Beth Carlan-Watson, the 4-H agent for Gordon County, is a third generation 4-H’er.
“It wasn’t something I decided to do, I just always knew I’d be in 4-H,” she said. Her grandmother volunteered “many” hours to 4-H when Carlan-Watson’s mother was involved.
“Then my parents became involved and they were both named honorary Master 4-H’ers,” said Carlan-Watson, about a title given yearly to one exemplary volunteer in the entire state. Carlan-Watson and her husband, Corey, are both Master 4-Her’s.
“I’ve seen what this program can do from both sides,” she said. “I was that shy fifth-grader who learned how to speak in public. Now I do it all the time and I see how this program helps children.”
She also added that Gordon County has been very generous covering budget cuts in the past, including paying utilities and upkeep for the UGA Extension office.
According to Watson, the Board of Regents was directed to cut an additional $300 million from their FY 2011 request. The University of Georgia’s portion is $58 million or 12.8%.
The University of Georgia has recommended eliminating the 4-H program and closing all five 4-H centers – Rock Eagle in Eatonton, Washega in Dahlonega, Jekyll Island, Burton/Tybee Island and Camp Fortson in Hampton.
While this would save the system $11.6 million, Carlan-Watson said that the savings might not be worth it in the long run.
“It seems like the 4-H program and the cooperative extension offices are being unfairly targeted,” said Carlan-Watson. The proposal would also eliminate half of the cooperative extension offices.
According to studies done by the program, 92 percent of Georgia 4-H participants graduate from high school, compared to the 78-percent state average. Georgia also has the highest number of 4-H students in the country who join the military.
Carlan-Watson points to some state leaders as being 4-H alumni including former Governor Roy Barnes and current Speaker of the House, David Ralston.
4-H provides performance based environmental education for all of Gordon County schools. The program is 106 years old and the environmental education program has been in effect since 1979.
“It’s a great program,” said Savannah Kirkland, an Ashworth Middle School seventh grader, who has been in the program for three years. “You learn leadership skills and how to speak in front of people.”
Kirkland said her projects have included making a solar oven and taking care of poultry.
“Rock Eagle camp gave me the chance to learn archery and canoeing. I don’t think getting rid of the program is a good idea because it helps kids learn and do better in school. It gets us ready for real life.”
Carlan-Watson said that while the state pays a majority of the programs costs, federal and county money comes into play as well. Gordon County pays for one program assistance and the USDA provides funds for salaries and programs.
Carlan-Watson also added that Gordon County has been very generous covering budget cuts in the past, including paying utilities and upkeep for the UGA Extension office. If the program is eliminated, those monies may never come back.
“I’m afraid that if they eliminate this program, it will be very difficult to bring it back in a few years,” she said.
Carlan-Watson said since learning about the proposal, the outpouring of support, especially from students has been touching.
“They have it all over their Facebook pages,” she said. “No adult is telling them to do this. This is the leadership aspect (they learned in 4-H) showing. We’re proud of them,” she said.
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