What's Your 4-H Story?

Hello Everyone!

Wow.  I cannot believe that we are already done with June!  It’s crazy to think that time passes by so quickly!  Did you know that tomorrow is July 1^st? 

4-H brought my team and I to the
2013 PA Farm Show to meet the
PA Sec. of Agriculture, George Greig!

Did you also know that State Council applications are due by July 1^st?? I hope you turned in an application!  Being a state officer has been the most rewarding experience offered to me through the 4-H program.

So how do you make the most of your 4-H tale?  Did you ever hear about a “4-H Career Story”?  Everyone writes their own unique story.  Is being a State Council member on your agenda?  It was definitely on mine.  Actually, being a State Council member was always my ultimate 4-H goal which I am so grateful to have been able to fulfill.

4-H provided me with a new family -
My Council Family.

Now, here’s a question to consider.  How would your life be different if you weren’t involved in your program?  This was a question I was asked during a Speak-Out Panel held at Bucknell University for F.A.C.E. Conference.  That was an extremely difficult question for me to answer.  4-H has always been the greatest component in my life.  Without 4-H, I would not have met all the interesting and committed people I have been fortunate to work with.  Without 4-H, I would not have visited all the new places I have been.  And, without 4-H, I would not have grown into the individual I am today. 

So what is your 4-H story like?  Are you going to make the most out of your 4-H career?  Indulge yourself in all that 4-H has to offer.  Go  ahead and inspire to do more.  Plan new events and commit to new and exciting committees.  Go ahead.  They say that you only regret the things you didn’t do when you had the chance.  Don’t wait. Go.

Until later,

Cassidy Baker

2012/2013 PA 4-H State Council President

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did."

Samuel Clemens

Who Knew...?

 

                Ok, so I think it’s safe to say that many of us don’t really appreciate those 4-h books, but I know that, as hard as they were for me to complete when I was 8, they really helped me.  I remember my first garden that sorta just came up on its own.  Seeds, just strewn about from our fall pumpkins that were just tossed into our compost pile, grew into something even better the next summer.  From that moment, I was hooked.  I’ve grown just about every vegetable imaginable since then, except for celery, but, it’s on my future list.

                The next year, I couldn’t wait to embark on my first 4-H gardening project.  I drew my garden plan, purchased the seeds, and got busy.  In fact, that year I even had a pumpkin large enough to take to the PA State Farm Show in January.  I, at just 9 years old, was competing against the local orchards and seasoned farmers since there wasn’t a class for youth pumpkins.  Still, I proudly toted my pumpkin in with everyone else, and placed third!  I couldn’t believe it!

                As the years passed, my garden…. Hmmmm…  grew!  Not only did my vegetables grow, but the space I needed for my garden was growing.  Every year, I’ve worked hard to learn more and challenge myself to try to grow new things.  I was always very proud when we would have dinner complete with my own produce.  Often, we would only have enough for a few meals, but they were delicious.

                Two years ago, not only did I grow it, but we really got busy preserving all that I grew because what I grew was more than we could eat in a few days.  Imagine my mom’s surprise the first time I came into the house with a five gallon bucket full of tomatoes and another full of peppers and onions.  So, needless to say, we mastered the art of canning salsa!  Lots of salsa!  Now we make salsa, spaghetti sauce, stewed tomatoes, barbeque sauce, every imaginable jam and jelly, sauerkraut, relish, and so much more.  Nothing tastes better in January than opening your own salsa!  And nothing is more disappointing than opening your last jar of salsa before the summer veggies are ready.

                You just never know where that one beginning project will lead.  So be open minded and don’t be afraid to give a 4-H project a shot!

My first sunflower in my first garden!



My first Big Mac pumpkin above and my first
garden pictured below....

 

 

Busy everywhere!!

Our recent trip to Washington D.C. brought us a great time with my brother and we got to see many interesting things, my favorite being the Natural History Smithsonian!  There wasn't enough time in two days to see everything we wanted to, but what we did see was certainly amazing!!
Also a lot coming up this week!  In only a few days, 4-H camp will start and I have confidence in this year's set of counselors and the workshops we've set up for our campers.  I also get a cabin I've wanted for two years! Hello, no worries!!!! Along with our fun Disney theme my co-counselors and I decided on decorating the cabin with and our Disney Costume Party the first night of camp!
Disney, Disney, here I come!! In a month, some of our friends will be coming from Brasil and we'll be spending a few days in Disney with them!  I can now see the new Fantasy Land! You're never too old for Disney!!!
Only days after camp, a Theatre camp where we'll be practicing a play by Robin Caruso! I've heard so many things about this camp, I wonder how it'll go?!

