DOBSON — Although school’s out for summer, some youngsters are still learning — not in the traditional classroom setting, but on the banks of the Fisher River.

The kids taking part in a 4-H program drove what looked like ordinary sticks in the ground next to the river, but what they were really doing was learning about erosion control during the Summer Explosion program through the N.C. Cooperative Extension.

Thursday, a group of about 12 youngsters learned about soil sciences at Fisher River Park during the first program of the year called “Dirt Cheap.”

During the learning experience, which seemed more like fun to the kids, the participants got to make sand sculptures, which they will take home and bake in the oven before painting.

Kaley White, who just graduated from the fifth grade at Copeland Elementary School, made her sand sculpture into the shape of a fish.

“We made them out of sand, cornstarch and water. We will bake them for 30 minutes at 250 degrees. Then we can paint them,” White said, explaining that she wanted to paint her fish blue, purple, green and yellow.

“Here in the park, we learned about good and bad erosion and ways to prevent erosion,” White explained over her lunch under the picnic shelter during a rain shower that halted the group’s efforts to plant silky willow stalks. Those stalks will grow into plants which will prevent further erosion of the river.

Led by Extension Agent Teresa Wilkins, the kids also got to learn how soil settles with an experiment they did with sedimentators. The kids poured rocks, then soil, salt and water into the sedimentators, which also doubled as ink pens. Within 24 hours after their experiment, they will be able to see how the soil and rocks settle inside the tube.

Although this year’s programs have already filled up, Wilkins is encouraged by overwhelming response to the program this year.

“We have over 80 kids signed up. This is my third year doing this. I have been able to see the kids grow over the years. I’m extremely pleased with the turn out this year,” Wilkins said.

4-H stands for Head, Heart, Hands and Health, Wilkins said.

“The kids get to learn life skills here. They learn everything from cooking, to sewing, to soil sciences, to public speaking. We teach them to be good stewards of their environment and communities. The 4-H club believes in giving back to the community. That’s why I love 4-H, the adults have as much fun as the kids,” Wilkins said with a smile.

The 4-H program is the youth component of the N.C. Cooperative Extension and is dedicated to helping boys and girls develop life skills needed to be contributing members of their communities. Children of all racial, cultural, economic and social backgrounds are welcome to participate in 4-H educational programs. 4-H is open to all children ages 9 to 13.

Programs during Summer Explosion, which kids do not have to be part of 4-H to participate in, this summer include “Clover Party,” “Farm Ventures,” “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” “Green Action,” “Money Sen$e,” “Insect Investigation,” “Emerald Point,” “Treasure Seekers” and “Incredible Journey.”

A Summer Explosion Night will take place Aug. 11 at Homeplace Park as a culmination of the summer’s activities. More than 100 parents and youth have signed up to attend the night.

This is a special year for 4-H as it is the program’s 100th anniversary. Because of this, staff members will be teaching the youth more about the origins of 4-H and how long it has been around. The 100th year anniversary celebration will be held today at the Cooperative Extension office in Dobson.

For more information, contact the N.C. Cooperative Extension office at 401-8025 or surry.ces.ncsu.edu and following the links for Summer Explosion.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.