Attending camp is often a significant milestone in a youth’s life.  Camps allow youth to participate in hands-on activities, learn new things, meet new friends, and meet caring adult mentors.  Camps can help youth find community and light a spark for future engagement in 4-H or the community.  Clay County 4-H offers summer day camp [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_3253" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3253" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2026/02/Sphero3.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-3253 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="4-H Campers playing with Sphero Bolts." width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/files/2026/02/Sphero3-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3253" class="wp-caption-text">4-H Campers playing with Sphero Bolts.</figcaption></figure>
Attending camp is often a significant milestone in a youth’s life.  Camps allow youth to participate in hands-on activities, learn new things, meet new friends, and meet caring adult mentors.  Camps can help youth find community and light a spark for future engagement in 4-H or the community.  Clay County 4-H offers summer day camp programming to help youth explore sparks, engage in hands-on learning activities such as field trips, speakers, and more, and meet youth with similar interests.  All our camps are led by Extension Staff and trained 4-H and Extension volunteers who want to give back to the next generation.
Camp Offerings
We are delighted to share our 2026 summer day camp offerings.  Thanks to a generous gift from Waste Management and Clay County Board of County Commissioners many of our camps are free or at a reduced cost!  If you see a camp that interests your youth, you can view more information about the camp and register at the link in the camp description.  If your youth is new to 4-H and you need to set-up a 4-H Online profile, we have directions on how to create a 4-H Online account <a href="https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/media/florida4hifasufledu/docs/Youth-Member-Enrollment-Instructions---4-H-Online.pdf">here</a>.  Camp ages are based off of the youths&#8217; age as of September 1, 2025.
<ul>
<li>World Showcase Camp &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCoWorldShowcaseCamp2026.4honline.com">https://ClayCoWorldShowcaseCamp2026.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Exploring art, music, food, fashion, and stories from around the world.</li>
<li>Dates:  June 3 -5</li>
<li>Ages:  11-18</li>
<li>Cost:  $120</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Young Entrepreneurs Camp Hosted by Oakleaf Trailblazers 4-H Club &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCoYoungEntrepreneursCamp.4honline.com">https://ClayCoYoungEntrepreneursCamp.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Entrepreneurship</li>
<li>Dates: June 5</li>
<li>Ages:  11-13</li>
<li>Cost: FREE</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>All About Animals &amp; Ag &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCoAAACamp2026.4honline.com">https://ClayCoAAACamp2026.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Agriculture &amp; Animals</li>
<li>Dates:  June 15-19</li>
<li>Ages:  5-9</li>
<li>Cost:  $100</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Summer Snacks &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCoSummerSnacksCamp2026.4honline.com">https://ClayCoSummerSnacksCamp2026.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Cooking &amp; Baking</li>
<li>Date:  June 25</li>
<li>Ages:  11-18</li>
<li>Cost:  FREE</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Oh Sweet!  Honey Bee Camp &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCoOhSweetHoneyBeeCamp26.4honline.com">https://ClayCoOhSweetHoneyBeeCamp26.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Honey Bees &amp; Beekeeping</li>
<li>Date:  June 26</li>
<li>Ages:  6-16</li>
<li>Cost: FREE</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Mini-Master Gardener Camp &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCoMMGCamp2026.4honline.com">https://ClayCoMMGCamp2026.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Plants, Insects, and Gardening</li>
<li>Dates:  June 29-30</li>
<li>Ages:  8-12</li>
<li>Cost:  FREE</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Coding &amp; Creating Camp &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCodingandCreatingCamp26.4honline.com">https://ClayCodingandCreatingCamp26.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Coding, AI, and Creativity</li>
<li>Dates:  July 6-10</li>
<li>Ages:  10-14</li>
<li>Cost:  FREE</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Hunter Safety Day Camp &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCoHunterSafetyDayCamp26.4honline.com">https://ClayCoHunterSafetyDayCamp26.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Hunter Safety</li>
<li>Dates:  July 13-16</li>
<li>Ages:  12-18</li>
<li>Cost:  FREE</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Level Up:  The Game of Real Life Day Camp &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCoLevelUpCamp2026.4honline.com">https://ClayCoLevelUpCamp2026.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Money Management and Financial Literacy</li>
<li>Dates:  July 27-29</li>
<li>Ages:  13-18</li>
<li>Cost:  FREE</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Honey Harvesting Honey Bee Camp &#8211; <a href="https://ClayCoHoneyHarvestingCamp2026.4honline.com">https://ClayCoHoneyHarvestingCamp2026.4honline.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Camp Focus:  Honey Extraction and Beekeeping</li>
<li>Date:  July 31</li>
<li>Ages:  6-16</li>
<li>Cost:  FREE</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
For camps that have a cost, we have scholarships and financial assistance to help offset the cost of camp for youth.
Clay County 4-H Members – Youth may apply for the Youth Camp Scholarship through the Clay County 4-H program.  For applications, please contact our office at <a href="mailto:Clay4h@ifas.ufl.edu">Clay4h@ifas.ufl.edu</a> or 904-284-6355.
Youth Not Currently Enrolled in 4-H &#8211; Thanks to a generous grant from the Capital City Bank Group Foundation, we have funds to provide partial scholarships for non-4-H members to participate in one of our 2026 Summer Day Camps.  Scholarship applications are due on May 15 at 4 pm.  For an application, please contact our office at <a href="mailto:Clay4h@ifas.ufl.edu">Clay4h@ifas.ufl.edu</a> or 904-284-6355.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

