Environmental Education
Outdoor Ed-Venture Camps
These five to six day residential experiences allow campers to participate in hands-on activities such as canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, swimming, recreational games, arts and crafts and more, which will allow them to better explore the Florida outdoors. There may be off-site trips to the local parks that will focus on Florida ecosystems.
Florida 4-H Marine Camp
These five day programs will allow participants to experience Florida's marine environments first-hand through exploratory activities such as canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, and fishing. Additional activities including marine lab investigations, field trips to area sites, and recreational activities that focus on developing an environmental awareness about local marine ecosystems.
Florida 4-H Sportfishing and Shooting Sports Camp
These five-day residential programs are devoted to the skills and safety of the 4-H shooting sports and sports fishing programs. Tracks will vary from year to year but may include casting, tackle crafting, tracking, outdoor cooking, the use of air rifles, shotguns, and archery. Additional activities in natural resources, knots, and aquatic ecology may also be presented. Traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, recreational games, campfires, and more will also take place.
Beekeeping Essay Contest
4-H club members write an essay about a selected topic relating to the beekeeping industry. Entries are judged on accuracy, creativity, conciseness, logical development of the topic, and scope of research.
Forest-Ecology Judging Event
The goals of these events are to make Florida 4-H club members and their leaders more knowledgeable about the natural environment of Florida and to realize the value and importance of Florida forests. Participating 4-H members compete by identifying common Florida plants and animals, including common forest insects and diseases, answering questions about trees and ecosystems, and using maps and compasses. Visit the Florida 4-H Forest Ecology Web site for details.
Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP)
This is a 4-H youth natural resource program dedicated to teaching wildlife and fisheries habitat management to junior and senior level (8-19) youth. Participants learn to identify common wildlife foods, judge the quality of wildlife habitat from aerial photographs, and recommend wildlife management practices.
To find out about available 4-H project materials, see the Curriculum: Environmental Education section of our site. Visit the Florida Wildlife Extension's Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program page for more information about the WHEP program.
Land Judging Event
This team competition supports the environmental and natural resource programs. Youth learn soil types and appropriate land use, including homesite evaluation. It promotes an appreciation for the capability of the land and the contribution it makes to an individual's standard of living. The event also helps to improve personal knowledge and skills as well as family appreciation for the importance of conserving natural resources.
Florida 4-H State Marine Ecology Event
This state competition supports the 4-H marine education program. Participants identify selected organisms (i.e., vertebrates, invertebrates, plants) found in marine habitats and demonstrate their knowledge of concepts related to marine ecology and marine ecosystems. Rules, guidelines, and study materials can be obtained through the 4-H website. This event is part of the Marine / Aquatic Education Curriculum.
Florida 4-H State Marine Photography Contest
This state competition supports the 4-H marine education program and is held in conjunction with the State Marine Ecology Event. This contest is open to all 4-H members, regardless of age. The three photo categories participants may enter include:
- Marine habitats and ecosystems (i.e., coral reefs, mangroves, salt marshes, etc.)
- Marine life (fish, crabs, shells, seaweed, etc.)
- Photos of people interacting with or impacting the marine world (diving, swimming, boating, beach erosion, surfing, etc.)
- Aquatic Habitats - Includes scenes of freshwater lakes, ponds, wetlands or swamps, rivers, etc.
- Aquatic Life - Includes scenes of specific animals/plants that can be found in freshwater or along the shore such as alligators, bass, pond turtles, water birds, insects, etc. (NOT marine life.)
Shooting Sports
These State level matches are open to 4-H participants who are in a county shooting sports club/program led by a discipline certified 4-H Shooting Sports leader/volunteer. Participants may enter as an individual or county team. (All participants are scored as individuals with awards going to high point individuals regardless of their participation with a team.) Registration materials are generally sent via email to county extension offices.
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