A Saturday Filled with Fun and Learning for Area Youth

Lincoln County 4-H hosted there first Project Discovery Day for 2009 recently in Tomahawk.  Project Discovery Day is an day for 4-H and other community youth to learn new skills and have fun exploring the many opportunities the 4-H program in Lincoln County offers.  Sixteen adult and youth instructors from the area shared their knowledge with 18 youth during the annual Project Discovery Day held on March 7th at the Middle School in Tomahawk.  Topics covered a wide variety of subjects including learning about woodworking by building a napkin holder, weaving a basket, creating jewelry, learning about photography, drawing cartoons, needle point on plastic canvas, cross country skiing, learning to knit and building a model airplane.

This event sponsored annually by the Lincoln County 4-H Leaders’ Association Inc. and UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development were again a great success as young people moved from session to session learning new skills and creating items.  Youth took a quick break to catch their breath, eat lunch or a snack, and make new friends during the short time in-between sessions.  The adult and older youth instructors that day learned as much as their students about organization, teaching methods, keeping calm in chaotic situations, and keeping their students excited about learning.  Project Discovery Day is a great example of the learning and teamwork that happens in 4-H every day.

This event along with the 4-H program is open to all youth in grade Kindergarten through 13 (one year after high school graduation), regardless of where you live.  Becoming a 4-H member is free with minimal costs for participating in countywide activities.  For more information about joining 4-H, contact the Lincoln County UW-Extension at 539-1072 or visit our website at www.lincolncounty4h.com.

Jesse Renn, a 4-H youth leader, shows Jason Ryan how to assemble his napkin holder during the woodworking session that he co-taught with Caroline Lemke, 4-H leader.

Janet Crowell, a community volunteer, teaches Shane Van Groll, Julie Van Groll and Chloe Lemmer how to take better photos during the photography session.

Bethany Koshak, 4-H youth leader, teachers youth the art of cartooning during her session.

Myria Kludy, 4-H youth leader and ambassador, teaches a group of youth and adult leaders how to make their own jewelry.

Debbie Moellendorf, 4-H Youth Development Agent, demonstrates for two youth participants during the knitting session how to start to knit using a knifty knitter loom.

Judy Koshak, 4-H volunteer leader, and Amanda Koshak, 4-H youth leader led a session on cross-country skiing.  Pictured are (left to right) Bethany Koshak, Amanda Koshak, RaeAnn Brixius and Julie Von Groll.

Betty Voelz, a community volunteer, shows Katie Reiter how to get started on her needle point project.

Shane Von Groll and Jason Ryan build their model airplane during a session taught by community volunteers.

Amanda Kostman, 4-H Youth Development Program Advisor, demonstrates for 4-H member Elizabeth Engel how to weave her basket.