4-H Campers playing with Sphero Bolts.
Attending camp is often a significant milestone in a youth’s life.  Camps allow youth to participate in hands-on activities, learn new things, meet new friends, and meet caring adult mentors.  Camps can help youth find community and light a spark for future engagement in 4-H or the community.  Clay County 4-H offers summer day camp programming to help youth explore sparks, engage in hands-on learning activities such as field trips, speakers, and more, and meet youth with similar interests.  All our camps are led by Extension Staff and trained 4-H and Extension volunteers who want to give back to the next generation.
Camp Offerings
We are delighted to share our 2026 summer day camp offerings.  Thanks to a generous gift from Waste Management and Clay County Board of County Commissioners many of our camps are free or at a reduced cost!  If you see a camp that interests your youth, you can view more information about the camp and register at the link in the camp description.  If your youth is new to 4-H and you need to set-up a 4-H Online profile, we have directions on how to create a 4-H Online account here.  Camp ages are based off of the youths’ age as of September 1, 2025.
World Showcase Camp – https://ClayCoWorldShowcaseCamp2026.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Exploring art, music, food, fashion, and stories from around the world.
Dates:  June 3 -5
Ages:  11-18
Cost:  $120
Young Entrepreneurs Camp Hosted by Oakleaf Trailblazers 4-H Club – https://ClayCoYoungEntrepreneursCamp.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Entrepreneurship
Dates: June 5
Ages:  11-13
Cost: FREE
All About Animals & Ag – https://ClayCoAAACamp2026.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Agriculture & Animals
Dates:  June 15-19
Ages:  5-9
Cost:  $100
Summer Snacks – https://ClayCoSummerSnacksCamp2026.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Cooking & Baking
Date:  June 25
Ages:  11-18
Cost:  FREE
Oh Sweet!  Honey Bee Camp – https://ClayCoOhSweetHoneyBeeCamp26.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Honey Bees & Beekeeping
Date:  June 26
Ages:  6-16
Cost: FREE
Mini-Master Gardener Camp – https://ClayCoMMGCamp2026.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Plants, Insects, and Gardening
Dates:  June 29-30
Ages:  8-12
Cost:  FREE
Coding & Creating Camp – https://ClayCodingandCreatingCamp26.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Coding, AI, and Creativity
Dates:  July 6-10
Ages:  10-14
Cost:  FREE
Hunter Safety Day Camp – https://ClayCoHunterSafetyDayCamp26.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Hunter Safety
Dates:  July 13-16
Ages:  12-18
Cost:  FREE
Level Up:  The Game of Real Life Day Camp – https://ClayCoLevelUpCamp2026.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Money Management and Financial Literacy
Dates:  July 27-29
Ages:  13-18
Cost:  FREE
Honey Harvesting Honey Bee Camp – https://ClayCoHoneyHarvestingCamp2026.4honline.com

Camp Focus:  Honey Extraction and Beekeeping
Date:  July 31
Ages:  6-16
Cost:  FREE
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
For camps that have a cost, we have scholarships and financial assistance to help offset the cost of camp for youth.
Clay County 4-H Members – Youth may apply for the Youth Camp Scholarship through the Clay County 4-H program.  For applications, please contact our office at Clay4h@ifas.ufl.edu or 904-284-6355.
Youth Not Currently Enrolled in 4-H – Thanks to a generous grant from the Capital City Bank Group Foundation, we have funds to provide partial scholarships for non-4-H members to participate in one of our 2026 Summer Day Camps.  Scholarship applications are due on May 15 at 4 pm.  For an application, please contact our office at Clay4h@ifas.ufl.edu or 904-284-6355.

