DOBSON — This summer is going to be an exciting adventure for all youth ages 5 to 19. The Surry County 4-H has planned activities and classes for all ages through the N.C. Cooperative Extension.

Classes such as Wild About Wildlife, Zoo Snooze, 4-H Investigates, Lazy 5 Ranch, Calcium Carnival, Heritage Day, Sew Much Fun, Cooking Creations and more will be offered.

“We encourage people to sign up early. Last year our classes filled up the first day. It’s a good thing and it shows that the classes are something that people look forward to each year. They feel like they are a benefit and lots of fun for their kids,” said Extension Agent Carmen Long.

Participants will be involved in hands-on activities, crafts, exploring and having a great time with others from across the county.

“This year we are offering some new classes like the Zoo Snooze were kids actually get to go and spend the night at the zoo. They do a creatures of the night session where they learn about animals, but enjoy being out in the dark. That will be a lot of fun,” Long said.

Long said these programs are especially good for children because they are learning without even realizing it, because they are having so much fun.

“If all learning experiences could be this hands-on, I think kids would find them to a lot more enjoyable. That’s one of the benefits of 4-H is that they get to learn by doing.”

Most classes meet from 8:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Participants will be required to pay a $10 registration fee, which includes a Summer Explosion T-shirt. Each activity has a fee ranging from $5 to $40. Registration will begin on Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Center in Dobson and will continue until classes are full.

Contact Teresa Wilkins, 4-H agent at 401-8025 for more details and to receive a free Summer Explosion brochure.

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