4-H is a voluntary, educational program for youth ages 5-18. Its approach to youth development is through hands-on learning. Clubs are groups of 4-H members and their families, who meet to conduct business meetings, participate in community service, come together to learn about one specified project area or many projects based on members’ interests, practice speaking/presenting to a group and socialize with others.

There are a variety of clubs in Caldwell County, but 4-H members can pursue their project interests regardless of if they are in a club specifically targeting that project area. It is encouraged that members join clubs because experiences in 4-H are greatly enhanced through club membership.

Below is a listing of current 4-H clubs in Caldwell County:

Appalachian Aces 4-H Club

This club is centered around shooting sports and is for youth ages 9-18. Meetings are held at the Caldwell County Fairgrounds or Heritage Valley Farm (1253 McRary Creek Rd., Lenoir). This club is currently at capacity, with a waiting list in place. Contact Caldwell County 4-H for more information.

Fairgrounds:

• May 2 – Riflery
• May 9 – Archery
• May 16 – Riflery
• May 23 – Archery
• May 30 – Business Mtg.

Heritage Valley Farm:

• June 6 – Archery
• June 13 – Riflery
• June 20 – Archery
• June 27 – Riflery

Additional information can be obtained from the Club Leaders.

Baton Elementary Bear Paws 4-H Club

This club is taking a break this year pending new club leaders. If youth there are interested, they should tell their teacher they want to join 4-H and participate.

Cooking 4-H Club

The Cooking 4-H Club meets to cook, bake and have fun with food. They normally meet on the third Monday of the month in the evening from 6-8 p.m. This club is currently at capacity, with a waiting list in place. Contact Caldwell County 4-H for more information.

The Cooking 4-H Club meetings are held in Lenoir at the Caldwell County Meeting Rooms and Cooperative Extension kitchen unless otherwise announced. 2024 dates are as follows:

• Apr 15
• May 20
• June 17
• July 15
• Aug 19
• Sep 16
• Oct 21
• Nov 18
• Dec 16

Circuit Breakers 4-H Club

The Circuit Breakers 4-H Club is for youth ages 10-18, and focuses on science and technology topics. Fun activities in STEM and electricity are planned for each meeting. Meetings are held at the Extension Meeting Room (120 Hospital Ave., Lenoir) unless otherwise stated. They are held on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m., unless there is a close holiday (ex: Labor Day). 2024 dates are as follows:

• May 6
• June 3
• July 1
• Aug 5
• Sep – no meeting
• Oct 7
• Nov 4
• Dec 2

Events: April 24  – Game of Drones

Cloverbuds of Caldwell County 4-H Club

The Cloverbuds Club is for youth 5-7 but older youth can also join or volunteer. Age-specific activities on topics such as pets, nature, and science will be offered. Club meetings will be on the 2nd Mondays of the month during the school year at 6 p.m. at Caldwell County Meeting Rooms (below the library in Lenoir) unless members are notified otherwise. 2024 dates are as follows:

• Apr 8
• May 13
• June 10
• July 8
• Aug 12
• Sep 9
• Oct 14
• Nov – no meeting
• Dec 9

Saddle 4-H Club

The Saddle Club, which focuses on the horse project, meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. No horse is required to join, and it is open to youth ages 5-18.

It meets outside at 4912 Carpenter Rd, Granite Falls, NC 28630 (Lisa Deal’s barn) until Daylight Saving Time in the fall. Then it moves indoors to Lakeview Baptist Church (325 Shasta Ln, Lenoir, NC) for meetings after the time change. With a rich history, the Saddle Club is the longest-standing 4-H Club in the county.

2024 Dates:

• Apr 9
• Apr 20- Fun Horse Show, Lamb Farm, 4902 Sweet Creek Dr, Morganton
• May 14
• June 11
• July 9
• Aug 13
• Sep 10
• Oct 8
• Nov 12
• Dec 10

Blue Ridge Riders 4-H Club

The Blue Ridge Riders 4-H Club is our newest club, and also focuses on the horse project. This club is open to youth ages 5-18, and will be working to build horsemanship skills, equine knowledge, and provide community service opportunities. Horse ownership is not required, however this club’s focus is on hunt seat for intermediate or higher riders. For more information, contact Gabby Whorley at glwhorle@ncsu.edu

This club meets twice monthly, the first is a business meeting, and the second is an activity meeting. Unless otherwise announced, meetings are at 6:00 p.m., and will be at 4234 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Hudson, NC. Contact club leader Esther Sutherland for details at ejsuth@hotmail.com.

Livestock 4-H Club

The Livestock Club welcomes youth to learn about livestock species – cattle, sheep, goats, etc. through hands-on activities. Unless otherwise indicated, they meet at 6:00 p.m., usually at the Caldwell Agriculture Fairgrounds off of US 321 in Lenoir.

Many members raise and show livestock, but it is not a requirement to join. Open to youth ages 5-18.

2024 Meeting dates are as follows:

• Apr 16 – 5:15- Farm Tour in Vale, Extension Office
• May 14  – 6 p.m.- Caldwell Agricultural Fairgrounds, Vaccinations/Vet/Worming
• Jun 11 – 6 p.m. – Caldwell Agricultural Fairgrounds, Community Service
• July  – No Meeting
• Aug 13  – 6 p.m. – Caldwell Agricultural Fairgrounds, Livestock Show Prep

Events: optional to attend or work:

• April 19-20 – Ag Expo, Caldwell County Fairgrounds
• April 26-28 – Showdown in the Foothills (cattle)
• Jun 22-23 – Showdown in the Foothills (sheep & goats)

• April 10
• May 8 (tentative)
• June 12
• July 10
• August 14
• September 11
• October 9
• November 13
• December 11