I've got a packed month ahead, for sure!  Hope all of you have a great summer ahead of you, too~!!!

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me....You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." ~Walt Disney

New York, New York!

                My senior class just got back from our trip to New York City. I can definitely say that it brought us even closer than we had been before. My graduating class is only 119, and we don’t really have many cliques, which makes it easier for all of us to get along. Our school is also in a very rural area, the closest big city to us is about an hour away. Needless to say, going on a trip like that with a bunch of your friends is exciting and it will definitely bring everyone closer together.

                When we got to New Jersey we took a ferry into the city. The boat took us all around the city and past the Statue of Liberty. However, we were not able to go to Liberty Island because of the construction due to the recent hurricanes. It was raining when we arrived in the city and none of us were prepared for that, and all of our luggage was on the bus in New Jersey. So, the first thing a lot of people did was buy an umbrella for ten dollars.

                We made our way to the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. The tribute to the men, women, and children who lost their lives in the events of September 11^th was indescribable.  The size the fountain and the amount of names engraved around it were amazing. Visiting the memorial was definitely a time for reflection. Despite how loud and fast paced the city is, around the memorial was quiet and calm. It was a completely different feel than anywhere else that I have ever been.

                Our next stop was Chinatown, where the rain turned into torrential down pour. My friends Kayla and Bear went from shop to shop looking around and avoiding the rain. Despite our efforts to stay dry, we were drenched by the time we bought our umbrellas. At least ours were only three dollars. Luckily, we had time to dry off on the bus tour around Time Square before we were dropped off. When we got off of the bus, it finally stopped raining and we were able to shop without being getting soaked. After our time to shop, we went to dinner at the Hard Rock Café.

                The next day we took the bus back into the city from our hotel in New Jersey. It was probably the most entertaining bus ride that I have ever had. We played all of the New York themed songs that we could think of and our chaperoning teachers danced down the aisle way. It was an interesting sight to see! One of our chaperones was my chemistry teacher, she was definitely the highlight of the trip. The most exciting thing for me was when I realized that we were in the Lincoln Tunnel, which reminded me of my favorite movie, Elf!

                We got to Rockefeller Center that morning and some of my friends and I adventured all the way to Trump Tower and stopped at random shops along the way. My favorite part of this was that I got to walk through Central Park, which made me feel a little bit more at home, aside from all of the fencing and pavement. Then the entire group went back to time square to shop again for a little bit before we saw the musical “Once” at the Jacob’s theatre on Broadway.

                I had figured it would be easy to sleep through the bus ride home, but I was sadly mistaken. Not many of us were able to sleep at all. We arrived at the school at about 1:00 AM Thursday. We were all grateful to be informed that we did not need to be in school again until Friday. Now that commencement is approaching rapidly, I feel very fortunate to have spent so much time with my classmates.

Congratulations Class of 2013!

A Reflection

I cannot believe that May is over already!  I feel like just five minutes ago I was taking AP Exams which were in the first two weeks of the month.  In less than a week I graduate from high school.  It has literally just hit me, I am graduating.

But I am graduating from more than high school.  In three months I am going to college.  In three months I will no longer be able to go to 4-H club meetings.  In three months I begin the rest of my life.  The words help don’t come into mind fast enough.

But then I think about my journey in 4-H and how it influenced me like some of my oldest teachers influenced me.  I think about the first 4-H meeting little George Dietrich attended which was eleven years ago.  I remember walking into the club meeting sitting down barley able to see above the table, yeah I was short once.  I especially remember the introduce yourself game the President of the Club decided to play because they knew I was a new member.  I remember that when it was my turn to speak I forgot my name, it was the first time I experienced stage fright at a 4-H event.

I continue thinking about the opportunity called 4-H camp which came for me in overnight camping and summer day camps at the County Extension Office.  That was when I began my nature projects which I continue to do to this day.  I remember getting a chance to take pictures of bear walking through the woods.

I think about my opportunity to become a leader.  It started as a Club Officer to then becoming a Camp Counselor.  I remember talking to my camper suffering from homesickness one night helping him feel better.  I remember telling another counselor what to do in a situation and him listening because he knew I had more experience.

I think about getting the chance to attend State and National Events.  I remember all of the friends I have made from around the state.  I remember the opportunity to meet other people to do new things.  The experiences and memories of these events will be dear to me for the rest of my life.

I think about being a state officer.  I think about the long nights talking to fellow officers planning an event or talking about a personal problem.  I realize that I couldn’t have gotten closer to a more perfect group of people. 

I think about all that I will miss.  I think about my tomorrow as well.  I am graduating in less than a week.  In less than a week I begin my next chapter of my life.  All I can think about is how 4-H has given me so much and made me a better person.  So when people ask me why 4-H I tell them part of my life story with 4-H in a hope to make them understand 4-H doesn’t just make the best better, 4-H finds the best in you and helps you use it and make it better for your future.

