Howdy 4-Hers,
This month has been a very busy one for me. I have contacted two groups to be sponsors for our upcoming State Leadership Conference. I have also been in Florida competing on the National teem for the state of Pennsylvania in a club called Family Career and Community Leaders of America. This club is from my school and I competed in a public speaking event on how to keep students active and healthy. I received a bronze medal in the senior event. I attended the Lycoming County Fair on July 18th to receive a scholarship and I wore my State Officer Shirt to help promote 4-H. While at the fair I was asked about State Council and what we do while a member on council and of my experiences in 4-H. I entered a display on being a Council member, what it entails and how to become one. In August my display will be at the Union County fair for other people to look at and maybe coming to other fairs around my area also. During the week of July 21st to 25th I volunteered at Lycoming College for their Lyco for kids event. I had the chance to help kids with the different projects in the class. From a volcano to finding leaves for a tee shirt to making name tags. This experience was very awarding and helpful. July 26th was my 4-H round up for horses. After one long day I received first in all my classes. Well it was easy for the judge since I was the only one in my class. I am now waiting for Districts which is August 16th. Whew, After all this i have been working on my skit, podcast and opening script for State Days,. It has been a challenge trying to get everything done. I do hope you all chose to attend State Days and have the chance to meet members from all over Pennsylvania.
Until Next time,
Justine Bush
Vice President of Operations
Thursday, July 31, 2008
So Long Summer
WOW!!! Where has summer gone? It seems like it was just a few days ago that I sat down and did my "beginning of summer" blog.
Just think, State Days are only about a week away! Being on state council has afforded me so many opportunities this year. I was asked to be camp counselor for Westmoreland County Day camp. Fortunately, it was in the middle of other commitments, so I was able to do it! After committing, I discovered that on the last day of camp, everyone gets the chance to canoe down the river! Of course I was super pumped for that day, because canoeing is something I like to do, but don't get much of a chance. However, if you asked me how I felt about canoeing when I got home, you would here a completely different attitude. I actually had to get out and push! It definitely was not my favorite part of day camp!!
And I know that summer is coming to a close as I prepare for our Westmoreland County Fair. Our fair is always the very last thing we do in summer, then school starts the next week. I am getting my dogs ready with some last minute work. I have gathered up my gown that I made for submission. The most exciting thing is that I got nominated to run for the Westmoreland Fair Queen, so I have been preparing essays and speeches for the week.
See you all at State Days!
Emily Gabriel
Just think, State Days are only about a week away! Being on state council has afforded me so many opportunities this year. I was asked to be camp counselor for Westmoreland County Day camp. Fortunately, it was in the middle of other commitments, so I was able to do it! After committing, I discovered that on the last day of camp, everyone gets the chance to canoe down the river! Of course I was super pumped for that day, because canoeing is something I like to do, but don't get much of a chance. However, if you asked me how I felt about canoeing when I got home, you would here a completely different attitude. I actually had to get out and push! It definitely was not my favorite part of day camp!!
And I know that summer is coming to a close as I prepare for our Westmoreland County Fair. Our fair is always the very last thing we do in summer, then school starts the next week. I am getting my dogs ready with some last minute work. I have gathered up my gown that I made for submission. The most exciting thing is that I got nominated to run for the Westmoreland Fair Queen, so I have been preparing essays and speeches for the week.
See you all at State Days!
Emily Gabriel
Friday, July 25, 2008
Exchange Trip Update
Hey fellow 4-H’ers!
I hope everyone’s summer is going great—It’s hard to believe is almost over! One of the highlights of summer in Somerset County is the 4-H Interstate Exchange Trip. For many years our county has hosted and traveled to states across the country through this program. (The first year you travel the next you host or vise versa) I participated in an exchange with Dickinson County Kansas in 2006-2007. It was a great learning experience. While in Kansas, we visited places that helped us learn about their state’s history, industry, geography (not all of Kansas is flat), government and of course, 4-H program. The trip also helped us form lasting personal relationships and gave us experience traveling so far from home for so long (without our parents).
This summer, the tradition continued as Somerset County hosted Thurston County, Washington on June 24 to July 1. After arrival in Pittsburgh, delegates traveled to Somerset for an ice cream party and “get acquainted” games. The next morning, everyone expanded their knowledge and understanding of one of PA’s greatest industries by touring a local dairy farm. Next, the group visited some Amish shops where they could witness the production of leather goods and tasty candies including my favorite: Maple Products! The evening concluded with a dance and picnic.
