4-H needs your help
Dear Editor: Canoeing, campfires, swimming, and even swatting a few annoying insects are all a part of 4-H summer camp. It lasts only a week, yet memories endure for life.
The Rockdale County 4-H Club has 90 spaces for fifth graders for summer camp at Camp Wahsega in Dahlonega. The cost for a week at Camp Wahsega is $300, which includes transportation, food, lodging, a T-shirt and all activities.
While this is a great value for a week of summer camp, right now 16 fifth graders in Rockdale County will not get to experience 4-H camp because they have applied for a camp scholarship and we do not have the funds. We still need $3,290 to fund the scholarship requests for the remaining 16 applicants. Many of the requests from this year's applicants are from single parents trying to make ends meet, those who have lost their jobs, have medical expenses, or from those facing unexpected expenses such as raising a grandchild.
As part of the application we ask for a detailed budget to make sure applicants are really in need. One applicant showed that he had $75 left from his income each month after bills were paid. The family didn't have cable or a cell phone, yet the family was asking for only half a scholarship. That's how badly their child wanted to go to camp. The family is willing to sacrifice even more to send their child.
To fund all the requests, the 4-H program needs $6,090. We've already received $2,800 in donations from our annual scholarship donors, but we need another $3,290 to make these children's dreams of summer camp come true.
Any amount of money will help. All donations are tax-deductible. Even partial scholarships will make a difference. In the past we've had donations from businesses, civic groups, individuals and even families that don't have kids or whose children had a good experience at camp when they were in the fifth grade.
Summer camp is important to 4-H youngsters. It's a chance for them to be with their own age group away from their parents, where they can build self-esteem and self-confidence, make new friends and learn how to be responsible on their own. This doesn't even take into account that summer camp is just plain fun!
Campers will have the opportunity to take a variety of classes, which offer hands-on experience in archaeology, archery, photography, microwave cooking, pond ecology and canoeing, to name but a few activities.
If you would like to help send a deserving child to 4-H camp, donations can be sent to the Rockdale County 4-H Club, 1400 Parker Road, Lobby A, Conyers, GA 30094. Checks should be made payable to the Rockdale 4-H Club.
Funds are needed by May 27 and are tax-deductible. If you would like more information on the 4-H camping program please call (770) 278-7373.
Jule-Lynne Macie
Rockdale County
Extension Coordinator
Concert congrats
Dear Editor: In this day and time where the negative seems to outweigh the positive and crime and tragedy almost always land above the fold in local newspapers, it is refreshing to experience a taste of the good in our community.
I had the privilege, along with hundreds of other citizens in a packed Rockdale Auditorium, to attend the Covington-Conyers Choral Guild and Covington-Conyers Community Orchestra's "A Salute to America" concert this past weekend. The concert - a beautiful patriotic tribute to our country - was an uplifting reminder of all that is right in our nation and in Conyers. The vocalists, conductors and musicians are to be commended for the professionalism, artistry and musicianship they poured into the program that they'll be taking to share with the people of Normandy, France, this summer. What a treat that our community can give such a gift to another country.
I also was honored to attend the Rockdale County High School Jazz Band Concert on Saturday evening. The incredible talent and passion the students and Assistant Band Director Christopher Coleman conveyed in their musical selections is something our entire community should celebrate. Thanks to Mr. Coleman, we as audience members learned jazz has its roots in New Orleans, but I say jazz has taken up permanent residence in Conyers thanks to the incomparable Rockdale County High School Jazz Band.
Bravo to these outstanding performing arts organizations and thank you for being bright, positive stars in our community.
Jennifer Edwards
