We're excited to share a new resource through the Family Success Alliance: Nurture Nest, a program providing free essential items to eligible Orange County families with babies and young children.

Who is eligible?

▪️Orange County residents
▪️Pregnant individuals starting in their 4th month of pregnancy or families with children under age 2
▪️Families and individuals currently connected to an Orange County Health Department program

What families can receive:

▪️Baby clothing and diapers
▪️Feeding and care supplies
▪️Bath and safety items
▪️Maternity essentials

Families can register here:

English form: https://forms.office.com/g/4cMUNZizbn

Spanish form: https://forms.office.com/g/hQVzsQnAm6

If someone needs help registering, they can call 984-209-3723. Interpretation is available.

 We’re hopeful that the Nurture Nest can help ease the financial burden of baby-related expenses and provide meaningful support to families.

Please see mental health trainings being offered this spring below and sign up here: https://forms.office.com/g/WgRe5aXTKf

This summer, Hope Renovations and Professional Women in Building (PWB) are giving kids the chance to learn by doing. Campers will explore the world of construction through hands-on projects, tool safety lessons, STEM activities, and even a visit to a real construction job site. Lunch is provided, and before- and after-care options are available. More info here.

Join us the Orange County Public Library for the launch of their Summer Reading Program with the roaring theme, "Unearth New Adventures"! Dive into a summer of adventure, creativity, and exploration as they kick off the season with fun activities for all ages.

Event Details:

Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: River Park Grounds, 228 South Churton Street - near the River Park Arch

Come and explore the opportunities that await in our Summer Reading Program. This kickoff event will feature interactive stations, crafts, games, and more! Entertainment will include Poetry Fox, face painters, and balloon artists!

No Registration Required:
This is a free, drop-in event. Come anytime during the listed hours, bring your blankets or chairs, and stay as long as you'd like to soak up the fun. Hang out and celebrate the start of an amazing summer! There will not be food available for purchase at this event. 

Applying is simple! Students just need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.gov. If they're eligible, they will automatically receive the Next NC Scholarship; there are no additional forms to fill out.

Completing the FAFSA by June 1, 2026, ensures that students who qualify will receive their maximum award.

After this date, FAFSA forms are reviewed in the order received, and funding will be awarded as available until funds are exhausted. More info here.

Spots still remain for 4-H summer camps, including residential camp!  Don't miss out on opportunities to "Learn By Doing" this summer in Orange County!

Registration for all camps will take place on 4-H Online.  Children must be enrolled in 4-H Online* as a member of Orange County 4-H before registering for camps.  Simply access the camp links from your 4-H Online homepage or click on the Events tab from your homepage to view all opportunities.  Camp spots are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, N.C. Cooperative Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to Kathleen Rogers at 919-245-2066 or kathleen_rogers@ncsu.edu. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before your selected camp.

May is Bike Month and Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation is celebrating with a Campfire and Movie in the Park. They will be screening E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial!

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, and join them for a magical evening by the fire! Roast marshmallows and enjoy delicious s'mores as you watch an onscreen adventure. Parent or guardian must accompany children under 12 years old. Biking to the event is encouraged! More info here. 

No one is allowed to make noise in King Lion’s land and everyone fears his anger….except young Nani who is inspired by the world around her to play her drum. Though she tries to play softly, her increased volume can’t be avoided. But clever Nani exhausts the lion with her rhythms until he sleeps and everyone else dances. Drumming noises make for a perfect read-aloud and encourage young audiences to join in.