So Much to Do...So Little Time Left

  It's day three of 4-H Congress and we have a day packed with activities, and so much still to do.  It's hard to believe we will be headed home tomorrow.  Today we are going to focus on the sweet tasty present and try not to think about the future.
  Our first act was to juggle multiple schedules.  Maurice Rogers came up from Lumberton today with his mother to join us for some select activities.  Maurice Rogers and Alex Evans needed to be at the McKimmon Center at 10 am while the rest of the delegation needed to be at the first event for our cultural awareness activity.  So we dropped off one and headed to downtown Raleigh for our first event, a documentary on Lemurs at the IMAX theater.  This 3-D adventure took us to Madagascar to learn about different typed of Lemurs and how they survive.  Our youth learned about the role scientists played in saving Lemur populations and the negative impact agriculture is having on these creatures.
   After the IMAX we headed to the old train station turned chocolate factory, Verdi.  Here our youth spoke with one of their chocolate makers and learned about the process of making chocolate, and how coca beans from different countries have different flavors.  They gained insight on the sustainability plan for this company and how they are working to preserve farm land and rain forests in South America by the way they do business.
   While the delegation was testing chocolate Alex and Maurice took part in the donor brunch.  The donor brunch is where donors meet the 4-H youth who are receiving scholarships and who have gone on trips thanks to their support.  Maurice had the opportunity to Host the event and is a college scholarship winner.  Alex attended 4-H National Congress in 2016, thanks to donors who support these programs.
   When they were done, we swung by to pick up Alex and headed to the state farmer's market for lunch.  We had a little wait so we posed and checked out this more than 1,000 lb water melon.  All of us had our fill of some really good food, then jumped back in the van and headed back for leadership workshops.
  As soon as we hit the door at McKimmon we split back into our groups and headed to our rooms.  This afternoons topic was public speaking.  Although many of our youth have experience with public speaking other youth attending this state event have not.  This was a great example of extemporaneous speaking and all of our delegation did a great job.
   Maurice and Alex had other plans when we got to McKimmon.  Both were taking part in Application, Resume, Interview, and Essay also know as AIRE.  Both had submitted applications for this process, completed their resumes and essays to qualify for the interview.  Maurice is competing for a slot to attend National 4-H Congress in November.  Alex is competing for a slot to attend National 4-H Conference in May.  We hope to hear tomorrow if they earned one of the slots.
  After all this fun, our day is just beginning.  We headed back to the hotel to change for our formal dance.   Our crowd was ready for the rest of the evening, and of course looked better than any other delegation (not that I might have been biased or anything).  When we got back to McKimmon it was time for dinner, entertainment and then the serious events of the evening.
  Our youth casts their ballots for state officers.  As the votes were tallied our youth headed into the dance.  This was their chance to celebrate and spend time with all the new friends they had made.  When the dust settled the new state officers were named,  Anthony Vagnozzi was elected President, Nicole Worth was elected Vice President,  Joah Bickley Secretary Treasurer, and Erin Dillon reporter.  Once the announcement was made it was time to head to Dorton Arena to install our officers.
  The traditional clover candlelight ceremony took place with men making up the H's and our ladies making up the sides of the clover.  As the state and district officers are inducted into office their candles are lit and the light is spread across the clover allowing for a beautiful sight from above.  When we were done it was back to the hotel to rest and start packing.  Tomorrow is our last day in 4-H Congress and we are doing nothing short of trying to change the world.

