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