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October is National 4-H Month and usually a busy time of year for Davie County 4-H families.

The Tom Cowden 4-H Youth Shooting Sports Club has several shooting contests including a pumpkin shoot.

The Spice of Life Service Club is usually out and about volunteering with many local non-profits in preparation of the busy holiday season.

The Yadkin/ Davie 4-H Livestock youth would be showing their animals at the Carolina Classic and the N.C. State fairs. 4

4-H youth of all ages would be working on crafts, woodworking, and baked goods to be judged at local and state competitions.

However, due to COVID-19, these traditional 4-H celebrations and activities are all canceled for this year.

“This has been a very hard and different year for Davie County 4-H,” said Danny Lough, Davie 4-H Extension agent. “Our kids are usually really busy this time of year but due to the need to social distance, we’ve put all in-person youth activities on hold since March.”

However, in honor of National 4-H Month, the NC State 4-H office gifted 11 signs to Davie County 4-H.

That’s where an idea sparked.

“How can we use these signs to engage our youth and keep our families active in 4-H while social distancing and limiting contact? A photo contest.”

Lough reached out to several community partners and club leaders to see if they would be willing to host a #Opportunity4All 4-H sign. Eight community partners have so far been willing to host the signs and get 4-H families back outside.

“I wanted to do an activity where our 4-H families can still practice all necessary safety measures while exploring Davie County,” Lough said. “4-H runs on community partnerships and cooperation. So not only are we providing a wonderful opportunity for our 4-H families to have some outside fun, but we are also giving shout outs to our community partners and thanking them for their continued support.”

The eight signs can be found at the Davie County Community Park, Davie County Public Library, Junker’s Mill, Tom Cowden Shooting Sports, Tractor Supply Co.-Mocksville, Farm Bureau-Mocksville, United Way of Davie County, and Davie County Cooperative Extension. All signs are located outside of these facilities to promote social distancing.

4-Hers and community participants are encouraged to dress in green and take a photo with the signs and submit them to Lough at danny_lough@ncsu.edu by Oct. 30.  Three additional signs will be placed throughout the month so keep an eye on the Davie County 4-H Facebook page for helpful hints on where the new signs may be.

Direct contest questions or how-to sign-up for 4-H, b contacting Lough at danny_lough@ncsu.edu or 336-753-6100.