Young leaders to gather at Penn State University for PA's 4-H State Achievement Days

Throughout the year, 4-H members work with adult volunteers to learn citizenship, leadership and other important life skills that prepare them to become active and contributing members of society.  The Pennsylvania 4-H program, is part of Cooperative Extension in the College of Agricultural Sciences. 

At the meeting, youth are recognized for their 4-H achievements and accomplishments for the year. State Achievement Days include 26 competitive and non-competitive activities in areas such as physical fitness, orienteering, food and nutrition, public speaking, livestock, dairy and horse judging. In addition, top competitors get the opportunity to qualify for national events.

Regional finalists who created clothing in fashion projects will present a Fashion Review at 7:45 p.m. on July 27th at Eisenhower Auditorium. Marcie White of the Coons Corners 4-H Club will be participating in the State Fashion Show and Crawford County residents are welcome to attend.  The fashion show is free and open to the public, as many of the contests are held privately. 

Wanda Braymer, the Crawford County 4-H Coordinator, proudly states that, “Crawford County historically has been recognized with the largest delegation in the state represented at this event.  Not only are they noticed for their large numbers but for the delegations' hard work in achieving their goals, of placing their best in each competition and activity they participate in and representing Crawford County well.” 

Again this year is the 4-H Science Symposium, which will teach youth about current energy issues, implications for agriculture and emerging careers in the field of science. New this year is the Penn State Questing Contest, a day of challenging exploration using a map to find treasurers on the Penn State Campus.  Members also will participate in 4-H State Council elections to select up to 12 teens from across the state to represent the Pennsylvania 4-H program both locally and nationally -- the highest position a 4-H youth can obtain in the state.

Another great aspect of this event is that the youth are given the opportunity on Tuesday afternoon to participate in various service-learning activities, such as collecting items to send to military personnel and to fill 'Hero Packs' for children of deployed service men and women; making fleece blankets to send to shelters, children's hospitals and veteran's homes; and favors for Meals on Wheels.

Locally the 4-H program is part of the educational effort of Crawford County Cooperative Extension an outreach of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University.  Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. For more information about the 4-H program, contact the Crawford County Cooperative Extension Office, 13400 Dunham Road, Suite A, Meadville, PA  16335.  The phone number is (814) 333-7460.