we “discover” fun things in NC for our Cloverbuds . Each day will be a different educational recreational activity, transportation provided by N.C. Cooperative Extension. Must bring bagged lunch daily.
Locations that will be visited are as follows:  

  • Tuesday- Catawba Science Center
  • Wednesday- Zootastic
  • Thursday- Rendezvous Mountain State Park & Alexander County Courthouse Park (splash pad and playground)

Limited to 9 youth

Fishing Education Day

June 30th

Time:  8:30 am-3:30 pm

Ages:  9-14 years old (as of January 1)   

Cost: $20.00
Join Alexander County 4-H for a hands-on Fishing Education Day, where youth will learn the basics of fishing while enjoying time outdoors! This fun and educational program will introduce participants to fishing skills such as casting techniques, identifying common fish species, understanding fishing equipment, and learning about aquatic habitats and conservation.

Youth will have the opportunity to practice their skills and spend time fishing while learning the importance of protecting our natural resources. This program is a great way for beginners to learn the fundamentals of fishing and for experienced anglers to improve their skills.

Fishing Education Day is open to Alexander County 4-H youth who enjoy spending time outside, learning new skills, and connecting with nature. Come join us for a day of learning, fun, and fishing! 🎣🌿Participants will need a packed lunch!

Spots are limited, so be sure to register early!
Limited to 10 youth

Mad Scientist

July 6th-7th
Time: 9AM-2PM

Ages: 5-8 years old (as of January 1)

Cost: $30
Every wonder why bread rises? Or how to capture carbon dioxide with soap and water? Want to know how to write invisible secret messages? Using everyday materials that we can find around the house and in the kitchen, Mad Scientist Camp helps you explore some wild science experiments and understand why this happens. Learning through science experiments is a great way to help promote thinking and understanding rather than just memorization. Join us for this STEM filled camp that is sure to bring out your mad scientist side as we practice our aged old 4-H motto of “learn by doing".  New activities will be conducted this year.
Limited to 10 youth

STEM

July 8th-9th
Time:  9AM-2PM     

Ages:   9-12 years old (as of January 1)      

Cost:  $40.00

Come Participate in fun STEM activities. STEM stands for Science Technology,Engineering, and  Math.  STEM activities provide hands on and minds on learning lessons for students. Making Math and science fun is a great way to learn and stay engaged. Activities will include Rockets ,Battlebots, chemistry and more.  Must bring a bag lunch daily.
Limited to 10 youth.

Farm 2 Fork

July 13th-16th
Time: 9AM–3PM   

Ages: 9-14 years old (as of January 1)  

Cost: $75.00

Skills:

  • Food Safety
  • Knife Skills
  • Measuring
  • Meal planning

Objectives:
Learn how food goes from the farm to your table. Participants will visit local farms daily and bring back what they picked to learn how to prepare it. must bring bagged lunch daily
Limited to 10 youth

JR. Master Gardener Camp

July 22nd-23th

Time:  9AM-3PM

Ages:  9-14 years old (as of January 1)   

Cost: $40.00
Enjoy a fun-filled week with enthusiastic Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers and Horticulture agent Cari Rosenbalm. Come and learn about plants, fruits, veggies, soils, insects and ecology through games and hands-on activities. Think butterfly nets, compost, and scavenger hunts! Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed toe shoes to be prepared for an awesome week. Must bring a bagged lunch daily.
Limited to 10 youth

4-H2O

July 27th-31st
(July 27-28, 9AM-3PM)
(July 29 arrive at 9AM for two night overnight trip returning by 3PM on July 31)
Ages: 10-14 years old (as of January 1)

Cost: $125
Participants of this camp will learn about water and the animals that live inside of its ecosystem. You will get wet! We will work with a NCWRC Biologist to conduct surveys including electrofishing and macro invertebrate I.D. We will also enjoy a canoe trip down Johns River as well as a white-water rafting trip down the Tuckasegee river and a two night overnight camping trip.  Transportation will be provided, and participants must bring a lunch Monday - Wednesday. Food for overnight portion will be covered.
Limited to 10 participants

Carowinds Teen Day

August 4th

Time:  8:30 am-6:00 pm

Ages:  13-18 years old (as of January 1)   

Cost: $40.00
Join Alexander County 4-H for an exciting Summer Fun Day Trip to Carowinds, the thrilling amusement park located on the North Carolina–South Carolina border! This day trip is a great opportunity for 4-H youth to enjoy a day of adventure, friendship, and fun.

Participants will spend the day exploring the park’s roller coasters, water attractions, games, and live entertainment. From high-speed rides to relaxing attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 4-H staff and volunteers will accompany the group to help ensure a safe and fun experience for all.

This trip is open to Alexander County 4-H youth and provides a great chance to connect with friends, try new experiences, and make lasting summer memories. Participants will need a bagged lunch!

Spots are limited, so be sure to register early!
Limited to 10 youth

Are you looking for a weeklong overnight camp???

Eastern 4-H Center: June 14th-29th

Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia, NC in is open to youth ages 8-14 (as of January 1) and offers a variety of daily activities based upon age. If you would like more information, please contact the 4-H Center at 828-632-3125. Alexander County Staff will be with youth attending all week.

Each participant will have to enroll in 4-H Online to participate in the Summer Opportunities. This will not be optional.