The Department of Ag and the National Youth Science Experiment-By George Dietrich

On October 4th we arrived at the Farm Show Complex to help at Farm City day.  We set up a PA 4-H booth and did a fun science experiment with the kids that visited.  “We got to share our love of 4-H to tons of kids that had never even heard of the program before.  At our booth, we conducted an experiment with the kids involving a bean... and they loved it!  "It was an amazing time just chatting with them and teaching them about agriculture and of course, 4-H!”  Cassidy Baker, President.

On October 10th we held a science day at Penn State University Park  which highlighted the National Science Experiment, The Eco Bot Challenge.  We assisted in helping young 4-Hers in an attempt to clean up Bailey Beach from a toxic spill using motorized toothbrush heads.   The youth had a lot of fun learning what they could build and how it could save a beach.   John Hess, Vice President of Internal Affairs and Sentinel said, “I loved watching the kids being involved and having a smile when doing it.”

We also got an opportunity to visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on October 17th.  We had a visit with the Secretary of Ag, George Greig, and then proceeded to visit several Bureaus within the Department including Entomology, Plant Industry, Food Safety, Farmland Preservation, and the Dog Law Enforcement office.  Stephanie McFall, Council Representative, said, “Meeting the Secretary of Ag was a tremendous opportunity and the tour of the Department of Ag was great.”

Cassidy, John, and Beth attended the Lawrence County 4-H Banquet where they presented awards to leaders that have reached milestones within 4-H.  They then made short speeches about their plans for what they were going to focus on as 4-H Council Members.  Beth Patton, Council Representative, said the event “was great.  I was really excited to have most of the county’s 4-Hers right there, and have a chance to encourage them to go to my favorite event, State Leadership Conference."