CCC Day at Upton State Forest

Thank you to the Giglio, Millett and Stratton families for representing the UPTON 4-H CLUB at CCC-Day yesterday, at The Upton State Forest! Thanks, also, to the Suazo, Killeen and LeClaire families, who donated supplies for the day, even though they were unable to attend! It was such a beautiful Autumn day ~ I am so glad that we participated in this historic event, sponsored by the Friends of the Upton State Forest, honoring the alumni who served at the CCC Camp during the 1930s!

Our Club members spent the day providing info about 4-H, and sharing Nature Crafts ... leaf rubbings, rock painting, and pinecone birdfeeders ... with families who visited our booth.

Senator Ed Augustus stopped by to say hello, and posed for this picture!
(We also wanted a picture with Smokey Bear , but he left early ... maybe off to fight a fire somewhere?!)

We saw 3 live falcons,

and attended the flagpole dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the newly-named CCC Way (the main trail heading into the State Forest parking lot).

We also had fun with Letterboxing, and found the first 2 boxes in the new series of 5 boxes placed in honor of the day. We're planning to go back, possibly next weekend after the Fishing Derby, to scout out the other 3!

Announcing the *NEW* Outdoor Adventure Program . . .

. . . starting this Fall!

HIKING ... FISHING ... ARCHERY ... CANOEING & KAYAKING!

• We will be hiking local trails throughout Upton and surrounding area parks.
  
  
• We will be learning and/or fine tuning our fishing skills, and learning about equipment specifically for fishing our local waters.
  
  
  
  
• The 1st Annual Upton 4-H Club Youth Fishing Derby
  will be held Sunday, Oct 19th from 9am-12noon!
  
  Mark your calendars and Pre-Register at Fin & Feather Sports beginning on September 20th!
  

• We will learn the basics of archery, and shooting arrows on a safe archery range *Participants will be divided into age groups for range time.
  
  Limited slots available per group. Minimum age of 8yrs old to participate w/parents in attendance.
  
  
• This winter we hope to have an Ice Fishing clinic and an afternoon gathering of ice fishing on Pratt Pond.
  
  
• In the Spring, we will bring canoeing and kayaking to the group. Learn the basics of kayaking and canoeing for the whole family!

There will be a small cost for taking part in the Outdoor Adventure Program events. (You must first be a 4-H member in good standing.) We are looking into some funding options, grants, etc, and will be buying equipment in bulk to keep expenses to a minimum.

We are still working out all the particulars, so please stay tuned! Jeff LeClaire, owner of Fin and Feather Sports in Upton, will be coordinating this Program, but he needs your help to make it happen!!! Please let him know that you're willing to help get this program going!

He may be contacted through email at: jeffleclaire@verizon.net

A bit of info about our Club ...

The Upton 4-H Club is part of Worcester County 4-H, located in Central Massachusetts. Although we're based in Upton, we have members from many surrounding towns, including Uxbridge, Northbridge, Douglas, Blackstone, Hopkinton, Millbury, Mendon, Framingham, Medway, Charlton ... pretty much all over!!

Our club began in September 2007, mainly focusing on Rabbits & Cavies. During our first year, our membership reached 26 youth members, ranging in age from 5 to 16, and 5 registered adult volunteers. As we prepare for the upcoming County Fair, a culmination of our first year, we look forward to lots of new and exciting adventures in the year to come, including the addition of 2 new interest groups:
Gardening and Nature & Wildlife (which will include fishing, hiking and archery!)
and LOTS of new members!