Attending camp is often a significant milestone in a youth’s life.  Camps allow youth to participate in hands-on activities, learn new things, meet new friends, and meet caring adult mentors.  Camps can help youth find community and light a spark for future engagement in 4-H or the community.  Clay County 4-H offers summer day camp […]

Clay County 4-H 2026 Summer Day Camp Registration Now Open

We’re heading into a new year, which means many of us will soon be making our New Year’s resolutions. Each year, around 2 out of 3 Americans make a resolution related to financial goals. However, statistically, 80-90% of our resolutions will fail (often within the first few weeks of the year!) So, how can you [&#8230;]

We’re heading into a new year, which means many of us will soon be making our New Year’s resolutions. Each year, around 2 out of 3 Americans make a resolution related to financial goals. However, statistically, 80-90% of our resolutions will fail (often within the first few weeks of the year!) So, how can you turn your financial resolutions into a plan that will actually stick? The answer is SMART goals! SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Let’s break down these five concepts.
<hr />
<h3>1. Specific</h3>
Specific goals give you a clear target.
“I want to save money” may be a great idea for a goal, but you will be able to reach your target more easily when it is more specific. Try something like, “I want to save $1,000 for my emergency fund”, instead.
<h3>2. Measurable</h3>
To reach your goals, you need to track your progress. If your goal is to save $1,000 in 2026, you can measure how much you save each month to keep track of your progress.
Tip: Measuring your goals frequently can keep you motivated to achieve long-term goals. Consider planning a reward for yourself once you reach a milestone. For example, for every $250 you save toward your $1,000 goal, reward yourself with something small that you have been waiting to buy, like a new book or a ticket to the movies.
<h3>3. Achievable</h3>
Be realistic!
Maybe it is doable for you to save $100 a month for 10 months to reach $1,000, but not to save $500 a month to reach $5,000. Setting your goals too high can lead to frustration.
<h3>4. Relevant</h3>
Don’t forget to think about your goals in context.
Does your goal fit your life? Why is it important to you? Building an emergency fund may be important to you because it will help you handle unexpected expenses without going into debt.
<h3>5. Time-bound</h3>
Set a deadline… and keep it!
For example: “I will save $1,000 for my emergency fund by October 31.” Deadlines keep you motivated and on track.
<hr />
<h3>Why SMART Goals Work</h3>
SMART goals turn big dreams into small steps. They help you stay focused and celebrate progress along the way. Whether you want to stick to a budget, pay off debt, save for a vacation, or build an emergency fund, SMART goals make it possible. (Tip: SMART goals aren’t just for finances; you can use this same framework for your other goals, too!)
<hr />
<h3>Get Started!</h3>
Grab a pen and write down one SMART financial goal today. Small changes add up to big results.
Want help setting or achieving your financial goals? You’re in the right place! We offer education and resources on many topics such as budgeting, managing credit and debt, building savings, housing, investments, retirement, and estate planning. Reach out to UF/IFAS Extension Clay County at (904) 284-6355 or email Ella Dinkins at edinkins@ufl.edu.
Sources:
<a href="https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/leadreadtoday/why-most-new-years-resolutions-fail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/leadreadtoday/why-most-new-years-resolutions-fail</a>
<a href="https://newsroom.fidelity.com/pressreleases/fidelity-s-17th-annual-resolutions-study--americans-preparing-for-a-year-of--planning-with-purpose-/s/fc3d5689-e2a4-433b-8048-d56053f283e0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fidelity&#8217;s 17th Annual Resolutions Study</a>

