Sevier County 4-H Kids Attend Electric Camp at University of Tennessee

Sevier County 4-H members Sierra Vess and Cecelie Williams of Catons Chapel; Shavonna Montpelier of Sevierville Middle; and Colton MacFarland of Seymour Middle were delegates to the 2015 UT Extension’s 4-H Electric Camp, July 7-10 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

They were a part of a group of over 280 youth representing counties from across the state. Delegates explored the world of energy, electricity and the basic sciences through fun-filled, hands-on learning experiences.

“The focus of the 4-H Electric Camp is to improve young people’s knowledge of electricity, energy conservation, alternative energy sources, electronics, computer applications and electrical safety,” said Mike Buschermohle, a professor with UT Extension. “They develop a better understanding of the important role electricity plays in their lives plus they have a lot of fun and they get to make many new friends from across the state.”

In addition to learning about electricity and other basic sciences, the conference featured recreational activities on campus, “Making Accidents Disappear” presented by magician Randall Eller, “Watt is Electricity” by Ben Roy and an afternoon at Dollywood.

The 4-H Electric Camp is made possible through a unique partnership established between UT Extension; the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and its statewide member cooperatives; the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association and its municipal power system members from across the state; TVA; and other industry donors. Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market provided funding for Sevier County delegates to attend.

The 4-H program is the youth development component of UT Extension and is also the state’s largest youth organization. With more than 168,000 members statewide, 4-H is available to young people in every Tennessee county.

Glenn K Turner

Extension Agent