Episode 33 - Marion County 4H

In our newest episode of Discover Ocala, we’re really happy and excited to welcome Crystal McCazzio, the UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Director, and Katie Davis, 4-H Youth Development Agent, to talk about what 4-H has to offer in Marion County, as well as at regional and national levels – where Florida kids are excelling. 

The program starts with kids as young as five in the Cloverbuds group, and extends right up through high school. While traditional activities like animal care and agriculture remain popular, 4-H offers a wide range of programs that kids and parents can choose from based on their interests and talents.  

"We look at what we call ‘sparks’ – what interests kids?" McCazzio explains.

Among the fields available for study include robotics, photography, public speaking, archery, entomology, horticulture, forestry, and equine sciences. Local teams regularly compete across the country; for example, the forestry team placed third at Nationals, and horse club members recently advanced to state and regional shows. 

"I’m proud to say that every one of our youths that went on to the state level placed first in their category,” Davis says.  “We also have specialty programs; our horse club area has youth who will be competing at area 4H horse shows. We had 12 youths in total, and they can then advance to the State horse show; three of them just competed at the southern regional horse show in Perry, Georgia.” 

Beyond technical subjects, 4-H focuses heavily on social development and practical life skills. A mock legislature program gives the youths an opportunity to act as lobbyists, senators, representatives, and even as governor to gain firsthand experience about how government works and navigating the challenges of writing laws.

"That really is a wonderful experience for them to learn.” Davis observes. One of the kids is now in his third year attending. Davis says with a smile, “Now he wants to go into politics and law when he graduates high school in another year.”

Participants also learn and practice time management, record keeping, and general organization skills that objectively will help them later on in their lives, handling the daily tasks and schedules we all have to work with and manage. With around 40 volunteer-led clubs meeting in schools, churches, and community centers, kids get regular opportunities to collaborate with peers and build community connections.

The program is set up to be as accessible and affordable for families as possible; annual enrollment costs $20, while the Cloverbuds program for ages 5–7 is free. For families needing extra support, financial aid and scholarships are available for membership, summer camps, and competition travel expenses. 

McCazzio emphasizes the impact of donor support. "We were blessed to announce the Lemasters Memorial Scholarship program, and we were able to give out nine $1000 scholarships as a result of their generosity. So it truly helps these kids continue."

Families can get started by calling 352-671-8405 ext. 8405 or 352-671-8400, or by visiting their Facebook page and website.  Enrollment is open now, and the formal program year begins September 1. 

"I encourage anyone to explore 4H; it truly has so much to offer,” says McCazzio, illustrating the organization’s generational influence. “I was a 4H’er, and my kids are 4H’ers, and my mom is still a 4H leader, so it’s definitely been impactful." 

Watch the latest episode of Discover Ocala below, or catch up on our previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Music, or on Youtube.