AMY GANGES- MONTGOMERY COUNTY 4-H CLUB
Last Thursday the Club welcomed two representatives of the Montgomery County 4-H Club, AMY GANGES and KATHRYN RUSH, who gave us a great overview of the activities, programs, and events of the club.
Amy gave us background on 4-H, which began in 1902, with the Montgomery County chapter originating in1912. A Land Grant placed under the the Penn State University authority, and Ami is thus an employee of Penn State. She pointed out the the Montco Club serves the area with 20 'traditional' clubs, with 400+ members, and with an outreach to 2000 kids in area schools. 4-H gives introductions and invite into many areas of agriculture to students age 5 -18, and is not limited to just animals. They provide classes, clubs, and events that include many areas of interest: dog agility programs, livestock raising, cooking, archery, and rifle clubs to name just a few.
Their main area for events is a large facility in Creamery that was built up 40 years ago and serves as a meeting place, fair ground, and all their special events. Amy said that 4-H Club membership has proved to be a great starting point for kids who think they may want to pursue carriers in agriculture, with several going on to become veterinarians.
Besides the many clubs, classes, and lectures, the club participates in many community service projects, such as a coat drive, meat donations, sending cards to the elderly, and taking animals to vet visits. They also run summer camps, and short classes on a variety of topics.
KATHRYN RUSH, a 10 year member of the club, spoke about her personal experiences in the club, and related how she has become deeply involved in the organization, and has led several trips, clubs, and events like the youth club, livestock club,Manna on Main Street event, and participating in the Annual PDU Science Camp.
4-H CREAMERY FACILITIES
Amy and Kathryn invited everyone too their public open houses and their Fair which will be held August 7 -9.
For more information, check their FaceBook page.
Thank you Amy and Kathryn