La Plata County 4-H County Council is made up of four outstanding youths who represent La Plata County 4-H locally and at the state level.
Our council members gain leadership skills through working as a team, running meetings, planning events and mentoring each other and others.
4-H is structured to provide real opportunities for self-growth and to empower youths to be the strongest versions of themselves. On Feb. 11, our local council officers from La Plata, Montezuma and Archuleta counties had a planning meeting for our annual San Juan Basin District Camp. This camp had been canceled the last two years because of COVID-19, so we are all elated to get the opportunity to have it again. The San Juan Basin District Camp is special to us because it is planned, organized and implemented by 4-H youths for 4-H youths.
During our planning meeting, our youths were discussing a theme for the camp, and the main thing that kept coming up was fun, so that is our theme. We will have our event at the Hesperus Camp, where we will have a blast learning team work and leadership skills on the challenge course, attending fun and informative workshops, and, of course, eating s’mores around the campfire!
Each county was assigned to come up with a workshop that they will organize and carry out for their fellow campers from neighboring counties. La Plata County will have a themed skit contest, in which youths will work on their acting skills, as well as public speaking, imagination and team work. All participants will then present their final skits to the full group, and one team will be awarded the coveted prize of a candy basket.
Montezuma County will put together an adventurous escape room, where teams will be “locked” in a room and will be required to solve puzzles, clues and riddles to find their way out of the room before their time runs out. This exciting game requires members to problem solve, communicate and work as a team.
Archuleta County will have a relay obstacle course, where teams will have to complete physical and mental obstacles as quickly as they can and beat the other teams to the finish line. Relay obstacle courses are a wonderful way for youths to build teamwork and challenge themselves in ways they don’t necessarily get to in other settings.
I am so proud of our district council teams and their ability to plan such a fun and educational camp. I know this camp will be a blast, and our youths will come away with so much more than just a fun weekend of activities with others.
One thing I love about 4-H is that our youths are able to have a fun-filled event with their friends that results in the hidden bonus of learning life skills, such as leadership, team work, public speaking and problem solving, which creates excellent humans who contribute to our community for a lifetime.
You are welcome to join La Plata County 4-H! If you are interested in getting involved in our 4-H program, as a member or volunteer, please reach out the La Plata County Extension Office for more information and the steps to get started.
Angela Fountain is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach her at angela.fountain@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6460.