Character of Leadership

  Day two of 4-H Congress started off a little rough for our Robeson County delegation as they were still trying to recover from a long fun day of of Congress.  Of course all of that went by the wayside when we arrived at the McKimmon center for the awards program.  Youth were recognized for everything from district presentation and project record awards to 2016 national trip winners, and ambassador.  We are pleased to announce that Alex Evans received her bronze level 4-H Ambassador certification today.  That certification is a result of taking a variety of workshops, documenting what she learned, and completing another 15 hours of leadership and community service activities.
  After the awards our youth split into groups to work on a character scavenger hunt.  Each member of the group represented a different pillar of character and worked on a variety of activities.  Some were required to watch a video, others had to work on a drawing of a leader while some listed the qualities of a leader.  It was an exercise full of activity.
  After a brief break it was time to for  district meetings.  We discussed district business, were introduced to our incoming officers, and grilled our candidates for state office.  Of course during a little down time our honor club and incoming officers got a chance to lead camp songs, which they may not say was their favorite part of this experience.
After a demanding and grueling morning it was finally time for lunch from a favorite of Moe's.  Everyone made their own lunch from a variety of southwestern favorites and should have gotten plenty to eat.  After stuffing ourselves it was time to head out to our leadership workshops.
  Youth were split up by age and Congress Experience to take part in workshops lead by members of the Shelton Leadership Institute.  Our youth learned about respect, listening, stress, and are working to define their strengths and weaknesses as a part of these activities.
  We had a mid evening break to get a quick nap and a little something to eat.  Our delegation worked with the Cumberland County delegation to make a dinner plan and we all met back at our home away from home to eat together.  A little downtime was greatly appreciated by the entire crowd before heading back to McKimmon to continue on with our night.
  When we got back to campus the State 4-H President finished the last of the spotlight speeches.  We were then regaled with 4-H talent.  It has been years since a 4-H talent showcase has happened and tonight we viewed 5 out of 15 acts that will preform at Congress.
Tonight we had the opportunity to witness incredible singers, cloggers, and something that is best described as an interactive light dance.  It was really neat.
  After all of that it was time to visit the candidates booths and determine who our delegations wants to vote for.  Then it was time for the glow dance.  It sounds a little odd but basically it is like any dance but with black lights and glow sticks providing the lighting.  Our youth had a really good time and made lots of new friends on the dance floor.
  Then it was time for the delegation to meet and determine how our 19 electoral votes would be cast.  the group split a couple of votes and were unanimous on others.  They were respectful and listened to each voice and we will cast our votes today.  After a long night our youth will get to sleep in just a little in the morning before heading back out for a who new set of activities.  Stay tuned for all the fun.

Our Honor

 Day one of 4-H State Congress started off like all the others with state presentations.  We had six youth who earned the right at district competition to head to state competition.  Alex Evans, Tachoma Hair, Jada and Jordan McKinnon, Jaylyn McNair, and Maggie Underwood got up early, after weeks of practice, and travelled to Raleigh to represent Robeson County 4-H.  Jada McKinnon started our day with a presentation on "Making America Great Again through Literacy."  She compared against youth from Five other districts and brought home the gold in the 9-10 age division.

Next up was Maggie Underwood who taught a room full of folks in Careers and Entrepreneurship about becoming a professional video gamer.  While Maggie was speaking our guys were braving the elements outside competing in outdoor cooking.  Tachoma Hair and Jaylyn McNair both competed in beef cookery while Jordan McKinnon was grabbing for gold in Turkey char grill.  Let's just say with the three of them and all the other 4-H members from around the state cooking outside, NCState was the best smelling campus anywhere in the country.

Rounding out all of this craziness, and having to wait the longest was Alex Evans who showed folks how to decorate a cake in communications and artistic expression.  When the day was over Jada McKinnon and Jaylyn McNair both took home gold medals and Jordan McKinnon took home bronze.  Most of all I have to say I was impressed with the grace and dignity our 4-H members showed, win or lose.  They showed great character which is sometimes hard at their age.

After finishing up with presentations it was time for the Congress delegation to get checked in and ready for the rest of our events.  After reviewing the schedule, we made a plan for the rest of the night. That plan also included where we were going to dinner before returning to the Mckimmon Center on NCSU campus.  

Once on campus our youth met to go over rules and learn more about the week.  At the same time the adults met to learn and make sure we were all on the same page and ready for the week ahead.  After that it was time for greetings from our state 4-H leader, Dr. Mike Yoder and representatives from A&T University.

