4-H initiating ‘Center Of It All’ capital campaign

Alabama 4-H record-breaking growth is limiting Marengo County to only 14 spots at the 4-H Center near Birmingham for its summer camp.

Now with almost 180,000 young people involved in 4-H, the program is so large that students sometimes must wait to take part in science and camping programs at the center l

To respond to these challenges, the Alabama 4-H Foundation announced Thursday “The Center of It All,” a capital campaign for Alabama 4-H. It focuses on expanding the infrastructure at the 4-H Center to help the program fulfill its mission of providing hands-on learning experiences for all Alabama youth.

“Right now we’ve reached our capacity at camp,” said Molly Gregg, Alabama Cooperative Extension System assistant director for 4-H.

“It’s hard as a youth development professional to think there are children who cannot come to camp because we don’t have the room for them,” Gregg said. “This campaign addresses this need so that every interested child in Alabama can participate.”

More than 76 percent of the campaign’s $9.9 million goal has been raised, but public support is needed to raise the $2.5 million to reach that goal.

“Generous donations to the 4-H Foundation capital campaign will help shape the future leaders of Alabama,” said Gary Lemme, Alabama Extension director. “It is an important investment in both young people’s and the entire state’s future.”

“No gift is too small,” added Elizabeth Yates, Marengo County 4-H agent. “Your help is needed to make it possible for more youth from Marengo County to enjoy the experience of 4-H Summer Camp and the 4-H Science School.  Our youth need the opportunity to make memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.”