Local Programs
4-H Jr Summer Camp
Jamestown 4-H Center also has specialty camps throughout the year for youth 5-13 with counseling opportunities for older youth. Visit Jamestown on the web at www.jamestown4hcenter.org
Thank you for a great 4-H Jr Summer Camp Week! See you in 2026.
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2025 4-H Summer Day Camps
REGISTER TODAY!
4-H Food Challenge Cooking Camp
July 31st & August 1st, 11AM - 4PM
Ages: 9-14
Get ready for an exciting summer filled with global flavors! We’re diving into an incredible culinary adventure, exploring everything from mouthwatering Street Tacos to the rich and aromatic Penang Curry. This is your chance to challenge your taste buds and elevate your cooking skills with sizzling skillet action! Let’s travel the world through our plates and discover new tastes together! Who’s ready to join the fun?
4-H Cloverbud Explorers Nature Camp
August 19th -21st, 9AM -12PM
Ages: 5-8 (must have completed kindergarted)
Cloverbud Explorers Nature Camp: Young campers will dive into the wonders of the outdoors through guided nature hikes, exciting scavenger hunts, and playful outdoor games that encourage teamwork and creativity. They'll learn about local plants and wildlife, create nature-inspired crafts, and enjoy storytelling sessions under the trees. With a focus on hands-on exploration and plenty of fresh air, our camp offers a safe, fun, and enriching environment for kids to connect with nature and make new friends.
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4-H Clubs in Gloucester
Typically 4-H clubs meet once a month. They provide lots of fun learning experiences while building leadership and citizenship skills through work on 4-H projects and community service.
Call (804) 693-2602 for information about joining a club, volunteering, and starting new clubs.
Gloucester 4-H Horse Club
Open to youth aged 9-18. Learn all about horses, participate in horse education contests and riding events.
4-H Animal Science Club
Open to youth aged 9-18. Explore a variety of animal science activities and projects related to your chosen animal.
Cloverbud's
Open to youth aged 5-8 (cannot turn 9 within the current 4-H year). Explore the treasures of 4-H through crafts, nature and community service projects.
4-H Peer Teacher/Jr. Interpreter Program
2024 APPLICATION PERIOD IS CLOSED
Upcoming Diabetes Prevention Program
This will be a year-long, virtual program (via Zoom), from 12-1 on Tuesdays, starting August 26th (information session August 19th) - weekly for the first 2 months, bi-weekly for the following 4 months, and then monthly after that. There is no fee to participate!
To qualify, participants must:
1. Be 18 years or older.
2. Have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher if Asian American).
3. Not be previously diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
4. Not be pregnant.
Participants will also need to meet 1 of these 3 requirements:
1. Had a blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past year (includes any of these tests and results):
Hemoglobin A1C: 5.7–6.4%.
Fasting plasma glucose: 100–125 mg/dL.
Two-hour plasma glucose (after a 75 g glucose load): 140–199 mg/dL.
2. Be previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
3. Received a high-risk result (score of 5 or higher) on the Prediabetes Risk Test - https://www.cdc.gov/.../Prediabetes-Risk-Test-Final.pdf...
If you're interested in participating, contact our office at 804-693-2602 or email Glenn Sturm at gjsturm@vt.edu
These programs may be scheduled by appointment. If you are interested in having one of these programs offered for your organization or group and/or would like more information, please contact Glenn Sturm, FCS Extension Agent at (804) 693-2602 or gjsturm@vt.edu. There is no fee associated with these programs.
Small Steps to Health and Wealth
Small Steps to Health and Wealth is a program designed to motivate participants to improve both their health and their finances by encouraging participants to set a health goal and/or a wealth goal and take action to achieve their goals by identifying small progress steps. This program consists of goal setting, a discussion of similarities between health and personal finance issues, and 25 suggested behavior change strategies that can be applied to either health, finances, or both. The impact of health on finances and finances on health is also explored.
Cooking for Crowds
Cooking for Crowds was designed to show participants the food safety risks that develop when cooking large volumes of food and how to reduce those risks so that the food the group prepares is both safe and delicious. Although many of the food safety strategies recommended are similar to those recommended to commercial food establishments, the strategies have been translated into practical methods to meet the specific needs of non-commercial audiences, such as non-profit organizations and churches.
Reading the Nutrition Facts Label
Reading the Nutrition Facts Label is a short 30-45 minute workshop, based around an Arizona Cooperative Extension publication developed by Dr. Kay Hongu. The workshop takes a step-by-step approach to discuss serving sizes, counting calories, the health benefits and risks of the three macronutrients and other commonly listed nutrients, and the FDA’s Percent Daily Values.
