Kids fly high at UF/IFAS: Hogwarts and Hearthstone 4H camp

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WCJB) -UF/IFAS Extension officials are taking a magical approach to teaching kids life skills in Columbia County.

They’re bringing the wizardly world of Harry Potter for the 1st Hogwarts and Hearthstone 4-H camp.

For 5 days, kids learn life skills with the perfect blend of magic and educational activities.

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“We are working on team building, subject matter, and talking about empathy when working with creatures,” said Horticulture agent Erin Harlow. “We are talking about horticulture and learning how to grow plants. They are learning different skills whether they realize it or not through a very fun interactive media that they can enjoy and get into.”

19 students picked up their wands, put on their robes, and flew on their brooms to Hearthstone Botanical Garden---taking part in herbology, potion-making, and transfiguration classes.

Teacher and 4-H agent Heather Futch explains what 4-H means.

“4-H is head, heart, hands, health but it is the division of the University of Florida that does youth development,” said Futch. “We’ve talked about positivity and the importance of that in youth and how all youth are different and the respect of diversity in those types of topics.”

The camp runs until Friday and is closed to future wizards....for now. To secure a spot in next year’s camp, visit their website.

Officials also offer classes and programs surrounding horticulture and financial and health courses for adults and kids year-round.

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