Do you have a child that loves spending time outdoors? Exploring, hiking, biking, climbing trees, playing with bugs, fishing, birding, orienteering—anything, as long as they can be outdoors. We are blessed to live in an area with an abundance of absolutely beautiful mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, parks and trails to explore; and exploring is one of our favorite 4H Outdoor Adventure project group activities. Of course, while becoming awestruck and having fun outdoors, we hope that our students are learning all about our environment and developing a love for our world and a desire to care for it.

Several 4H judging teams have grown from this Outdoor Adventure group. The most recent competition was the Forestry Judging competition in September. At the competition, students were expected to be able to identify the trees of East Tennessee, as well as both the insects and diseases that may cause damage. Then they head outside to show off their knowledge of forest management and harvesting practices. Fun for all, especially since it is a day spent outside on a UT farm.

At a competition, each team is comprised of three or four students. This year, our Junior Forestry Judging team, comprised of Cameron Hayes, Jepson Haynes, and Brantley King took first place honors at the regional competition. Our Junior High competitors were Isaac Foust and Cameron Hayes. They are looking for more 4H members interested in learning about our forests so they can compete as a team. We would love to have several teams in each age group!

Other outdoor-oriented judging teams offered through 4H and our Outdoor Adventures are Archery, Grill Masters (who doesn’t love grilling outdoors) and Wildlife Judging—a very comprehensive, hands-on environmental education program. If you have a child in grades 4-12 that is interested in the outdoors; or if you are interested in volunteering to assist or lead some outdoor adventures, please contact the UT Extension/Union County office at 865-992-8038 or bbergero@utk.edu.