Avery County 4-H Summer W.O.W. Program Wraps Up a Summer of Learning, Adventure and Community Impact
go.ncsu.edu/readext?1089808
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2025
Avery County 4-H Summer W.O.W. Program Wraps Up a Summer of Learning, Adventure, and Community Impact
NEWLAND, N.C. – The Avery County 4-H Summer W.O.W. Program has wrapped up a season of learning, exploration, and community service for 55 local children, thanks to the continued support of Avery County Government. Operated through the Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development division, the program relies on county funding to provide safe, high-quality educational opportunities each summer.
Running from June 9 to August 1, the licensed program provided safe, full-day activities for youth ages 5–12. Each week blended hands-on learning with exciting outings, ranging from educational field trips to creative STEM projects and community service.
This year’s participants explored a wide variety of destinations, including the Just Jump trampoline park, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, and a water park in Tennessee. They learned about local industries during visits to Pittman Trucking and Linville Falls Winery and Christmas Tree Farm, and even got a behind-the-scenes look at Ashe County Cheese and a working bee farm.
Nature and wildlife education were highlights, with programs led by a North Carolina game warden, Grandfather Mountain’s “Creepy Critters” team, and local agricultural experts. Throughout the summer, children cared for garden beds, harvested fresh produce, and planted pumpkins for a fall display. Food grown in the gardens was donated to local non-profit, Feeding Avery Families, alongside weekend food boxes provided to families in need.
While the program offered plenty of fun, it also fostered leadership, responsibility, and peer mentorship.
“When kids first arrive, some are shy and reserved, ” said 4-H Program Director Alisha Woodie. “By the end of the summer, you see them mentoring younger participants, taking pride in their work, and sharing what they’ve learned at home. They’re building skills they’ll carry for life.”
Nearly half of this year’s participants attended on full or partial scholarships funded through county support and DSS subsidies, ensuring all interested families could participate.
The Avery County Government provided core funding for the program, allowing it to maintain affordable access and deliver high-quality, hands-on experiences to area youth.“The county’s backing means everything,” Woodie said. “They’ve never told us no — if it benefits the kids, they help make it happen. Because of that support, we’re able to give our youth opportunities they might not have otherwise.”
For more information on Avery County 4-H programs and other Cooperative Extension offerings, visit avery.ces.ncsu.edu or follow the Avery County 4-H Youth Development Facebook page.
About LiveWell Avery:
LiveWell Avery is a community-driven initiative launched by Avery County Government to connect residents with essential health and wellness resources. The program fosters collaboration among local organizations, empowering individuals with the knowledge and support needed to lead healthier lives.
Through education, outreach, and partnerships, LiveWell Avery promotes accessibility to programs that enhance physical, mental, and community well-being. By uniting key stakeholders, the initiative aims to create a stronger, healthier, and more connected Avery County.
###
Avery County Extension Director and Agricultural Agent Jerry Moody leads a hands-on planting
workshop for Summer W.O.W. participants..
###
4-H Summer W.O.W. kids visit Pittman Trucking for a Q&A with a local driver, learning about careers in the trucking industry.