Thursday, the 4-H’ers and chaperones departed for Gettysburg. After a long bus ride, they toured the battlefields and stopped at the visitor’s center. Later that night, everyone went on a “Ghost Tour” of the town. Friday consisted of a tour of the Mason Dixon Farm nearby and fun adventures in Hershey Park.
The next day, delegates visited the Flight 93 Temporary Memorial and Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Sunday was a “Family Day” and my family chose to spend it at the lake. My sister and the girl staying with her relaxed and went swimming as well as went to visit some local places like the covered bridge in our township.
Finally, Monday was all about Somerset County! The day began by exploring one of our most important industries: coal mining. First stop was to a strip cut mine were participants learned about the techniques used such as the massive dragline on site. Next, everyone headed to the Quecreek Mine Rescue site to hear the story of what happened hundreds of feet underneath them. (In 2002, an accident occurred when the crew broke through into a old abandoned mine filled with water, trapping the 9 men in the high point of the flooded mine for days. A shaft was painstakingly drilled and all were lifted to safety). After meeting some of the men, members hit the road again to travel into town where they received a brief history of the area at a local bank. Finally, a picnic and slide show finished the week.
Next summer, the group will reunite when Somerset County 4-H members fly out to Washington.
Exchange Trip is definitely a favorite 4-H memory of mine and I was excited to participate again in some of the family events again this year. It is very educational and extremely fun! I am a great supporter of this program and hope that fro years into the future youth will travel to the “land of milk and maple” for the Interstate Exchange Trip. I would love to hear about trips other counties are participating or recently participated in! Leave a comment! Also, as fair season quickly approaches—I know there are many preparing. I wish you all the best!
Yours in green,
Danielle Shaffer
PS4-HC President
I hope everyone’s summer is going great—It’s hard to believe is almost over! One of the highlights of summer in Somerset County is the 4-H Interstate Exchange Trip. For many years our county has hosted and traveled to states across the country through this program. (The first year you travel the next you host or vise versa) I participated in an exchange with Dickinson County Kansas in 2006-2007. It was a great learning experience. While in Kansas, we visited places that helped us learn about their state’s history, industry, geography (not all of Kansas is flat), government and of course, 4-H program. The trip also helped us form lasting personal relationships and gave us experience traveling so far from home for so long (without our parents).
This summer, the tradition continued as Somerset County hosted Thurston County, Washington on June 24 to July 1. After arrival in Pittsburgh, delegates traveled to Somerset for an ice cream party and “get acquainted” games. The next morning, everyone expanded their knowledge and understanding of one of PA’s greatest industries by touring a local dairy farm. Next, the group visited some Amish shops where they could witness the production of leather goods and tasty candies including my favorite: Maple Products! The evening concluded with a dance and picnic.
Thursday, the 4-H’ers and chaperones departed for Gettysburg. After a long bus ride, they toured the battlefields and stopped at the visitor’s center. Later that night, everyone went on a “Ghost Tour” of the town. Friday consisted of a tour of the Mason Dixon Farm nearby and fun adventures in Hershey Park.
The next day, delegates visited the Flight 93 Temporary Memorial and Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Sunday was a “Family Day” and my family chose to spend it at the lake. My sister and the girl staying with her relaxed and went swimming as well as went to visit some local places like the covered bridge in our township.
Finally, Monday was all about Somerset County! The day began by exploring one of our most important industries: coal mining. First stop was to a strip cut mine were participants learned about the techniques used such as the massive dragline on site. Next, everyone headed to the Quecreek Mine Rescue site to hear the story of what happened hundreds of feet underneath them. (In 2002, an accident occurred when the crew broke through into a old abandoned mine filled with water, trapping the 9 men in the high point of the flooded mine for days. A shaft was painstakingly drilled and all were lifted to safety). After meeting some of the men, members hit the road again to travel into town where they received a brief history of the area at a local bank. Finally, a picnic and slide show finished the week.
Next summer, the group will reunite when Somerset County 4-H members fly out to Washington.
Exchange Trip is definitely a favorite 4-H memory of mine and I was excited to participate again in some of the family events again this year. It is very educational and extremely fun! I am a great supporter of this program and hope that fro years into the future youth will travel to the “land of milk and maple” for the Interstate Exchange Trip. I would love to hear about trips other counties are participating or recently participated in! Leave a comment! Also, as fair season quickly approaches—I know there are many preparing. I wish you all the best!
Yours in green,
Danielle Shaffer
PS4-HC President
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