4-H Beyond the County Level
Judging Teams
Special activities in which a team of 4-H members and/or individual 4-H members test their knowledge about a particular project area against 4-H members from other counties. Santa Rosa County has teams that compete at the State level for meat, livestock, and insect-a-thon. For more information or to create/join a team, contact the 4-H office.
Hog and Ham
The Florida 4-H Hog and Ham Program is a statewide 4-H program which takes the participant through the total process of pork production from beginning to end. Youth select a feeder pig and grow it to harvesting weight, all while keeping records on feed amounts and costs, health care, expenses, weights, etc. After harvesting the hog and processing it into wholesale or retail cuts. The project concludes by participating in a retail comparison project, completing a record book, and presenting a demonstration or illustrated talk to the other participants. This activity is available to a limited number of senior 4-H members.
4-H University
Hundreds of 4-H teens from throughout the state participate in educational workshops, competitive events, engage in citizenship via community service projects, State Council elections, and healthy lifestyle & social activities at this week long event at the University of Florida. They learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and other important subjects from University of Florida faculty members, providing an opportunity to spark their interest in possible career interests and, for many youth, to be introduced to a college environment for the very first time. 4-H University also provides an excellent opportunity for youth and adults (staff and volunteers) to build leadership as they work in partnership in planning and implementing the event. 4-H University is open to 4-H members age 14-18 as of September 1 of the current 4-H year.
Gator Pit
Do you have a passion for an innovative product, service, or idea? The Florida 4-H Youth Development Program is on a statewide search for the most innovative young entrepreneurs, inventors, creators and business people! These participants will demonstrate goal-setting, financial literacy, creativity, communication skills, and effective marketing. The top 5 applicants will be selected to compete in the contest held at 4-H University. Gator Pit is open to 4-H members ages 14 to 18 as of September 1 of the current 4-H year.
Legislature
Senior 4-H members come together to develop their skills debating, analyzing legislation, and speaking publicly all while making new friends and having a whole lot of fun. At this civic education event, youth write bills, then act as lobbyists, Representatives, or Senators to pass the bills through committee and then present and debate them on the Capitol House or Senate Floor in Tallahassee. Youth have the opportunity to debate issues and experience the legislative process hands-on. Legislature is open to 4-H members ages 13 to 18 as of September 1 of the current 4-H year.
4-H Month of Service
Florida 4-H is challenging youth from across the state to participate in a community service project during the month of October. We want to show Florida how much 4-H members can accomplish when we work together and give back to the community. We are happy for youth to participate in many types of service projects throughout the year, but especially in October.
Intermediate State
This event is for youth ages 11-13. During this weekend event, youth will participate in educational workshops along with FUN SHOPS such as Podium Pizzazz, Clothing the World, and shooting sports. Youth will also enjoy relaxation and recreation as they attend a campfire, 4-H dance, sports, and games. For more information about this event visit florida4h.org.
Camp
Santa Rosa County 4-H camps one week out of the summer at 4–H Camp Timpoochee located in Niceville, FL. Campers must be at least 8 years old by June 1st. Junior counselors must be at least age 13 and attend counselor trainings. In order to be a senior counselor, you must be at least 14 years of age, have served at least one year as a junior counselor and attend all counselor trainings. For more information contact the 4-H office.
Executive Board
The Florida State 4-H Council Executive Board consists of four delegates from each of the 13 4-H districts, up to 30 Executive Board Appointees, and the 8 Florida 4-H State Officers. The Executive Board is a group of youth from across the state that represent their county and district. The members attend working committee meetings at Executive Board Weekend Events, during which they offer input into events such as 4-H University, Legislature, 4-H Day at the Capitol, and Intermediate State. Committee members also play a vital role in the implementation of those events. Other committees work on planning and implementing a state-wide community service project, fundraising, entertainment, and communication support. This event happens three times a year. For more information about this event visit florida4h.org.
Leadership Adventure Weekend
This weekend will focus on a train-the-trainer type event for teen leaders. We will touch on club, county, & district officer responsibilities, team building, district & county council, communication and leadership skills along with being an ambassador for 4-H among other topics. The goal is to train participants to go back and repeat these trainings at a district, county, and club level. For more information about this event visit florida4h.org.
Day at the Capitol
This educational event provides hands-on “learn by doing” experiences for youth. 4-H youth learn about the legislative and governmental processes and Florida’s significant “firsts” in the foundation of the United States as they participate in workshops, tours and observations of our government at work. This will provide youth the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to become more informed citizens. 4-H youth also have the chance to come together and share the positive impacts of the Florida 4-H Program. Participants meet and hear from their elected officials.
4-H Day at Gator Football
The Gator Ticket Office offers a special discounted ticket for all 4-H members, employees, alumni, as well as their family and friends during the 4-H Day at Gator Football game. For more information about this event visit the florida4h.org website.
4-H Day at Legoland
This event is an opportunity for 4-H members and their families to explore the LEGOLAND theme park at a deep discount, while raising funds for 4-H clubs, camps, and other educational programs. LEGOLAND is a great way to have fun with the entire family and learn about science, engineering, and technology. Tickets are sold at a discounted price. For more information about this event visit the florida4h.org website.
Florida 4-H Tailgating Contest
This grilling contest is sponsored by Winn-Dixie, National Beef, Sanderson Farms, and Sonny’s BBQ. The purpose of this new contest is to promote the use of animal protein in the diet by teaching the art and science of safely preparing beef, pork, poultry, and seafood in an outdoor setting. Investment in this activity will provide 4-H youth with life skills, including decision making, healthy lifestyle choices, and communication. Santa Rosa County 4-H youth can participate in the Northwest District Tailgate Contest. For more information about this event, please visit florida4h.org.
Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference
SRTLC is a first-of-its-kind, multi-state 4-H conference created to bring together 4-H teens and adults to empower and inspire them to make a positive change across the southern region through youth/adult partnerships. For more information visit florida4h.org.