The highlight of the night was 4-H Honor Club Tapping.  Our own Alex Evans was tapped for this prestigious honor by Honor club member Laura Willis.  A great deal of secrecy surrounds the tapping, so Alex was surprised to see that her mom and sister and travelled all the way from Robeson County to support her during this Honor.

After all the excitement our youth watched state officer skits and had a chance to start forming their opinion of who they want to lead us in the future.  When it was time to head back to the hotel, there was a brief stop at cookout to make sure we celebrated the day with shakes and lemonade.  Finally we made it back to the hotel where everyone was glad to have time to sleep and rest up for our adventures in the morning.

Check back as we will continue to update our State 4-H Congress adventure.

We'll Have Fun until the Bus Comes on Friday

We woke up to a very sunny Thursday and very prepared to handle our new schedules.  We hit it early this morning with cabin cleanup and breakfast then it was off to our activities.  Our 10 to 12 year olds got to hit the newly reopened ropes courses.  Once they hiked up the hill they got to climb a telephone pole and jump off.  Ok we admit it sounds like a rather silly thing to do, but it is very safe as every camper wears a helmet and harness.  they also climbed up and walked across poles and rope bridges.  All of this to push their boundaries and take them outside their comfort zone.  Each of them was set up with the opportunity to succeed and overcome their fears.  All of them tried and were proud of themselves for trying.  It was a great experience.
  Our youth also got a chance to check out the boulder wall today.  Much like our rock wall that campers climb up, the boulder wall requires a little more ingenuity and different set of muscles, because once you climb on it, you have to climb across it.  It looks a little easier than it is.
  Of course we took a break for lunch.  There was not an unhappy camper to be found as we enjoyed chicken nuggets and french fries.  Probably what we enjoyed more than anything was talking to our friends about the night's activity, the dance.  It was the talk of the camp as some campers asked others to the dance, and others planned to go stag.  All of it was rather exhausting to try to keep up with.
  After lunch we were back out enjoying camp.  We got to swim and canoe, check out the boulder wall, archery, and well just enjoy everything Betsy Jeff Penn has to offer.  In the afternoon we took a break for camp store.  We got to spend what we had left on our cards and there were stuffed animals, draw string bags, and snacks flying out the door.  It was a lot of fun to figure out what we would be taking home.
  After one last activity in the afternoon it was time for dinner.  Tonight we enjoyed hamburgers, corn, and rice.  Most of us were too busy thinking about the dance and what we would wear and thinking about the songs we hoped they would play.
  Of course it wasn't long after that we were all at the dance.  Some of us danced and some of us, well, let's just say dancing wasn't our thing.  The camp staff gets that and they had all sorts of games set up for us to play.  We also had chalk so we could draw on the sidewalks, and let's not forget the LIT slushies.  Our Leaders In Training, also known as LITs, shaved ice and added flavorings to make us an endless supply of slushies.  Although we're pretty sure they were hoping for the lines to die down, they never did.
  When the last song played that wasn't the end of the night.  We headed back to our cabins to change and head out to campfire.  This was our last campfire of the week and it was so much fun.  There were campfire songs, and skits, most importantly lots of laughs.  About 10 o'clock we made it back to our cabins for showers, a little packing, and to lay down for some sleep before going home tomorrow.  Wow what a week it has been.  Can't wait to tell you all about it when we get home.

Wait...What!?! It's Already Wednesday?!?

