2024 -2025 Program Calendar
***This calendar reflects 2024-2025. It will change to the 2025-2026 once prior to interviews. Students who are offered interviews will receive the calendar in their interview invitation emails.***
May 28: Parent-Student Orientation @ 6:30 pm
Francis Marion University’s Lee Nursing Building
Session Focus: This will be an opportunity to cover the program’s expectations, helpful tips for completing paperwork, and we will have time to answer any questions.
July 26- 27: Mandatory Opening Retreat*
Session Focus: Students will travel to SC FFA Camp in Cherry Grove.
Teambuilding, Personality Assessment, Leadership Development
*Bus Transportation Provided from Florence
Monthly sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
August 28: Education Day
Session Focus: Students will learn the importance of FMU and Florence-Darlington Tech to our county and they will also have an opportunity to see how degrees from these institutions are making positive impacts. Students will have the opportunity to interact with FMU Student Leaders.
September 20: Agribusiness Day
Session Focus: Students will tour local farms and agribusinesses where they will learn more about agriculture and agribusiness’s economic impact. Students will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders and learn more about the many career opportunities available.
October 15: State Fair Day
Session Focus: Students will learn about our 4-H & FFA livestock shows and South Carolina State Fair Exhibitors.
November 13: Health Care & Healthy Living Day
Session Focus: Exposing students to the large health care industry in our county, the impact of the industry on our county and career opportunities in addition to being reminded of the importance of healthy living.
December 6: Social Issues and Community Service Day
Session Focus: Overview of social issues affecting Florence County citizens. Students will hear from community service organizations that work to address these concerns. Participants will assist with hands-on community service projects and will gather information on how they can make Florence County a better place.
January 23: Business and Industry Day
Session Focus: Students will visit top Florence County industries and receive an overview of the economic profile and business climate for Florence County along with careers needed. A special visit to downtown Florence will be incorporated so that they students understand what revitalization means.
February 20: County Government Day
Session Focus: Students will have the opportunity to meet county leaders and develop an understanding of all the different agencies and divisions that make up Florence County Government.
March 11: State Government Day*
Session Focus: Students will travel to Columbia for State 4-H Legislative Day where they will have an opportunity to meet and network with state leaders and the importance of being an engaged, educated voter. They will also have a chance to meet other 4-Hers from across the state.
*Since we will be traveling to Columbia, this session will run longer than normal.
April 29: History & Art Day
Session Focus: Students will be given a glimpse of our past by traveling to Lake City and touring Moore Farms Botanical Gardens, Lynches Lake Historical Society, Ron McNair Living History Center, Bean Market, ArtFields and more while also learning how Florence County arts serve as a catalyst for community cohesiveness, educational advancement and economic growth.
May 6: Graduation
Graduation is tentatively scheduled for 6:00 pm at Francis Marion University’s Lee Nursing Building with a reception to follow. The families of our graduates along with our sponsors and advisory board are all invited.
May 28: Parent-Student Orientation @ 6:30 pm
Francis Marion University’s Lee Nursing Building
Session Focus: This will be an opportunity to cover the program’s expectations, helpful tips for completing paperwork, and we will have time to answer any questions.
July 26- 27: Mandatory Opening Retreat*
Session Focus: Students will travel to SC FFA Camp in Cherry Grove.
Teambuilding, Personality Assessment, Leadership Development
*Bus Transportation Provided from Florence
Monthly sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
August 28: Education Day
Session Focus: Students will learn the importance of FMU and Florence-Darlington Tech to our county and they will also have an opportunity to see how degrees from these institutions are making positive impacts. Students will have the opportunity to interact with FMU Student Leaders.
September 20: Agribusiness Day
Session Focus: Students will tour local farms and agribusinesses where they will learn more about agriculture and agribusiness’s economic impact. Students will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders and learn more about the many career opportunities available.
October 15: State Fair Day
Session Focus: Students will learn about our 4-H & FFA livestock shows and South Carolina State Fair Exhibitors.
November 13: Health Care & Healthy Living Day
Session Focus: Exposing students to the large health care industry in our county, the impact of the industry on our county and career opportunities in addition to being reminded of the importance of healthy living.
December 6: Social Issues and Community Service Day
Session Focus: Overview of social issues affecting Florence County citizens. Students will hear from community service organizations that work to address these concerns. Participants will assist with hands-on community service projects and will gather information on how they can make Florence County a better place.
January 23: Business and Industry Day
Session Focus: Students will visit top Florence County industries and receive an overview of the economic profile and business climate for Florence County along with careers needed. A special visit to downtown Florence will be incorporated so that they students understand what revitalization means.
February 20: County Government Day
Session Focus: Students will have the opportunity to meet county leaders and develop an understanding of all the different agencies and divisions that make up Florence County Government.
March 11: State Government Day*
Session Focus: Students will travel to Columbia for State 4-H Legislative Day where they will have an opportunity to meet and network with state leaders and the importance of being an engaged, educated voter. They will also have a chance to meet other 4-Hers from across the state.
*Since we will be traveling to Columbia, this session will run longer than normal.
April 29: History & Art Day
Session Focus: Students will be given a glimpse of our past by traveling to Lake City and touring Moore Farms Botanical Gardens, Lynches Lake Historical Society, Ron McNair Living History Center, Bean Market, ArtFields and more while also learning how Florence County arts serve as a catalyst for community cohesiveness, educational advancement and economic growth.
May 6: Graduation
Graduation is tentatively scheduled for 6:00 pm at Francis Marion University’s Lee Nursing Building with a reception to follow. The families of our graduates along with our sponsors and advisory board are all invited.