We’re heading into a new year, which means many of us will soon be making our New Year’s resolutions. Each year, around 2 out of 3 Americans make a resolution related to financial goals. However, statistically, 80-90% of our resolutions will fail (often within the first few weeks of the year!) So, how can you turn your financial resolutions into a plan that will actually stick? The answer is SMART goals! SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Let’s break down these five concepts.
1. Specific
Specific goals give you a clear target.
“I want to save money” may be a great idea for a goal, but you will be able to reach your target more easily when it is more specific. Try something like, “I want to save $1,000 for my emergency fund”, instead.
2. Measurable
To reach your goals, you need to track your progress. If your goal is to save $1,000 in 2026, you can measure how much you save each month to keep track of your progress.
Tip: Measuring your goals frequently can keep you motivated to achieve long-term goals. Consider planning a reward for yourself once you reach a milestone. For example, for every $250 you save toward your $1,000 goal, reward yourself with something small that you have been waiting to buy, like a new book or a ticket to the movies.
3. Achievable
Be realistic!
Maybe it is doable for you to save $100 a month for 10 months to reach $1,000, but not to save $500 a month to reach $5,000. Setting your goals too high can lead to frustration.
4. Relevant
Don’t forget to think about your goals in context.
Does your goal fit your life? Why is it important to you? Building an emergency fund may be important to you because it will help you handle unexpected expenses without going into debt.
5. Time-bound
Set a deadline… and keep it!
For example: “I will save $1,000 for my emergency fund by October 31.” Deadlines keep you motivated and on track.
Why SMART Goals Work
SMART goals turn big dreams into small steps. They help you stay focused and celebrate progress along the way. Whether you want to stick to a budget, pay off debt, save for a vacation, or build an emergency fund, SMART goals make it possible. (Tip: SMART goals aren’t just for finances; you can use this same framework for your other goals, too!)
Get Started!
Grab a pen and write down one SMART financial goal today. Small changes add up to big results.
Want help setting or achieving your financial goals? You’re in the right place! We offer education and resources on many topics such as budgeting, managing credit and debt, building savings, housing, investments, retirement, and estate planning. Reach out to UF/IFAS Extension Clay County at (904) 284-6355 or email Ella Dinkins at edinkins@ufl.edu.
Sources:
https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/leadreadtoday/why-most-new-years-resolutions-fail
Fidelity’s 17th Annual Resolutions Study

We’re heading into a new year, which means many of us will soon be making our New Year’s resolutions. Each year, around 2 out of 3 Americans make a resolution related to financial goals. However, statistically, 80-90% of our resolutions will fail (often within the first few weeks of the year!) So, how can you […]

New Year, New You? Set SMART Financial Goals for 2026

By Wayne Hobbs, Interim County Extension Director and Environmental Horticulture Agent The month of December is here and we have another busy month here at UF/IFAS Extension in Clay County. Our office has a bit of extra holiday cheer with some homemade decorations for the annual county door decorating contest and we are all working [&#8230;]

By Wayne Hobbs, Interim County Extension Director and Environmental Horticulture Agent
The month of December is here and we have another busy month here at UF/IFAS Extension in Clay County. Our office has a bit of extra holiday cheer with some homemade decorations for the annual county door decorating contest and we are all working to wrap up on the year but our agents, staff, and volunteers are still here to help you with your questions and educational needs out in the community.
First, we do have some office closures this month for the holidays including:
Thursday, December 25th
Friday, December 26th
Thursday, January 1st
<h2>Public Workshops</h2>
Join us for one or more of the following workshops at our office or around the county this December!
<h3>UF/IFAS Financial Well-Being Series</h3>
Dates and Locations: December 2nd @ 12pm to 1pm or 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Description: Build your financial confidence and improve your financial wellness! Join us for the December session of our Virtual Financial Well-Being Series. This series offers practical, easy-to-apply strategies for you to manage your personal finances.
This month, learn all about different types of investment accounts and how you can start investing safely. You&#8217;ll get practical tips and easy-to-apply strategies so you can begin investing with confidence.
Each session is offered on the first Tuesday of the month at two convenient times, so you can choose which works best for you. Spend your lunch break with us from 12:00-1:00 PM or join us in the evening from 6:30-7:30 PM. Get more information and sign up at this link today!
Registration Link: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/ufifasfinancialwell-being">Https://tinyurl.com/ufifasfinancialwell-being</a>
<h3>Event: Monthly Master Gardener How-To Series</h3>
Date and Location: Monday, December 15th, 11:30am-12:30pm at UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Classroom
Description: Join us for our monthly, free Horticulture How-To advice series workshop to learn all about composting from the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers. This will be held on Monday December 15th at 11:30 am and feel free to bring your lunch.
Event is located in the classroom in the rear of the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County office at 2463 SR16W, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.
Registration Link: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monthly-gardening-how-to-series-compost-basics-tickets-1434889195209?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monthly-gardening-how-to-series-compost-basics-tickets-1434889195209?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>
<h3>Event: Certified Pile Burn Virtual Course</h3>
Date and Location: Tuesday, January 13th and January 14that 8am, Online
Description: Certified pile burners are trained to burn piles legally, safely, and efficiently. For more information about this certification, visit <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Education/Certified-Pile-Burner">https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Education/Certified-Pile-Burner</a> .
Registration Link: <a href="https://JanuaryPileBurn.eventbrite.com">https://JanuaryPileBurn.eventbrite.com</a>
<h2>Public Events</h2>
<h3>Event: Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic at Orange Park Farmer’s Market</h3>
Date and Location: Sunday, December 7th, 10am to 3pm at 2042 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073
Description: Visit our UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers at the December Orange Park Farmer’s Market to get answers to your plant questions and learn more about how their program benefits the community!