  "I can't believe only have one more full day of fun!" said not one, but two of our campers at lunch today.  Although I tried to get them to enjoy the here and now, and not worry about going home quite yet, they decided to focus on coming back next year.  Now that is what I call problem solving at it's finest.  In an informal survey our campers like the pool and everything else they are doing at camp.  Still haven't heard what they don't like.
  Setting that aside, Wednesday was another fabulous day at Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H center.  It was almost cool at 75 degrees this morning.  Last night's storm made the morning much easier to wake up to.  The cooler temperatures had them excited about today's schedule.  We have talked a lot about the activities over the last few days and today we thought we might focus on the Trekkers and Adventurers.  This our the oldest kids at camp.  The Adventurers will cook dinner tonight at outpost and have the chance to sleep under the stars.  The Trekkers actually travel off site to canoe down the river, sleep outside, and climb real rock walls.  They are having the time of their lives tonight and will make it back for their final camp store on Thursday, muddy, tired, and knowing they can do almost anything.
  For our campers on site we had another fantastic day.  There were friendship bracelet looms everywhere.  Campers were trying to determine who was going to get the fruit of their labors and if they could make more before they left.  Even at lunch you could see them intently working on their creations to the point that some of them didn't want to put them down for their lunch of chicken sandwiches, and tator tots.  However they did, after much encouragement from their adults put them down and the younger groups was especially pleased when they found out they were getting a special dessert.  Due to the storm on Tuesday night our campers did not get campfire.  That meant they didn't get s'mores.  Being a camp tradition the staff rallied and made huge trays of s'mores so each camper could have one and enjoy that special camp tradition.  As you can see they enjoyed it!
  Our campers are getting used to their schedules and checking out archery, horses, canoeing, boulder wall, rock wall climbing, etc.  Tomorrow we will throw in a couple of new things and make sure this experience is an adventure until the end.
  Tonight's activity, after a spaghetti dinner, was a camp favorite, the talent show.  We found out these youth are very talented.  They sang, danced, cheered, and had a ball.  We had campers who burped the alphabet and even solved a Rubics cube, while being video taped.  My favorite part of the night is seeing the campers support and cheer each other on.  We can't forget the counselors who did squats, jazzercise, ribbon dances, and the splits to make this night just a little over the top and more memorable for these youth.  Let's just say it was a fun and magical night that will not soon be forgotten.
After the talent show it was time for bed.  Campers headed back to the cabins for showers and hit the hay.  They know they have one more full day of fun ahead and they are making plans to make the most of our final camp day before coming home on Friday.

We're Getting the Hang of This

  We woke up Tuesday morning, rested, hungry and eager to start our day.  It was a little warmer today then yesterday but that didn't slow us down one bit.  All of our groups started the day cleaning their cabins for inspection and then moved on to breakfast.  Today our menu started with pancakes and sausage.  It was warm and yummy.  Before we knew it it was time to split into our groups and move on out to activities with all of our new friends.

  Today included some of our favorites and some new things.  For example we got to go to archery and ga-ga ball.  We also did more than just learn about horses today we actually got on them and went for a ride.  How much fun is that?  Some of us got to go to the beaver dam.  Before we did that we went to classroom two and learned all about these devastating creatures and how to look for signs of them.
  It wasn't long before we were back in the dining hall enjoying meatball subs, mozzarella sticks, and lots of water.  We also enjoyed having a little down time to enjoy or friends and contemplate what would be next on our rounds of activities.
Speaking of friends...for those at arts and crafts they learned how to make friendship bracelets.  The counselor had cut out cardboard looms for them and helped them to get started.  What's really cool about this project is that they can take it with them wherever they go and work on it.  If they need more yarn they know where to get it.
  When we headed back out we noticed we had a chance to enjoy the water.  Most of us got a chance to get in a canoe and paddle out to the lake.  The older youth worked on rescue techniques.  Younger youth played games in the boat and worked on staying in them.
  If you weren't in the lake this afternoon, you were probably in the swimming pool.  One of the great things about this pool is that it is a salt water pool, in other words no chlorine to be had.  So that means no smelling like chlorine, our clothes will not be saturated with the smell of it when we get home, no blood shot eyes, and you float even better.  For the camp what it means is decreased costs and labor in trying to get truckloads of chlorine in every so often because this pool takes care of its self.  it is really neat and we are enjoying time in cool water this summer.
After all of the excitement it was time to head back to the dining hall for diner.  Tonight we had BBQ chicken,  green beans, corn bread, and mac&cheese.  It was really yummy.  Although there was a little rest time before flag lowering we heard thunder in the distance so we ran to evening activity and then mother nature had other plans.  Everyone hit the rec hall as a storm blew through pretty quickly.  We didn't mind as we played games, ran around, and just had a great time.  Of course with rain it is tough to have a campfire so we hit our cabins, took showers, and hit the hay a few minutes early tonight.  That was ok because we were tired and needed to get a little extra shut eye before we get back at it in the morning.  It will probably be a little cooler to start with so we will need the extra energy to get stuff done before it gets hot.
  We are almost halfway through our awesome camp experience and just want to say thank you to everyone who made this happen.  We are making memories of a life time, challenging ourselves, and figuring our who we are away from home.  Its something we will never forget.  Sweet dreams!

