Learning leadership, life skills, part of 4H

BY EMMA CRUICKSHANK SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

On the last weekend in April, Adams County 4-H hosted an alumni dinner and silent auction for past members of 4-H. For the silent auction, there were paintings, cups, jewelry, and many other things. On display at the event were 4-H projects: poster boards, clothing, leathercraft, and photographs. ere was a video with pictures from di erent events. At the dinner and silent auction, I interviewed 4-H alumni and asked them why they think 4-H is important and how it helped them. e alumni told me what they projects did in 4-H and memories they have from their 4-H experiences. e rst person I interviewed was Kelsea Cruickshank: Kelsea said “4-H made me have the ability to speak in front of large groups of people. 4-H teaches hard work and how to stick with a project.” Kelsea has been in Adams County 4-H since she was a cloverbud (5-7 years olds) and participated in rabbit projects. I then interviewed Betty Dawson and her daughter Cammie Janssen. Cammie said “4-H taught me so many things that I became a leader myself. 4-H teaches kids life skills.” Cammie Janssen has been in 4-H for 55 years. Her mother joined in the