Rain Can't Bring Down the 4-H Foundation Trail Ride

I'm a little late in posting, but October 8 & 9 I had the opportunity to head out to Western Nebraska and hang out with over 170 people participating in the Nebraska 4-H Foundation Trail Ride in Halsey, Nebraska. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive, being someone who has never owned a horse, and the only riding I've done has been cautiously monitored. But there's a first  for everything, and I drove out Friday night after I got done with class. About half way there the sky looked like this..

Not a good sign when you're headed to an outdoor event for the weekend.. but it cleared off and I made my way to Halsey. Halsey 4-H Camp is within the Nebraska National Forest, and it is absolutely beautiful.

The path lead up to the lodge, which you'd think would be the common meeting place.

But it was not; this was..

A pasture, reached after a long, sandy, wet, rutted road (I'm glad I drove my Jeep). We met there Saturday morning for the most amazing rolls made by the staff at the 4-H camp, coffee, and for directions for the day. I was totally amazed at how many kids and families were there even though it was rainy and cold- they couldn't wait to get out and ride. And they did. They went out that morning, came back for lunch, and then went out for another ride until that night- there was a steak fry, silent auction, two little girls who sang for the crowd, and a hilarious speaker. It was so nice to sit in the warm wooden lodge after the rainy cold day. The crowd included young kids up to those who had been to all of the trail rides, which were held long before 13 years ago when it wasn't sponsored by the 4-H Foundation. Many stayed in campers and cabins, and went out the next day on an additional two rides!

I was so absolutely grateful for the welcoming spirit that the group had, I felt right at home, even so far away from my native Northeast Nebraska roots. My first opinion was that the rain was going to ruin the weekend, but it just made it that much better to get to know everyone. Thanks so much to the Halsey 4-H camp and all those who worked with the 4-H Foundation to pull off an amazing weekend.

NE Ambassadors Travel to North Platte 4-H Dance

4-H Ambassadors (l to r) Amanda Keys, Amanda Schutz, Allison Siekman, and Dustin Renken traveled to North Platte, Neb. on Saturday, October 22nd to chaperone the 4-H Dance sponsored by the Nebraska 4-H Foundation.

New and Exciting!

There's new faces on the Nebraska 4-H Ambassador Team! There are now 12 ambassadors, promoting 4-H as recent alumni!
Here are some of the new members, including the original 5!

 

 

 

 

• Chandra Mosel is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Neligh, NE (Antelope County). She is a Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (Ag Tourism) major and currently is the Nebraska Dairy Princess.
 
• Melisa Konecky is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Wahoo, NE (Saunders County). She is an Animal Science and Ag Leadership major and currently is the Nebraska Dairy Princess Runner-Up.
 
• Tayler Goertz is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Bennington, NE (Douglas & Washington Counties). She is an Animal Science major.
 
• Lindsay Long is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Springfield, NE (Sarpy County). She is an Animal Science major.
 
• Allison Siekman is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Bennington, NE (Washington County). She is an Agronomy major.
 
• Anastasia Johnson is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Central City, NE (Merrick County). She is an Applied Science major.
 
• Will Miller is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Culbertson, NE (Red Willow and Hitchcock Counties). He is an Ag Education major.
 
• Amanda Schutz is a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Arapahoe, NE (Furnas County). She is an Ag Journalism – Advertising and Public Relations major.
 
• Amanda Keys is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Elsmere, NE (Blaine County). She is an Agribusiness major.
 
• Megan Loberg is a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Carroll, NE (Wayne County). She is a Family and Consumer Science Education major.
 
• Dustin Renken is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Bertrand, NE (Dawson County). He is an Animal Science major.
 
• Eric Miller is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Lyons, NE (Burt County). He is an Animal Science and Agribusiness major.

 

The first year of being an ambassador was so fun, and such a learning experience! We traveled all over Nebraska as both ambassadors and 4-H participants and got to meet a lot of amazing people who make Nebraska 4-H go 'round!

We are so excited to kick off another great year with the new members of the Nebraska 4-H Ambassadors!

