Takeaways
- Craven Hudson brings nearly 40 years of Extension experience to Georgia 4-H, coordinating forestry, land judging, archery and public speaking programs that prepare youth for future success.
- Georgia 4-H Forestry Field Day and Project SAFE empower thousands of students with hands-on learning, teamwork and critical thinking opportunities led by Hudson and other Extension specialists and trained volunteers.
- Dedicated 4-H volunteers, coordinated by Hudson, play a vital role in youth development, from coaching Project SAFE participants to judging Project Achievement contests in more than 50 project areas across Georgia.
On the first cool Wednesday in September, Craven Hudson was in the woods on the outskirts of Athens surrounded by a few dozen 4-H’ers who listened intently to his instructions for the Georgia 4-H Forestry Field Day contest that was about to begin.
One day earlier, he gave the same instructions to students under the pavilion on Black Shank Farm on the University of Georgia Tifton campus. The day before that he delivered them at Rockdale County’s Camp Westminster.
The contest, which includes an event in each of the four Extension districts plus a state competition for qualifiers, is one of the many programs Hudson coordinates as an Extension 4-H specialist.
Hudson also manages 4-H land-judging contests and works with Project SAFE and Project Achievement, all programs that empower thousands of students with public speaking, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through research, training and hands-on learning.
Like many Extension professionals, Hudson wears an impressive array of hats. Throughout the seasons, he scours forests for specimen samples, paces across fields to set contest boundaries, builds archery targets and facilitates adult trainings. He ends each 4-H program year in a three-piece suit at 4-H State Congress, enthusiastically celebrating the success of the 4-H youth who participate in 4-H programming every day.
His 4-H journey began in Red Bank, Virginia, as the son of an Extension home demonstration agent. “My mother knew the kids in our rural community needed what 4-H had to offer, so she took on the responsibility of being a community club 4-H leader,” Hudson said. “I had to wait a year after she started the club to join because I had to be in fourth grade!”
Hudson went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in forestry and wildlife from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a master’s degree in forestry from North Carolina State University, then served with NC State Extension for more than 25 years. He joined the Georgia 4-H State Staff in 2014.
More than a decade later, Hudson’s enthusiasm and energy are well-known to all who serve with him.
Dedicated to 4-H volunteers
Hudson spends his spring weekends on the range with a host of dedicated Project SAFE volunteers. The acronym stands for Shooting Awareness, Fun and Education, and the program promotes teamwork, safety and responsible usage of firearms and archery equipment. Trained and certified volunteers deliver much of the Project SAFE programming to thousands of 4-H’ers every year.
“Certified volunteer coaches are the backbone of 4-H Project SAFE. We have certified more than 200 coaches every year since 2022,” Hudson said, whose leadership and coordination provide the logistical framework for large Project SAFE contests to take place efficiently and safely. “We absolutely could not provide these programs to youth without these dedicated parents and community members.”
More than 60,000 youth received instruction in the 4-H Project Achievement program in the 2024 program year. Hudson leads this initiative with Extension 4-H Specialist Keri Hobbs, coordinating a network of devoted volunteers who serve as expert judges for youth competing in more than 50 project areas.
“Throughout my years in Extension, I’ve interacted with many youths with significant disabilities. These 4-H’ers have excelled because committed volunteer leaders found creative strategies to help them succeed,” Hudson reflected. “These caring adults are relentless in trying new things and investing time in young people. In two cases I fondly remember, youth went on to become state winners because of their perseverance.”
Focused on youth success
When he is not traveling to 4-H events around the state, Hudson can be found in his office on UGA’s South Campus. He is known for his endless energy, bustling through the halls of Hoke Smith Annex, preparing for the next event.
After nearly 40 years of Extension experience, Hudson keeps his focus on helping youth find their spark and supporting them as they become thriving adults. “The best part of the job is seeing young 4-H’ers beaming with a sense of accomplishment after participating in their first competition,” he said. “It happens every time we hold an event — they are excited to share that experience with family and friends. There are always smiles all around.”
Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.
For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.
