La Plata County 4-H is excited to send 15 of its members to the Colorado State 4-H Conference next week in Fort Collins.
The 2013 Colorado State 4-H Conference will be held Monday through June 21. The State 4-H Conference provides great training and an opportunity for 4-H members, leaders and Extension agents to strengthen their leadership skills.
The conference also hosts these state contests: Livestock Bowl, Livestock Judging, Consumer Choices, Consumer Bowl, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Hippology and Horse Demonstration along with Public Speaking, Prepared Speech, Impromptu Speech and Parliamentary Procedure. We look forward to our members participating in many of these events.
For instance, we have members who will be participating in team Livestock and Horse Bowl contests. These contests test the knowledge of our members in a fun and interactive way. Last year, our program purchased “Quiz Bowl” buzzers for practicing. They have been a big hit. Members are using the buzzers to practice their knowledge of the anatomy, feeding practices, ethics and much more related to 4-H-project animals. This educational tool has enhanced the way our young people learn about their animals. Currently, we are organizing how to show off this enjoyable way of learning by hosting horse and livestock quiz bowls at this year’s La Plata County Fair. We want to show and engage the public about what our young people are learning.
The State 4-H Conference also is the culmination of a spectacular year for our Senior Livestock Judging Team. Coaches Beth LaShell and Brad Fassett have done a tremendous job teaching and preparing this team throughout the year. The team has won several contests this year throughout Colorado and Texas.
Senior members Skkye Moreno, Ashley Little, Sadie Yates, Michael Semler, Stephenie Riegel, Keely Harper and Kayla Stevens will be participating next week. We wish them the best of luck and congratulate them in advance for all the hard work they have put in throughout the year.
The state conference also is an opportunity for our members to check out the campus of Colorado State University, which, as our land-grant institution, is directly connected with the 4-H program through Extension. Our members get an in-depth look at all the educational opportunities that CSU offers.
In addition, by staying in the dorms, attending workshops on campus and being able to explore Fort Collins, our young people receive an early look at “college life.” Each year, I am extremely impressed about what is going on at CSU. The university is making aesthetic upgrades to its campus buildings and open space. In addition, the school is producing cutting-edge research in a diversity of academic fields. Furthermore, its athletic programs are on the rise.
If 4-H or non-4-H young people would like to learn more about CSU, contact me at the Extension Office. I have resources about the school and can get you in contact with admissions staff members on campus. CSU has many financial-aid and scholarship opportunities for in-state residents.
Go Rams!
felsengh@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463. Greg Felsen is La Plata County 4-H youth development agent.