Couponing 101 and Saving Money on Food
Couponing 101 is a single-day 45-60 minute workshop that discusses important coupon definition, how to be organized when couponing, maximizing coupon value and other ways to lower spending of food. This is designed to be an introductory class that provides new coupon users with the tools to reduce their food and grocery expenses.
Walk-a-Weigh
Walk-a-Weigh is a researched-based, weight control curriculum developed by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. This user-friendly program consists of education covering three areas: nutrition, physical activity, and healthy food and drink preparation. With more than 30 potential topics, done anywhere from 5 to 12 weeks, this is a very flexible curriculum able to meet the local community needs for nutrition and physical activity education. What makes this program different from other weight control programs, is that part of the class time is devoted to physical activity – which can be anything from walking after a presentation to a full cardio workout. Medical waivers may be required from participants.
Cooking Matters Created in 1993 by Share Our Strength, Cooking Matters teaches participants, both youth and adults, to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices and cook delicious, affordable meals through hand-on food preparation and education.
MyPlate and Food Preparation This is a multi-session class for youth where we learn about MyPlate and the food groups and prepare healthy snacks and small meals related to the food groups learned.
Pressure canning is the only method for canning meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables recommended by the USDA. The bacterium Clostridium botulinum is destroyed in low-acid foods when they are processed at the correct time and pressure in pressure canners.
The USDA recommends that pressure canner gauges be tested every year for accuracy.
The Gloucester Extension Office conducts this testing at no charge for Gloucester residents.
Dial gauges need to be checked every year for two safety reasons: safety in operation and safety in food preservation. Weighted gauges do not need to be checked. High dome canners cannot be tested.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Glenn Sturm at (804) 693-2602 or gjsturm@vt.edu
Frank Long, ANR Agent
Middlesex Extension Office
(804) 758-4120
Robbie Longest, ANR Agent
Essex Extension Office
(804) 443-3551
robbiel7@vt.edu
The Virginia Master Naturalist (VMN) program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.
Composed of 30 semi-independent, locally focused chapters, the program is actively supported, guided, and represented by the over-arching statewide VMN program.
Become a Master Naturalist HERE
Soil samples are analyzed for specific soil nutrients to determine proper application rates of fertilizer and lime for optimum plant growth. Routine analysis includes soil pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and B. Soluble Salts and Organic Matter tests are also available. Completed soil test results, along with a recommendation on fertilization and liming, are mailed to the client. Sampling and mailing instructions are found on the sample boxes and forms, which should be sent directly to the lab with the soil sample and payment.
Soil sample boxes and information sheets are available at these locations:
* VCE Gloucester Office
* Tractor Supply (6499 Market Dr, Gloucester, VA 23061)
In State samples are $10.00
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SEND A PLANT DISEASE IDENTIFICATIONSAMPLE INSTRUCTIONS HERE |
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How to pay for your sample (BEFORE SHIPPING)
Note: If you are unable or do not wish to pay by credit card via the Destiny One Payment website, you may pay by check or cash at the Gloucester VCE Office. The Plant Disease Clinic will not accept check or cash for payment. Virginia Cooperative Extension Gloucester County Office 6099 TC Walker Rd PO Box 156 Gloucester, VA 23061 |
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The Virginia Tech Insect Identification Lab provides identification and control recommendations to Virginia Cooperative Extension agents. Insect samples and insect damaged plant material from any structural, plant, or animal hosts are accepted. Insects are identified to the lowest taxonomic level needed for control decisions. Control recommendations accompany insect identification results, which are sent back electronically to each Virginia Cooperative Extension office. Digital photos can also be used for identification.
Many insects can be identified and control recommendations provided by your local Extension Office.
Three Things to Know about Well Water
1. We’ve heard a lot about lead and other metals in drinking water recently, but what you may not know is that it is incredible rare for these metals to be naturally found in groundwater. Instead, water that is either too low in pH, and/or has other corrosive elements, is leaching the metal from plumbing components. The water doesn’t have to be all that corrosive or acidic to leach metals either, it’s generally recommended that drinking water have pH above 6.5 to prevent corrosion, which means regular rain water is more than acidic enough to leach metals from your pipes!
2. There are quite a few different sources of potential contaminants to drinking water; surface contaminants could be getting into your drinking water, especially if the well head or grouting is not well maintained, metals could be leached from your plumbing, sodium may be added from your softener, and many contaminants come naturally from the groundwater if they aren’t addressed with treatment devices.
3. How often should you test your drinking water? Generally, it’s recommended to test for bacteria annually, and do more comprehensive tests every three years or so, including testing for pH, total dissolved solids and other local concerns. Testing is particularly important since some of the contaminants most detrimental to your health (E. coli, nitrates, lead, among others), may be at high enough levels to cause serious health issues without you ever noticing a different smell, taste, or appearance.