The Best Monday Ever!

  Boy did we sleep well last night at Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Camp.  Which made our first activity this Monday morning (after getting up, and doing our cabin chores), especially important and wonderful.  We headed straight to the dinning hall to have breakfast.  On the menu, bacon, eggs, and some fluffy buttermilk biscuits.  There was also a fresh fruit bar and cereal.  So in other words there was no reason for us not to have a full stomach to start on day on.
  After breakfast it was time to head to our activities.  Today we had a smattering of Arts and Crafts, GaGa Ball, archery, rock wall climbing, horse back riding, canoeing, and swimming.  Oh where to start on the wonders of the fun we had today.  Let's start with the Ga-Ga Pitt.  This is something new at BJP and they actually have two pitts.  The game is a little like dodge ball below the knees.  The goal is to be the last person standing, and not to get hit by the ball.  It sort of sounds easier than it is.
  We had two opportunities to get wet and cool off today.  One was in the pool where we played games and paddled around.  The other involved paddling around in a canoe in the lake.  After learning how to steer and stay in the boat we got out and had the chance to jump in and get wet.
  Of course all of this exercise got us hungry again so we stopped and had lunch.  Today's lunch consisted of celery, carrots, and PIZZA.  Our youth devoured the food and took a little rest time to allow the scrumptious meal to settle in their stomaches.
  When it was time to hit the dusty trail again we continued with our activities.  Part of our youth were introduced to horse back riding, while another group got to bear arms or at least bows on the archery range.  Everyone got a chance to aim and fire arrows at the target and most of them heard the rewarding thwack of hitting the target.
  Speaking of being rewarded our youth had the rewarding experience of climbing the rock wall.  It was amazing to watch them scaling the structure that is the height of the camp water tower.  They were a little hesitant to start with but many of them took a shot and climbed up with grace, and strength.
  Of course there was a mid afternoon break to enjoy camp store.  Each camper had the chance to buy a snack (candy, chips, ice cream) and soda.  It also gave them a little time to enjoy with their friends and see other folks outside their group.  They ate their snack, enjoyed some social time and even danced.
Of course we still weren't done with our activities.  Some groups got to hit the arts and crafts area and learn how to make friendship bracelets.  They had a blast making things for themselves and their friends.
  Then it was time to finish up their last activities before heading back to their cabins to change before dinner.  On the menu tonight make your own tacos and they had all the fixings to go with it.  It was awesome.  We are doing some serious eating and playing here.  Of course we were all serious when it comes to the flag lowering each night.
  This is also the time of the most important and coveted announcement of the day.  Which cabins are the cleanest.  Tonight Cabin 3 walked away with the golden faucet award and cabin six took home the silver toilet seat.  We go through this process every day and work hard to obtain these awards.
  After the big announcement we headed out for the evening activities.  The younger campers; Head, Heart, Hands, and Health all took part in water sports.  That meant we did things like swimming in the lake and pool.  We also got to go down a massive slip and slide. Then we played water games like drip, drip, pour (kind of like duck duck goose but with water), and hot potatoes with a wet sponge.  If we were out we had to squeeze all the water on our heads.
  The older campers are in the Earth and Sun groups as well as the adventurers and trekkers.  These campers went tot he pioneer cabin where they played games and made s'mores over an open fire.  Our trekkers hit the rock wall to practice for their trip.
  After it was all said and done we headed back to our cabins for showers and bed.  It's been a long, hot, fun day and we can't wait to see what Tuesday will bring.