4-H Leaders Tour American History, Learn the Value of Civics, Seek to Give Back to Community

This year 4-H leaders Chaykota Christensen, Brooke Westby, Elise Strommen, Kortney Nelson and Cordell Younkin made the commitment to learn, serve and engage in their communities by participating in the citizenship tour tracing our nation's founding and history across the East Coast while learning about civics and leadership.

This year the trip involved delving into their nation's history in Boston as they walked the Freedom Trail and climbed to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. They stood at the balcony of the Old State House where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed and climbed the steeple of the Old North Church and could hear the echo of history chanting "One if by sea, two if by land."

They traveled to New York City to be immersed in a new culture while experiencing the awe of the Statue of Liberty, the hope of Ellis Island and the solemnness of the 9/11 Memorial.

They then arrived in Washington, D.C., where they participated in Citizenship Washington Focus. This is 4-H's premier leadership and citizenship program for high school members. It is more than just a field trip however, it is an intense opportunity for 4-H members to learn how to be citizen leaders and make a difference in their communities.

While in DC these members were introduced to our nation's capital and met with Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines, and Congressman Greg Gianforte. They had a behind-the-scenes tour of their government and gained communication, leadership and citizenship skills with over 400 4-H members from around the United States.

Leadership projects are varied and are based on issues that are important to the member and their community. Cordell, Chaykota and Elise served as camp counselors at the 4-H District IV Camp which involves members from Valley, Roosevelt, Daniels, Sheridan and Richland Counties.

Cordell and Elise also created Science Sleuths in the Hinsdale School which was a junior high and high school level STEM after-school program. Chaykota took on writing grants for funding and designing a layout for pens in the swine barn. Brooke and Kortney planned and implemented Cloverbud Day Camp where 5-8 year olds learn about 4-H in a busy, fun-filled day. They also recruited a small army to paint the Lynn Cornwell Memorial show ring on the Valley County Fairgrounds.

The Valley County 4-H Citizenship trip is a stepping stone on the path to leadership and citizenship education for our future leaders. Every child has leadership potential, and through 4-H, members gain confidence, responsibility, independence and compassion. Members commit to travel two years before the trip and enroll in a leadership project where they can make a difference in their community.

This commitment began right here in Valley County as 4-H members accepted leadership roles in their schools, their clubs and their communities. In these roles, youth learn to contribute to their world and develop a lifelong commitment to civic engagement. Through participation in leadership roles and mock legislatures, the group learned the importance of civic engagement and leadership in our communities.

The Valley County delegation was challenged to make a difference in their own community by developing an Action Plan that they could implement when they returned home. This group chose community hunger and devised a way to provide healthy snacks for children during the Northeast Montana Fair.

They proposed their idea to the Valley County 4-H Council for funding to buy snacks and will have a booth in the 4-H Quonset where families may come and share a healthy snack while they enjoy the fair. They are also encouraging local residents to share with the Valley County Food Bank by bringing their donations to the fair and leaving them at this booth.