2025 Well Water Clinic Dates have been announced. Please visit HERE for more information.
The Virginia Family Nutrition Program is a program within Virginia Cooperative Extension that extends the land-grant education and outreach mission of Virginia Tech by offering a comprehensive collection of resources, educational programs, and services across the Commonwealth to improve the health of families. The motto of the Virginia Family Nutrition Program is Eat Smart, Move More.
The Virginia Family Nutrition Program has a specific focus of addressing food security and the prevention of costly chronic diseases. Our commitment to finding real solutions for our communities is showcased through a variety of programs and initiatives that impact community health.
Our funding comes from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to offer the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to offer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in Virginia.
Contact: Elizabeth Hayes, Sr. Nutrition Education Facilitator, Family Nutrition Program, EFNEP & SNAP-Ed via email at ehayes@vt.edu or by calling the Gloucester Virginia Cooperative Extension office (804) 693-2602.
We offer several different program series for individuals or groups:
- Eating Smart-Being Active for caregivers of children 12 years or younger – learner-centered education on food budgeting, healthy eating, and physical activity
- In the Kitchen for caregivers of children 12 years or younger – hands-on food preparation and cooking to gain key skills to prepare low-cost, easy, and nutritious meals and snacks at home
- Healthy Eating and Staying Active as We Age for individuals 60+ years old – learner-centered education focused on nutrient concerns of older persons, such as fiber, saturated fat, sodium, and water
- Nutrition Mini Lessons 30-minute sessions designed to be accessible and engaging, providing individuals or groups with practical information that can include, introduction to MyPlate, sodium, portion control, adding movement to your lifestyle, and more
Programs are available to adults with a limited income, receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or who qualify for other government assistance programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Head Start, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid. There is no cost to participate in this innovative and hands-on program.
Elizabeth Hayes is a Sr. Nutrition Education Facilitator serving the localities of Gloucester, Mathews, and Middlesex. She is housed in the Gloucester Extension Office. She works with the limited income (adults/youth) in the community delivering nutrition education at various sites throughout the year. Elizabeth serves on the Bridges Head Start Advisory Board, Advisory Board for Bay-Aging, and the Extension Leadership Council for Gloucester County. Contact her for more information about the Family Nutrition Program in your community.
Our mission as trained volunteers in partnership with the Gloucester County, Virginia Cooperative Extension, is to provide horticultural educational opportunities to the public, through research-based horticultural education programs and activities to enhance the environment and lives of residents in our community.
SUBMIT A QUESTION TO THE GLOUCESTER MASTER GARDENERS HERE
Master Gardeners Present at Brent and Becky’s Bulbs
The Gloucester Master Gardeners will present informative programs throughout the year. These gardening presentations will be at Brent and Becky’s in the Chesapeake Room at 10:00 a.m. No registration is required and programs are FREE.
Join us for :
- February 15th: Pruning
- March 15th: When and How to Plant Vegetables
- April 19th: Honey Bees
- May 24th: Tick Forum
- June 21st: How Plants Work
- July 19th: Gardening with Fowl
- August 23rd: Hydrangeas
- September 27th: Saving Your Harvest
- October 18th: Gardening Myths
- November 15th: House Plants
- Decemeber 13th: What To Do For Next Years Garden
Monday, August 4th: GHS Horticultural Program with Renee Hypes, Brent & Becky's Bulbs (Chesapeake Room, 7900 Daffodil Lane). 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. GEMG Chapter meeting to follow.
Monday, September 8th: GEMG Monthly Meeting, 9:00 AM. Abingdon Episcopal Church. Continuing Education (Open to the public) at 10:00AM, Topic TBD.
22nd Annual Plant Extravaganza: Friday, Sept. 5th, 3PM to 7PM and Saturday, Sept. 6th, 8AM to 12PM. Gloucester Moose Lodge 886 Family Center. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers and chips for sale.
Monday, October 6th: GEMG Monthly Meeting, 9:00 AM. Abingdon Episcopal Church. Continuing Education at 10:00 AM: Longleaf Pines by Pamela Darney, Chris Conley, and Tomoko Hamada.
Saturday, October 12th: Gloucester Master Gardeners at Gloucester Farmers Market. 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Ware Church. Come visit the Gloucester Master Gardeners at the Farmers Market. Shop a variety of plants, books and bring your gardening questions!
Monday, November 4th: GEMG Monthly Meeting, 9:00 AM. Abingdon Episcopal Church. Continuing Education (open to the public) at 10:00 AM: The Natural History of Winter by Dr. Shawn Dash.
Virginia's Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide
VTechWorks (VCE) Publications Database (search by topic to pull up publications)
Engaging with Communities
Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:
- Leadership & Planning
- Community Enterprise and Resiliency
- Community Food System and Enterprises
- Community Planning
- Emerging Community Issues
Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.
Do you have a question about Community Viability?
Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expertsystem.
Community Viability Specialists
