Updates & Snapshots from 2010 PA 4-H Capital Days

4-H members from across the commonwealth met in Harrisburg for the 46th Annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Capital Days, an annual citizenship awareness event that was held April 25-27 at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers. Three 4-H members from Clearfield County were in attendance at this year’s event. Representing Clearfield County was Marissa Douthit, the 15 year old daughter of Tom & Janet Douthit of Punxsutawney, Abby Lee, the 16 year old the daughter of Albert & Glenda Lee of DuBois, and Liz McAndrew, the 16 year old daughter of Joseph & Debbie McAndrew of Brockway. All three of the delegates belong to the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club. The delegates were escorted to Harrisburg and chaperoned at the event by Jana Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator for Penn State Cooperative Extension in Clearfield County.

The goal of the two-day program is to introduce 4-H’ers to Pennsylvania government through a series of hands-on, interactive experiences. Participants learned how laws are passed by participating in a mock legislative session. The youth are grouped into the majority and minority parties to discuss their party’s stand on the issues, and then come together as full house and vote on three bills that include issues such as cruelty to animals, restaurants display of dietary information, and prohibiting the administration of certain antimicrobial agents in animals. Other activities included hearing keynote speeches by Patrick Rushton, Education/Outreach Manager for Victims Resource Center, J.D. Dunbar, Chief Executive Officer of RULE (PA Rural Leadership Program, Representative Scott Conklin of Centre County, and Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture. In addition to guest speakers and the mock legislative session, several workshops were provided on the topics of parliamentary procedure, how to read a bill, understand the rights of youth, spending plans, and citizenship & governmental affairs. All 4-H delegates were also given a tour of the Capitol Building and had their picture taken on the stairs of the Rotunda. At this program, 4-H members learn about local, state, and national governments through several opportunities during the program year.  The program concluded on Tuesday, April 27th with a legislative breakfast. Representative Matt Gabler of Clearfield & Elk Counties attended the breakfast and invited the Clearfield County delegates on a tour of his office in the Capitol Building. Staff from the offices of Representative Sam Smith of Jefferson County, Representative Camille “Bud” George” of Clearfield County, and Senator and current Lieutenant Governor Joe Scarnati was also in attendance at the breakfast.