Camps & Competitions Kept 4-H'ers Busy All Summer Long

From May through July, 4-H members from across the county really kept themselves busy!

Nick Kovalick of the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club traveled to Happy Valley for the 2009 4-H Dairy Days Cow Camp. This educational program was an opportunity for youth between the ages of 8-18 years of age experience modern dairy production practices. This year's camp took place on Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31st, 2009 at Penn State University. Saturday’s hands-on workshops for the senior participants involved hoof care, genomic evaluations, and forage quality/rumen health, while junior workshops focused on biotechnology, calf health, and dairy products. Social events included a picnic, fun night with go-carts and par-3 golf at Tussey Mountain Fun Center, and an ice cream social.

On June 21st through 25th, Clearfield County sent 21 4-H campers to the 2009 Regional 4-H Camp held at Camp Kanesatake in Spruce Creek. Overnight Campers included: Mary-Beth Maguire, Adeline McCafferty, Morgan Reardon, & Violet Sleigh. Full Week/Traditional Campers included: Brooke Ell, Dustin Fisch, Gust Fisch, Cassandra Folmar, Chelsea Folmar, Abby Junod, Ben Junod, Nick Kovalick, Fran McAninch, Olivia McCafferty, Jaret McCracken, Kestrel Merritt, Michael Minicucci, Amanda Pennington, Brogan Peters, Heather Shimmel, & Sydney Turner. The campers took part in numerous fun-filled, adventurous activities, as well as educational workshops based on the camp theme “Keeping it Green.” We had 10 terrific camp counselors and volunteered and dedicated a great deal of their time into making sure each and every 4-H camper had an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. 2009 Clearfield County Camp Counselors included: Courtney Bakaysa, Yvonne Bush, Emily Johnson, Liz McAndrew, Katie McAndrew, Don Smeal, Devon Turner, Morgan Turner, Megan Williams, and Ariana Yaple.

July 28th through July 30th, we had 10 Clearfield County 4-H members travel to Penn State University to take part in the 2009 Pennsylvania State 4-H Achievement Days, where youth have the opportunity to take part in one of many competitive and non-competitive events. Our Horse Bowl team, with members Marissa Douthit, Chelsea Folmar, Liz McAndrew, and Katie McAndrew, took 3rd place. All 4 team members are from the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club. Our Shotgun Junior Division Team, with members JR McMahon, Tyler Passmore, and David Kephart finished in 2nd place. JR also received 1st place as an individual. All 3 team members are from the Clearfield County 4-H Top Guns. Abby Lee and Arah Shaffer, both of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club, participated in State Chorus. Devon Turner of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club place 14th as an individual in the Rabbit & Cavy Contest. Finally, Fran McAninch of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club placed 15th as an individual in the Horse Judging Junior Division Contest. During the closing ceremony and awards presentation on Thursday, July 30th, our very own Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council was recognized for being an Outstanding County Council. We received 3rd place in a statewide contest and the council was given a $200.00 monetary gift, which helped pay for activities and events the council sponsored at the 2009 Clearfield County Fair.