By Wayne Hobbs, Interim County Extension Director and Environmental Horticulture Agent
The month of December is here and we have another busy month here at UF/IFAS Extension in Clay County. Our office has a bit of extra holiday cheer with some homemade decorations for the annual county door decorating contest and we are all working to wrap up on the year but our agents, staff, and volunteers are still here to help you with your questions and educational needs out in the community.
First, we do have some office closures this month for the holidays including:
Thursday, December 25th
Friday, December 26th
Thursday, January 1st
Public Workshops
Join us for one or more of the following workshops at our office or around the county this December!
UF/IFAS Financial Well-Being Series
Dates and Locations: December 2nd @ 12pm to 1pm or 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Description: Build your financial confidence and improve your financial wellness! Join us for the December session of our Virtual Financial Well-Being Series. This series offers practical, easy-to-apply strategies for you to manage your personal finances.
This month, learn all about different types of investment accounts and how you can start investing safely. You’ll get practical tips and easy-to-apply strategies so you can begin investing with confidence.
Each session is offered on the first Tuesday of the month at two convenient times, so you can choose which works best for you. Spend your lunch break with us from 12:00-1:00 PM or join us in the evening from 6:30-7:30 PM. Get more information and sign up at this link today!
Registration Link: Https://tinyurl.com/ufifasfinancialwell-being
Event: Monthly Master Gardener How-To Series
Date and Location: Monday, December 15th, 11:30am-12:30pm at UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Classroom
Description: Join us for our monthly, free Horticulture How-To advice series workshop to learn all about composting from the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers. This will be held on Monday December 15th at 11:30 am and feel free to bring your lunch.
Event is located in the classroom in the rear of the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County office at 2463 SR16W, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monthly-gardening-how-to-series-compost-basics-tickets-1434889195209?aff=oddtdtcreator
Event: Certified Pile Burn Virtual Course
Date and Location: Tuesday, January 13th and January 14that 8am, Online
Description: Certified pile burners are trained to burn piles legally, safely, and efficiently. For more information about this certification, visit https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Education/Certified-Pile-Burner .
Registration Link: https://JanuaryPileBurn.eventbrite.com
Public Events
Event: Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic at Orange Park Farmer’s Market
Date and Location: Sunday, December 7th, 10am to 3pm at 2042 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073
Description: Visit our UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers at the December Orange Park Farmer’s Market to get answers to your plant questions and learn more about how their program benefits the community!

By Wayne Hobbs, Interim County Extension Director and Environmental Horticulture Agent The month of December is here and we have another busy month here at UF/IFAS Extension in Clay County. Our office has a bit of extra holiday cheer with some homemade decorations for the annual county door decorating contest and we are all working […]

Clay County

Narrower Topics

Clay County 4-H 2026 Summer Day Camp Registration Now Open

New Year, New You? Set SMART Financial Goals for 2026

December 2025 Activities at the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Office

Clay County

Narrower Topics

Clay County Soil and Water

Clay County 4-H 2026 Summer Day Camp Registration Now Open

New Year, New You? Set SMART Financial Goals for 2026

December 2025 Activities at the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Office