Area 4-H Youth Very Active This Summer

Daniel Kasza

Dist. VI 4-H Reporter

July 25, 2003

Area youth have been busy this summer, between a camp, State 4-H conference, Citizenship Washington Focus, and an exchange trip to Minnesota. There were 56 area campers at 4-H camp, along with 21 counselors and several cooks and supervisors. It was held at Red Mountain Youth Camp outside of Beulah. The campers came from Baca, Prowers, Bent, Kiowa, Otero, Cheyenne, and Crowley counties. Overall, it was a good camp, which was enjoyed by all.

Twenty-five 4-H members attended State Conference, which was from the 17-20 of June. They attended workshops on everything from alternative energy to get acquainted games. There were two dances, as well as a banquet. There was a recreation center, with a weight room, swimming pool, and a gym. On the district dinner night, they split up, and half went to Texas Roadhouse and the others went to a fun center. Thirteen youth participated as senators, and elected new officers and leader advisors for the senate. Amanda McEndree, of Baca, became the new state vice-president. Susan Kasza, of Bent, became a member of the state officer team as well. In addition, Josh Wittler, of Baca County, received 3rd place in the prepared speaking contest.

Eight local 4-H members went on Citizenship Washington Focus. They toured the Capitol and many Washington, D.C. landmarks. They also participated in workshops to teach them about our government and increase their citizenship.

On July 2, 18 youth and two sponsors, Pat Perue of Otero and Tina McDonald of Cheyenne, flew out of DIA bound for Houston County, Minnesota. They arrived in Minneapolis, where they met their host families, then went to The Mall of America. They then drove to Houston County, which is three hours south of Minneapolis. The next day they toured a clock warehouse/factory, and a stave mill. On the 4th of July, they spent a family day, and watched fireworks. The next day they toured the Vesterheim Norwegian Museum and a fish hatchery. Sunday was a family day. On Monday, they went to Niagara cave, along with an Amish Tour. On the next day, they toured a lock and dam, and went on a boat ride on the Mississippi. The next day, they flew out of Minneapolis, and came home.

Says outgoing district president Amanda McEndree, "I think its great how our district is becoming active on so many levels. It’s a great way to showcase the youth in our area."