Seth's Aptly Titled Blog Entry

This July, I decided I was going to run for PA State 4-H Council. I didn’t really know what State Council was all about, but I just felt like it was something I had to at least attempt. And I am sure glad I did! Every past member that I have talked to has said that it had been their single most rewarding experience yet. I can’t wait to grow and hopefully get those same benefits that they did.

Also, this year I started my senior year of High School. So this means I’ve spent most of this summer tying to get my 50 hours of volunteer work in for my senior project. I have been spending my hours dressed as "Eddie the Gun Safety Eagle". Eddie Eagle is a gun safety program that is sponsored by the NRA. Unfortunately twenty five pounds of polyester eagle on a hot summer afternoon isn't my idea of a good time. But I know that this program has benefited countless youth across the nation, since its development in 1988. I am so thankful that my 4-H leader for recommending it to me.

Despite the fact that summer is gone and fall is coming, closely followed by winter; winter means that my Dead Eye shooting 4-H club is going to be starting up soon. Dead Eye is not a club that runs all year round like many other ones do; so I am one of those few people that actually looks forward to December and January.

I'm Seth Jones, PA 4-H State Council VP of Internal Affairs, signing out.

God Bless.

Coming Back

Last year I spent my sophomore year of high school in Brazil as a foreign exchange student, which taught me to appreciate what I do in life and to do the most I can possibly do. While I was in Brazil I thought a lot about my 4-H clubs and the opportunities that they gave me. I thought it would be a good idea to run for council, I was the first person from my county, McKean county, to be on Pennsylvania State 4-H Council.

As I got back I have gotten back into the swing of 4-H and am now the president of McKean county council. One very inspiring person has passed away in our 4-H, Mr. Larry Stratton. He has been involved in 4-H since the 1940's. I have always looked up to him as a leader and a friend. So I initiated an award called the Larry Stratton award because he was such and inspiring person, we thought it would be appropriate.

Council is a challenge to balance with school, friends, sports, family and everything else we do in our daily lives. But I believe it will be a very rewarding experience to have. I am looking forward to a great year with all the new people I will meet and my new council friends that I can trust and ask questions without being judged.

All the Best,

Steve McFall
2010/2011 Sentinel

A Whirlwind of Adventure

These last two months have been such an adventure for me. The start of August meant State Achievement Days was just around the corner. I was getting prepared and nervous at the same time, knowing that I was running for state council. This was the first year that the 4-Hers running for state council would have to give a campaign speech. This speech was one of the hardest speeches I have ever given, and it definitely took me out of my comfort zone. That following day I found out I made it, I am the new 2010-2011 Pennsylvania 4-H State Council Secretary. Little did I know, state council would continue to take me out of my comfort zone.

With just being inducted into office, I was ready to head off to my first week of college. I am currently a freshman at Pennsylvania College of Technology, majoring in Baking and Pastry Arts. It was hard at first to adjust to the college life but I slowly got into the flow of things. Now that I am taking on College and Council my responsibilities have doubled. The State Council training was the first major challenge. It was long, tiring, and information overload! But the six other council members and I made it through the long days, we have learned so much about each other throughout that weekend, and we will continue to build our friendships.

After the training the work for council really had begun. To start off I attended the 4-H Tailgate which was a new experience for me. It was cool to see all the donors of 4-H, and I was able to meet a few of them. I spoke to one couple (before it was game time), and I asked them how they got involved in 4-H? The lady I spoke to said "she is a 4-H leader and they used to have different clubs for different activities". I asked her what kind of activities, her reply was "roller skating, bowling, .... and even stilt walking! I couldn't believe it, I guess 4-H really does take people to new heights (literally). It is awesome that 4-H can make that much of an impact.

September just flew by and National 4-H week is almost here. With me being on State Council this is the week to shine! I am getting ready to participate in National Youth Science Day which will be held at Penn State on October 6th. I will also be giving a presentation at Loyalsock Valley Elementary School, this will be for all the 4th graders and I will be talking about what 4-H is and some of the the opportunities in 4-H. I am excited to spread the word about 4-H and what the program means to me. This truly is an opportunity of a life time and so far, State Council has definitely been a whirlwind of adventure!

State Council Secretary
~Samantha Gstalder~

Another Chapter Begins

As my last years in 4-H I figured I would just do the same old things. Go to the fair, attend meetings, and go to camp. But this year is going to be way different. I decided to become a State Council Leader and make something different happen. We all met, a group of kids from all over Pennsylvania and had no clue about each other. At our first time together, at training weekend, we really got to know each other and are now good friends. Now I have a new group of friends to ask for advice and can trust to help me. With a busy year ahead of us we pushed through the weekend and moved onto new challenges.
As my 4-H year continues I get to travel to Georgia for National Congress. This is a new experience and cannot wait for it. Our regional camp is coming up and I can't wait to start planning for a great week of fun. As this new chapter starts I can only imagine all of the good times to come this year on State 4-H Council!

As Old Journeys End…New Ones Are Waiting To Begin

The high school years have came to an end for me and the fears of closure to 4-H came with graduation. I still had another year but with being hours away at college I knew I was going to have to take my name off several activities I help with in our county. Then I took the challenge! Starting college was not a big enough thrill for me, with my last year being in 4-H I wanted to take it to the limit. I ran for Pa 4-H State Council, a challenge...yes, a thrill....yes, questioning thoughts...of course. I knew I wanted to be on council, every year always returning to SLC I would talk to the council members and they would always say you should run for council, normally forgetting about it until the next event or missing the deadline or fearing to accept the task itself was always those barriers for me. But this year I knew if the steps weren't taken the regret of the unknown would be with me far past my 4-H years. In August I took stepping outside the comfort zone to a new level, speaking in front of 800 of my peers, leaders, and educators was the task that awaited. Was I nervous, no....I mean not until my name was called to give my speech. I did my best, I gave my presentation, I gave it my all in the interview and I think it paid off. My name is Logan Hall and I am YOUR 2010 - 2011 Pa 4-H State Council President. My term got on its way, along with other council members we helped at Ag Progress Days, attended and bonded at training weekend, (Sorry Mya the girls are gone and yea I guess you can say bromance at its best plus two girls haha ), and the Keystone Tailgate at PSU are just the very beginning activities I have taken part in. It is all starting to take full swing now, college, state council, family, friends. Post it notes, well they may have became my best friend. I cant wait to represent PA 4-H for the next year and get to know the other council members better as well as the entire 4-H Community. Oh and yea State Council benefits already took place too...PSU Game WE ARE PENN STATE. Getting to experience a person's first PSU Football game is priceless and unforgettable. Thanks Rebecca it was well worth rockin out the brown dress shoes and tan pants for it. Well PA 4-H I can't wait to represent each and everyone of you with the rest of council at all the state and local events. Let the journey begin 2010 - 2011 council!

Pa 4-H State Council President,
Logan Hall