Volunteers are the heart of 4-H. Each year, I am continually grateful and appreciative for the hard work and dedication the La Plata County 4-H volunteers exhibit.
This wonderful group of people shows off its passion and commitment to positive youth development at the annual county fair. The 2013 La Plata County Fair was another grand success because of their efforts.
4-H volunteers develop positive youth-adult partnerships by engaging in practical project-based learning. Volunteers act as mentors to youth 4-H members. They help build confidence and self-esteem for our younger generation to succeed.
With more than 100 volunteers in the program, it is too difficult to recognize them all in this column, so I want to give one big symbolic “blue ribbon” to all of them. I look forward to another great 4-H year working with everyone.
This week, I will be representing our county at the 2013 Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. I will bring all our county projects that qualify for State Fair competition. We have some great projects.
Bethany Quimby of the Mountaineers 4-H Club will send her macrame project. She was creative in her design. This heritage art was taught to her by her stepdad and 4-H leader, Doug Davis. Davis did this same pattern when he was growing up in 4-H. This project has taught both of them the value of staying calm and being patient.
Carter Marshall of the Mountain Shadows 4-H Club is entering her crochet project. Carter made three really cute animal bags. She learned how to crochet from watching her mom. She loves to crochet and had a lot of fun this year in her project.
Ethan McInnes of the Florida Four Leaf 4-H Club has a woodworking project going to the state fair. Ethan made a neat cowboy cooler. His cooler took great dedication to make. Ethan took pride in making the proper measurements, drilling the proper holes, sanding and finishing his wood. The cooler is on wheels and also has a bottle opener attached.
Jordan Baker of the Westside Wranglers 4-H Club out in Red Mesa is entering her beautiful leathercraft project. She is in the class of advanced leather carving. Jordan made a great pair of chinks. Her mom and dad supported Jordan by helping her select and draw the patterns for her design. She also got support from Rebecca and Brad Walker with purchasing the material for the project. This project taught Jordan responsibility and accountability.
Morgan Allen of the Weaselskinners 4-H Club will be entered in the Cake Decorating project in Unit 5 – cupcakes. Morgan made three adorable cupcakes. She has been practicing throughout the year by making cupcakes for potluck dinners and her grandma’s birthday. Morgan had a big year in 4-H; she also finished projects in horse and angora goats.
This is just a little look at the many projects and youths being represented. The greatest rewards from all our projects come from the life lessons and relationships built throughout the year.
felsengh@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463. Greg Felsen is La Plata County 4-H youth development agent.
