Alabama 4-H
Paddling is a great way to experience Alabama’s abundant water resources while enjoying quality time with friends and family and getting exercise. Youth ages 9 t0 18 are invited to participate in the Alabama 4-H RiverKids Program to learn basic paddling skills, water safety, and more about outdoor recreation.
Since 2016, 4-H RiverKids has paddled over 800 miles of Alabama freshwater. By partnering and working closely with the Alabama Scenic River Trail Association, Alabama 4-H’s goal is to increase the use of Alabama’s waterways, increase the knowledge and awareness of environmental and resource management issues, and incorporate service projects into 4-H fun.
Under the statewide framework, the program has grown from the grassroots level in 32 counties, as 57 certified staff instructors and 60 certified staff and volunteer assistants have worked with community partners to implement RiverKids activities and events using 4-H delivery modes.
Alabama counties that currently support a 4-H RiverKids program include Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Cullman, DeKalb, Escambia, Etowah, Fayette, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Shelby, Tallapoosa, and Winston.