 

-George Dietrich, State Historian and Reporter, Wilson Class of 2013

Hard Work - Don't Overwork

Persevere.  Inspire. & Never Give Up.

I’m the type of person that creates a plan and sticks to it.  Whenever I stray from my original intentions, I panic.  I believe in committing to whatever I chose to pursue.  I like to wholeheartedly engage myself in all the things I partake.

Ever since I started high school four years ago, I was always the one that was known for going above the standards.  I would set unrealistic expectations for myself and I would always demand perfection.  Apart from the cloud of stress that always seemed to be lingering above my head, this strategy worked quite well for me.  Throughout my high school career, I received many awards for my school involvement and my academic achievements.

While I was well on my way to be named the Senior Class Valedictorian (an honor received for having the highest grades from 9^th through 12^th grade), my plan was abruptly challenged.   As I have blogged about before, I was in a car accident in the middle of my senior year which left me with a serve concussion. 

The concussion heavily affected my school work.  I had to drop classes and cut my time at school to a maximum of three hours.  I was always feeling weak, tired, and worn.  The hardest part about my concussion though, was the fact that many people were unaware that anything was wrong with me.  People still expected me to excel in my school work and were clueless about the inner-battle I was facing.  I was still trying to act like everything was normal.  I still tried to continue on with my school work like nothing was wrong.  I was in denial that I needed help.

My concussion was mentally draining.  My school work has always been extremely important to me.  I cannot begin to count how many times I would miss outings with friends because I was that devoted to my school work.   My concussion affected my school performance and I wasn’t receiving my usual A+.  Now, my tests and assignments were showing me grades I had never seen before.  After four years of having school work come easily to me, I was now having an extremely difficult concreting and grasping new concepts.  To best illustrate how I felt, my head was like a blank piece of paper and I had lost the pen.  I couldn’t create mental images – it was a blank sheet in my head and I nearly had to physically write everything down.  I had the hardest time learning new concepts – it was like I studying from a blank sheet of paper because I had lost my pen during class and couldn't take notes to save for later.  To say the least, it was a difficult time for me.

On Saturday, May 25, 2013, I graduated from Portersville Christian School as the Senior Class Valedictorian.  My previous years of hard work and dedication dominated the mere semester with my concussion.  My grades were high enough that I was still ranked number one within my class.  Looking back, I realized that I worried about such a little thing.  I worried about my school work when I should have been worrying about my health.  Presently I am still dealing with my concussion.  When I should have been resting, I was worrying.  Perhaps if I had looked at the larger picture and placed the importance on my health, my concussion might have been gone by now.

So here’s the moral of the story:  Hard work, but don’t overwork yourself.

Until later,

Cassidy Baker

2012/2013 PA 4-H State Council President

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome”

Booker T. Washington

Growing Up

It's weird to think after all these years that I will not be walking into the school that I have known for so long.  Don't get me wrong I'm excited to actually have a real job and to go to college.  Its a bitter sweet moment in life.
On one hand I'm finally done with school and I can start to live like an adult, but on the other hand I'm going to experience something completely new and I'm going to have a lot more responsibility.  Even though I'm not sure whats in store for me I am confident I will be able to keep my head up the whole time, thanks to everyone that has got me this far in my life.
The thing I'll miss most being out of school in never seeing the faces of the ones that I have gone to school with for 12 years.  I feel it won't be hard for me to make friends at college.  I am actually excited to meet all the new people at college.
I'm also excited to start working with dad in the summers.  At the same time, I am nervous, because he said to me "now well see how hard you really work".  I know that my dad works extremely hard and that I must do the same.  I'll only need to work with Dad for a short time because soon after college I should be his boss.
Its been an exciting ride so far; I can't wait to see what's in store for me.  I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

Sincerely,
VP of Internal Affairs & Sentinel
John Hess Jr.

Senior Year-Simply Surreal

As my senior year is quickly wrapping up and I take time to reflect on the stellar year I had, I am grateful for so many memories made. I’ve learned lots- not just academics, but also about myself as an individual as well as my family and my friends. I can say that without doubt I tested my capabilities and my limits with the number of responsibilities I took on this year, especially in 4-H. Somehow or another, I managed to have a ton of fun this school year too.