Antelope County Fair

Amanda S. and Megan traveled to Neligh, Nebraska to visit the Antelope County Fair. While giving out ribbons at livestock shows, the pair got a chance to interact with exhibitors in support of the 4-H program. Congrats all exhibitors on a job well done!

County Fair Time

Wayne County has had the pleasure of an extra visitor to their county fair! Noodles the Ambassa-dog came with me to the beef and swine shows, complete with a clover ribbon! (He's camera shy)

Big Red Summer Academic Camps

Later in the day on Monday, June 13th, 2011, Nebraska 4-H Ambassadors Eric Miller and Amanda Keys traveled to the University of Nebraska - Lincoln to lead 4-H Breakout stations at the 2011 Big Red Summer Academic Camps. Big Red Summer Academic Camps are career exploration camps that provide high school students with a chance to explore the UNL campus, make new friends from across the country, and investigate their interests and potential careers while having an amazing time. Eric Miller led the campers in a science and technology focused activity. While experimenting with hydrogels, they learned about ethanol and other renewable fuels and how they are used. Amanda Keys introduced the campers to the endless possibilities that 4-H provides in the the study of food and nutrition. At this breakout station the campers utilized their creativity to develop new recipes and products from a set of given ingredients. The Ambassadors truly enjoyed the opportunity to meet one of their most important goals - using the skills they acquired through 4-H to teach today's 4-H'ers.

4-H & FFA Golf Classic

Nebraska 4-H Ambassadors and State FFA Officers

Cory Johnson (FFA Vice President), Vance Heyer (FFA Secretary), Bethany Blackburn (FFA Vice President), Shannon (Intern), Eric, Molly (Intern), Amanda K.

On Monday, June 13th, 2011, Nebraska 4-H Ambassadors Eric Miller, Dustin Renken, and Amanda Keys and Nebraska 4-H Foundation Interns Molly Trausch and Shannon Wietjes joined forces with Nebraska State FFA Officers at the 17th Annual 4-H & FFA Golf Classic. The Ambassadors spent the day setting up; registering the golfers; selling raffle tickets, mulligans, and "magic string;" photographing the event; and coordinating the putting contest. It was a wonderful opportunity to better connect with the Nebraska State FFA Officers, with whom we will be working at NPower events later this summer, and to personally thank our donors for their support of 4-H and Nebraska's youth. Thank you!

It's not about "I" It's about "We"

The Nebraska 4-H Ambassador Team
Front: Dustin, Stu (Advisor), Eric
Back: Amanda S., Shannon (Intern), Molly (Intern), Amanda K.

On Friday, June 3, 2011, the Nebraska 4-H Ambassador Team traveled across the state of Nebraska to meet with staff members at The American Mortgage Company and Farmers State Bank in North Platte, Nebraska. After having the opportunity to visit with various staff members over lunch, Ambassadors attended sessions from staff members over various financial, professional and agricultural topics including credit, risk management, resume building, home buying and loans. In addition to learning about these important topics, Ambassadors were also inspired to take their life experiences and use them to become successful. The Team was reminded that by listening to others we can learn something from everyone we meet. And maybe most importantly we must remember that it's not about "I" it's about "We." Success is possible when people work together to achieve a common goal.

Many thanks to staff at The American Mortgage Company and Farmers State Bank for making this learning day possible for the Nebraska 4-H Ambassador Team!

2011 Nebraska 4-H Ambassadors

Photo: Front Row (L to R): Megan Loberg, and Amanda Schutz. Back Row (L to R): Dustin Renken, Amanda Keys, Eric Miller, and Molly Trausch

The Nebraska 4-H Youth Development is proud to announce the selection of five students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to serve the 2011 term as Nebraska 4-H Ambassadors. As a first year venture, the team will be working together to advocate for the 4-H program across the state. Ambassadors have a variety of responsibilities including speaking at 4-H events, meeting with Nebraska Legislative members, and networking with professionals in their interest areas. The Ambassador team may differ in their various experiences, but all share a unique passion for the 4-H program.  By combining their different abilities, they will be working together to promote the 4-H program across Nebraska.

