More than 90 youth and adults traveled from all over southeast Washington to attend the 2008 Southeast District 4-H Teen Rally held at Fields Spring State Park near the tiny town of Anatone from October 24 to 26. Asotin County 4-H leaders, members, and families helped to coordinate the three-day event with tons of hands-on learning activities centered around leadership skills and healthy lifestyle choices. The planning committee was more goal-oriented than ever to make sure 4-H’ers attending camp would be exposed to new activities. As a result, campers were able to experience hiking adventures, geocaching, and learning how to build on their individual personalities to become more effective 4-H youth.

The rally started off with a Friday evening home-style dinner and “get to know each other” games by Tiffany Boswell and Jan Klein, state 4-H staff. The excited campers then moved onto a presentation of “Colors” led by Extension educator Bridget Rohner in which she taught 4-H’ers how to learn from and work with different generations. By 11 pm all campers were ready to find their beds and get some zzz’s for the busy days ahead of them.

A blowing horn at 6:30 am made sure campers knew breakfast was ready. Breakfast quickly passed for them as the State Ambassador Program voted new officers in and wished farewell to last year’s ambassadors. Tears fell for the retired officers and the great work they had done and memories they shared. With bellies full and spirits high, it was onto a busy day filled with classes on orienteering, outdoor survival, and “Bread in the Bag,” to name a few.

4-H’ers also had the opportunity to meet Pat BoyEs, WSU 4-H Program Director. Pat delivered a moving speech aimed at getting youth to start building healthy habits now to become highly effective not just in 4-H, but throughout the rest of their lives. As the day went on, youth enjoyed horse-drawn wagon rides and a beautiful scenic tour of the Grande Ronde River. Saturday night ended with a pig roast, dancing, and cowboy poetry by Dave Rustebakke.

Sunday morning greeted campers with a beautiful sunrise and crisp morning air. Youth engaged in Challenge games such as cross-cut saw, hatchet throw, camp trivia, and horseshoes. Another option was to complete a community service project by cleaning up debris from downed tree branches and limbs on the ski trails and roadways of Fields Spring State Park.

Sharply at noon, campers were packed up and ready to head home with great memories and new friends to share after their busy fun-filled weekend.

Based on the positive feedback received, Asotin County can’t wait to host another amazing SE District Teen Rally in the future. Pictures and more information can be found at http://asotin.wsu.edu/4h.