Conferences and Retreats . . . Several conferences are held throughout the year that focus on current trends and situations that our young people face. A state-wide Junior Conference is held in October / November for 7th and 8th Grade 4-H'ers: Fall Forum (December), Senior Leadership Conference (April) and State 4-H Council (July) are held for 9th - 12th grade 4-H'ers. At the national level, National 4-H Conference Citizenship Washington Focus and Youth Issue Conferences are also held for Senior 4-H'ers. Selection for these conferences is based upon an application process. Area retreats, combined with counties surrounding Gwinnett, focus on youth leadership, financial awareness and youth survival skills.

Community Service . . . The Gwinnett County 4-H Council conducts community service projects throughout the year. Projects include activities such as: community clean-ups, adopt-a-highway, Christmas for needy families, landscape projects, Adopt-a-Stream and assisting with community projects. Community service projects vary from year to year depending on the need of the community and interest of the 4-H'ers participating.

Cotton Boll / Consumer Jamboree . . . 4-H'ers learn to evaluate consumer goods, services and clothing in order to make knowledgeable and rational decisions when purchasing these items by participating in this district event. The district winning senior teams advance to state competition. Training classes are held in October and November of each year with the district contest in November.

Forestry Field Day . . . Forestry Field Day is a judging team event where 4-H'ers learn about one of Georgia's most valuable resources. Participants learn to identify trees, insects and diseases. They also participate in compass and pacing activities. Forestry trainings begin in the summer with the district contest held in September. Senior teams competing at the district contest advance to state competition.

Horse Club . . . The Hi-Hat Horse Club is a special interest club that meets monthly, through the school year, to provide educational programs about horse breeds, riding, care and training. In addition, members have the opportunity to participate in academic competitions such as Horse Quiz Bowl or Horse Judging. Members range from horseless enthusiasts to competitive horse show riders. All interest levels are welcome. Horse club meets on the second Tuesday of each month, October - May. This is a non-riding program.

Project SAFE . . . The goals of Project S.A.F.E. are: to introduce 4-H'ers to the sport of shooting; to create an awareness of and promote shooting safety; to develop discipline, poise, and self-control in all circumstances where firearms are used; and to re-enforce the concept of team work and good sportsmanship. The Gwinnett County 4-H Project S.A.F.E. Program is a 12 week program that provides "hands-on" training in the area of Air Rifle for 9th -12th Grade and BB (four position rifle) for 5th - 8th Grade students. Parents participate with their child in a positive family environment.

Poultry Judging . . . The 4-H Poultry Judging Contest gives 4-H'ers the opportunity to learn about poultry, (grades and production) and eggs, (quality and grades). Participants judge live birds, ready-to-cook birds, broken out eggs and eggs in the shell. Training classes are held during the spring with the district contest in April. Senior teams placing at the district contest advance to state competition.

Summer Activities & Camping Programs . . .Each summer, fun and educational activities are planned for 4-H'ers. Summer activities vary from year to year and include classes held in the county or trips to educational foundations and historic sites in Georgia . In addition, a week of summer camp, coordinated by the county 4-H office, is offered for Cloverleaf 4-H'ers (4th - 6th grades) at Rock Eagle 4-H Center . Junior Camp for 7th and 8th grades and Senior Leadership Camp for 9th -12th grades are offered each year at one of 4-H camp facilities.