BY ANGELINA BOUDY AND MEGAN DANIEL
Union County 4-H
During the week of June 16, a three-day camp titled Jr. Homesteaders was held at the Union County Extension Office in collaboration with Lafayette County 4-H.
With a growing interest in self-sufficiency, the camp aimed to teach youth about the history of homesteading and how those practices continue today.
From gardening and beekeeping to cooking, woodworking, and raising animals, homesteading offers a unique way to connect with the outdoors and take greater control over what ingredients are used in food and household products.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in hands-on activities that brought the past to life—cooking their own meals, playing traditional games, and making candles and soap. The camp also included field trips to local establishments to explore the history of homesteading in Florida.
Homemade lunch, checkers and ‘Old Yeller’
To kick off the week, youth received an overview of homesteading’s origins in the 1800s and learned about how cattle ranching helped shape farmsteads in both the American West and Florida. Campers then tried their hand at being homesteaders by preparing a homemade lunch that included creamed corn, green beans, jam, butter, and biscuits. This experience helped them appreciate the time and effort involved in home-cooked meals and the importance of knowing where their ingredients come from.
Because early homesteaders didn’t have access to modern technology, campers also learned how children entertained themselves in the past. They played sack races, marbles, checkers, and chess—classic games that would have filled time on the homestead. Later that day, youth learned about the value of dairy cattle and goats as milk sources, then paired up to make homemade vanilla ice cream in a bag. They capped off the day by watching Old Yeller, gaining insight into daily life on a homestead.
Beef, bees and browsing the museum
On the second day, youth toured North Florida Custom Meats, where Jimmy Tallman shared a behind-the-scenes look at meat processing from start to finish. Campers observed each stage of the butchering process and learned about the importance of treating animals humanely before and during the slaughter process to produce high-quality meat.
Back at camp, participants then discovered the important role of bees in growing food and made rolled beeswax candles. They also created goat milk soap to take home. A highlight of the day also included watching chicks hatch from an incubator to learn more about how homesteaders raised poultry.
The second day of camp concluded with a visit to the Union County Historical Museum. Ms. Jean Brannen led a tour showcasing farm equipment, cooking tools, and household items once found on early homesteads. Youth also learned about the turpentine industry’s significance in Florida during the late 1800s and early 1900s. They enjoyed browsing old photos and newspaper clippings highlighting 4-H’s long history of teaching practical life skills such as animal care and showmanship.
Historic farm site, Poe Springs
To wrap up the week, campers visited Dudley Farm Historic State Park in Newberry, FL—a preserved 1880s-era farm and National Historic Landmark. Youth walked original paths that once connected Newberry, Archer, and Gainesville, used by ranchers to move cattle between towns. They explored the Dudley family’s home, viewed antique kitchen tools and farm equipment, pumped water from a well, saw cracker cattle, and watched a blacksmith demonstration.
The final stop of the week was Poe Springs, where youth cooled off with a refreshing swim—just like homesteaders may have done after a hard day’s work.
By the end of the week, participants not only learned about homesteading but also experienced what it was like to live as a homesteader.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this camp a success. Our 4-H’ers surely enjoyed their journey back in time and left with a new appreciation for homesteading and living off the land.
