TOP PHOTO: John Taylor from the Campbell County UT Extension Office was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s South Campbell County Rotary on Tuesday.

 By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – John Taylor from the Campbell County UT Extension Office was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s South Campbell County Rotary meeting.

He spoke about the UT Extension Office’s role in Campbell County. 

The UT office serves citizens of Campbell County as an outreach branch of UT Agriculture. With an office in each of the state’s 95 counties, “UT Extension helps Tennesseans to improve their quality of life and solve problems through the application of research and evidenced-based knowledge about agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community development,” according to Taylor.

The UT Extension Office offers multiple agriculture services such as pesticide certification, soil testing and more. It also offers multiple family and consumer sciences services and tons of 4-H related activities.

“In 2001, the University of Tennessee and the state recognized the need to grow the 4-H program in Tennessee,” Taylor said.  

Taylor said he was hired in October 2021 and that he works directly with 67 4-H clubs in local schools focusing on STEM lessons and much more such as communications, wildlife and agriculture. He works with students from fourth grade up through high school. 

4-H opportunities abound in Campbell County with “in and after school clubs” exploring different topics. Camping, livestock raising opportunities, Forestry, wildlife and more are all part of the 4-H youth development programs. Kids learn by doing with these many 4-H opportunities. 

He gave a report on last year’s Campbell County 4-H clubs members and accomplishments, saying the clubs and programs have grown exponentially.

He said the 4-H shooting sports program was by far a local favorite and that it had two certified instructors. Students participate in riflery, archery, black powder and shotgun classes. 

John Taylor from the Campbell County UT Extension Office was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s South Campbell County Rotary on Tuesday.

“We are currently offering archery, shotgun and muzzle loader programs. These programs are expensive, but despite these costs we intend to expand and add a riflery program,” Taylor said. 

4-H also hosts a monthly honor club and the sewing club is about to start up as well. 

Taylor spoke on the benefits and opportunities that youth have through participation in 4-H. 

“Youths involved in 4-H programs excell. They are more likely to be more civic minded and are more likely to take part in science and other STEM programs,” Taylor said, adding that 4-H programs continue to grow each year and that “Campbell County has a strong future with 4-H.”

To sign up for shooting sports, sewing club and other 4-H programs, call 423.562.9474 or visit HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/24/2022-6AM)

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