Putting our Best Handshake Forward

Have you ever been in a social situation and found yourself a tad uncomfortable? Have you been at a dinner party and you are not sure which fork goes with which course? Well we want to make sure our 4-Her's are prepared for whatever might be ahead and feel more comfortable in any situation. That is why we offer 4-H Etiquette Day Camp at the beginning of our Summer Fun program. Etiquette Day camp is split up four hours over two days.

Today marked day one of Etiquette Day Camp. About 15 youth signed up to take part in the adventure. We started the evening with icebreakers and then split up into three groups. The groups rotated between four workshops. Mande Swisher, Tourism Extension Agent, taught the youth about cell phone and online etiquette. They learned when to use a cell phone when not to use it. They also learned about being careful about what they post online. Christy Strickland, Family Consumer Science Extension Agent, worked with the youth on the art of conversation. They talked about safe subjects to discuss, asking questions, and how to feel more comfortable having a real conversation with an adult. Aggie Rogers, 4-H Program Associate, talked with the youth about the proper ways to dress. She talked with them about how to dress for different functions such as a formal dinner party or a causal party such as the one they will be hosting the next night. Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent, worked with the youth on introductions and name tags. Proper handshakes, making that first impression, knowing that your name tag goes on your right side of your shirt not on the bottom of your shirt are all very important things to know as they go out into the world.

At the end of the workshops the group had a mixer. They learned about going through the line and not speaking ill of food they did not recognize. As they learned in the workshop, you do not have to like it, you do not have to eat it, but you can not talk about it. The youth worked their way through punch and appetizers while learning how to balance their plates and cups while shaking hands and carrying on a conversation. They also learned that it was not the time to be on their cell phone or answer the phone.

As they left for the evening they said they were ready for workshops, adventures, and dinner the next night.