Amanda Keys is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Agribusiness with Leadership and Communication and International Agriculture and Natural Resources Minors.  She is from Elsmere, Nebraska and represents Blaine County.  Amanda has been involved in 4-H for eleven years and has been active as a Nebraska 4-H Youth Curriculum Committee Member and National 4-H Congress and Conference Delegate.  She has also participated in the Life Challenge Contest.  In addition to 4-H, Amanda is also actively involved in campus activities.  Some of her favorite activities include participating in the Justin Smith Morrill Scholars Program, the Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness Club and CASNR Week Program Council Member.

“Because 4-H has played such an influential role in my life, I am excited to continue developing the skills I will use after college while giving back to the 4-H program as a Nebraska 4-H Ambassador!”

Amanda Schutz, Nebraska 4-H Ambassador’s President, is a junior agricultural journalism major with an emphasis in advertising and public relations.  She is from Arapahoe, Nebraska representing Furnas County.  Amanda has been involved in 4-H for ten years.  Amanda most enjoyed her livestock projects and received the Ak-Sar-Ben Grand Champion Market Beef award in 2008.  Outside of 4-H Amanda is also involved in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow chapter, the Ag Sack Lunch Program of Nebraska, and is employed by the UNL Office of Admissions – Van Brunt Visitors Centers.

“I strongly believe that the 4-H program is one of the best youth programs in the nation.  As a Nebraska 4-H Ambassador, I hope to be able to share my experiences and give back to an organization that was such a positive force in my life!”

Megan Loberg is a junior Family & Consumer Science Education major from Carroll, Nebraska and represents Wayne County.  Megan has been in 4-H for 11 years being highly involved in Textile and Clothing activities and was a State Style Revue Competitor for five years for modeling and clothing construction.  Megan also showed swine during her 4-H career.  At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Megan is actively involved with Alpha Chi Omega, Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom, and The Caring Kitchen.

“I am looking forward to advocating for 4-H and hear and see how 4-H has positively affected others and hopefully show my passion for such an awesome organization.”

Eric Miller is a freshman Agribusiness & Animal Science major from Lyons, Nebraska representing Burt County.  Eric has been involved in 4-H for eleven years.  Highlighting his 4-H career include his responsibilities as Assistant Burt County 4-H Poultry Superintendent, 2009 Fremont 4-H Fair King, and 2010 National 4-H Congress Youth Delegate Advisor.  Eric keeps busy on campus with FarmHouse Fraternity, Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars, and Nebraska Pork Producer’s Association Youth Mentoring Program.

“I grew up deeply involved in 4-H and believe that it is one of the best organizations available for youth to be involved in. My family has always been tied to agriculture.  I look forward to my year as a Nebraska 4-H Ambassador because of the influence that I will have upon the program that gave me many opportunities during my youth. I have met many friends through 4-H and I want to give back to the 4-H program and help ensure the future success of 4-H in both the state and nation.”

Dustin Renken is a freshman animal science major from Bertrand, Nebraska representing Phelps and Dawson County.  Dustin has been involved in 4-H for eleven years and has participated in National 4-H Congress as Conference Delegate.  He also spends his time volunteering with community service activities and helping with local Therapeutic Riding Program.  In 2008 & 2009 Dustin was awarded Ak-Sar-Ben Champion Senior Horeseman title. While at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dustin enjoys his time on the Equestrian Team, participating in Block & Bridle, and playing intramural sports.

“4-H Ambassadors is an excellent connection of the leadership skills 4-H develops with today’s professional world. As an advocate of 4-H, I am excited to interact with youth and 4-H supporters across the State of Nebraska and share my enthusiasm and experiences for this outstanding program.”

Molly Trausch, Nebraska 4-H Ambassador’s Student Advisor, is a junior Horticulture-Entrepreneurship major from Minden, Nebraska representing Kearney County. Molly has been involved in the 4-H Program for 11 years and has participated in various 4-H activities. She is currently employed at the Nebraska 4-H Foundation organizing various fundraising events. Molly actively participates in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Horticulture Club, CASNR Week, and various volunteer activities.