Just like nearly every high school senior says, my senior prom was a major highlight of my senior year. My high school has the traditional promenade and prom dinner and dance, but it also has a massive post prom bash. Spread out over our two gyms, there are numerous activities to keep us entertained until 5 in the morning. Moon bounces, Blackjack tables with professional dealers, money booths, and so much more, the parents who orchestrated the post prom did a phenomenal job to keep kids entertained and out of trouble. Everyone walked out of the event with a prize or two and some people even get lucky enough to win significant cash prizes or impressive prizes like ipads, TVs, or a Macbook. Even though I did not win a prize of incredible monetary value, I was rewarded with an unforgettable evening with a great group of friends.

Although I opted out of another key component of senior year, my senior class trip to Disney World, I still had the time of my life that same week when I went to National 4-H Conference instead. National Conference exceeded my expectations by far. My 4-H friends who’ve attended Conference in the past described it as a “working conference” so I was prepared for nothing shy of boring. National Conference was nothing close to boring and in fact, it was quite hectic at some points. My round table, Feeding the Global World with an emphasis on women in sub-Saharan Africa, had to put together a professional presentation to present to the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in a few days with just a matter of hours to work together. National Conference was an unforgettable experience. Because less people attend Conference compared to National 4-H Congress, it was easier to meet people and making lasting relationships and even friendships. Overall, I’m glad I decided to forgo my class trip to Disney to be able to travel with some amazing Pennsylvania 4-Hers to National 4-H Conference. I’m sure I’ll visit Mickey sometime in the future anyway.

Grad parties are already in full swing and I am thrilled to be graduating high school in just a few short days. It was a bit surreal to try my graduation cap and gown on this week and even though a part of me will miss high school and my peers, I know there are bigger and better things waiting for me onward. With plans already in the works for this summer, I cannot wait for my last few months home before my friends and I part our ways for our destined futures. I am eager to see what adventures lie ahead of me in my future years attending Penn State University.

Good luck on finals and have an enjoyable start of your summer! And of course, Congratulations Class of 2013!! We made it!

Sincerely,
Cecilia Stuetz
Pennsylvania State 4-H Council Secretary

Something to Think About...

Something to Think About…

So, summer fun, the weekend, and plans with friends on a beautiful day after a long hard week are finally here!   You’re travelling down the back country road on your way to your friend’s house for a relaxing cook-out.  What a great way to spend the cool, summer night.  Your windows are down, your favorite song is playing, and you couldn’t be happier; but, all of the sudden, you find yourself stuck in a parade of cars slowly creeping along at 12 m.p.h. 

Now you’re frustrated!  You’re going to be late and you’re still going 12 m.p.h.  Finally everyone gets a chance to break free of the madness to pass the cause of the back road traffic jam.  As you drive past, you notice the farmer who has obviously been out all day long in the sweltering sun.  As you pass, you realize he was just going from one farm to another trying to do his job, which, by the way, is never done.  You remember something important and it hits you like a ton a bricks.  Only 2 percent of the American population is working to feed and clothe the American population and beyond.  You think about that incredible fact for a minute.  Only 2 percent of the United States population made all the food you are about to go and enjoy at the cook-out. 

So what can you do to help?  Well, I’m asking that when you find yourself stuck in that back road traffic jam, just be a bit more patient, smile, and wave as you pass the hard working farmer.  Hard as it may be, we need to try to do that because we don’t want to make an incredibly hard job any harder than it already is.

                        Thanks, from one of the 2% who missed his Memorial Day cook-out to make hay! 

 

Milk is My New Best Friend!

Hello Everyone,

I hope that everyone is as happy and relieved as me that school is almost over! I'm looking to a great summer full of 4-H and I hope that you all are too! Between 4-H meetings, trips, shows, camps, State Achievement Days and everything else that the summer holds, I know that it is going to be an amazing summer.

On top of finishing my time on council this summer, yesterday I was crowned as the 2013-2014 Cambria County Dairy Princess! I am so honored to get this amazing experience and I know that it is one of those things, like council, that will change my life forever. I couldn't have asked for a better way to finish my junior year of high school and start my summer. I am so blessed to get the opportunities that I do and meet all of the amazing people that I have.

If anyone is considering applying for state council, I highly recommend it. At times it is hard, but it is one of the most amazing things that you will ever do. If you are applying, REMEMBER that applications are due to the state 4-H office by July 1st.

I'm so glad that I still get to have 2 more amazing months with my council but I'm also ecstatic that I still have 12 months as the Cambria County Dairy Princess. As the Dairy Princess, I will represent the importance of the dairy industry in the county, as well as in the state. Dairy is such a huge part of so many peoples' lives including my own so I couldn't have asked for a more amazing opportunity. I hope that I will represent my county as wonderfully as all of the previous princesses before me.

I would just like to thank everyone for all of there support through everything.

Until later,
Dawn Craft 
2012-2013 Pennsylvania State 4-H Council- Vice President of Operations