When Blake McBride first learned that the internship that he had worked so hard for would be cancelled this summer due to COVID-19, he was devastated. The UGA Music Education and Public Relations major had already had his freshman year cut short due to the pandemic. Returning to Athens for the summer to work in the state 4-H Office would have been a bright spot and helped to make up for the spring semester’s sudden end.
Meanwhile, Emanuel County 4-H was recruiting applicants for an AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members provide service to organizations that help eradicate poverty. Emanuel County 4-H’s particular Summer VISTA position would provide youth programming focused on establishing healthy habits and food securities. When McBride learned that there was an opportunity to live at home and still serve with 4-H, he jumped on board.
As an Emanuel County 4-H alum, McBride is very familiar with the programs offered and with the staff in the office. "I am excited to be able to serve with Emanuel County 4-H,” he said. “From sixth grade all the way until I graduated, I have learned so much from 4-H, and I have grown to the person I am today because of it. Having the opportunity to give back to an organization that gave me so much is truly a wonderful experience.”
He has also served in a volunteer role previously, having attended summer camp at Rock Eagle in 2019. In his new capacity, though, McBride is actually creating and providing programming and activities to youth centered on healthy habits. "I believe health is way more important than what we attribute to it,” he said. “Whether we realize it or not, our physical health does have an effect on how we look at life. If I can encourage someone, especially a student, to have a more positive outlook on life by helping them to a healthier lifestyle, then that is all I could hope for."
While excited about the opportunity to serve as a VISTA with 4-H, it has come with obstacles. Due to COVID-19, no in-person programming or day camps (the very bread and butter of 4-H) were possible. McBride has had to improvise and moved the fun from the classroom to YouTube. So far, he has written, starred in, and edited three videos for youth focused on important healthy habits including proper handwashing, MyPlate, and mindfulness. New videos come out weekly on Emanuel County 4-H’s YouTube channel. Also being planned are family game nights via Zoom. "Of course, we are not in the position that we hoped we would be at this time, but we like to focus on the positive things,” said McBride. “YouTube provides a wonderful opportunity to reach students who, otherwise, may never come to a 4-H meeting. Using all the tools available to us, such as social media, gives us an opportunity to do even more good."
McBride’s knowledge about and passion for the 4-H program coupled with his enthusiasm and experience with technology, have allowed him to overcome several obstacles. While there are approximately 4 weeks left in his service as a Summer Associate, he is well on his way to making a lasting impact with Emanuel County 4-H.
For more information about Emanuel County 4-H, its programs, or how to get involved, contact Jakyn Tyson at 478-237-1226 or visit the office located at 129 North Anderson Drive in Swainsboro.
