The Pledge - Spring 2023

THE PLEDGE

Kansas 4-H began in 1905 when organized groups of youth came together to “learn by doing.” In 1914, the Smith-Lever Act established the Cooperative Extension System connected to Land Grant universities and nationalized 4-H as a positive youth development program. As Kansas 4-H grew, a national trend for 4-H camping was growing, and Kansas 4-H Clubs purchased Rock Springs Ranch in 1946.

In November 1952, a committee of Kansans convened to determine what entity should hold the title of Rock Springs. With a vision for providing educational opportunities for Kansas youth, this committee created the Kansas 4-H Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In addition to holding the title for the property of Rock Springs, early Foundation goals included international programs, leader training and advancement of Rock Springs Ranch.

The Foundation continues to partner with the Kansas 4-H program to meet the evolving needs of Kansas youth and develop future leaders. We acknowledge and appreciate our longtime 4-H friends. Their lifetime of generosity creates new opportunities for the youth of Kansas.

Cover designed by Neva Roenne, Jefferson County 4-H alumna

DISCOVERY DAYS 100 years of career readiness at

BY MARIA CHILDS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Since 1923, 4-H youth from across the state have traveled to Kansas State University to participate in one of the largest Kansas 4-H events. 4-H Discovery Days, formerly known as 4-H Round-up, is an opportunity for older youth of Kansas to join together as they develop their interests in personal growth, career exploration, leadership and citizenship.

Objectives of the 3-day event include:

● Giving youth in-depth training through handson educational sessions from content and youth development experts

● Enhancing personal growth by giving opportunities to develop independence, decisionmaking, and time management skills

● Meeting new people from different places and with different backgrounds from across the state

● Providing an opportunity for youth to experience the K-State campus and its wealth of resources

● Developing college and career readiness skills, which prepare participants academically and socially for a successful transition to college and life as an adult

Registration is open to youth 13-18 years old!

Register online by scanning the QR code!

“4-H Discovery Days was a great experience to be on K-State campus. That is one reason I wanted to go to KSU as a student. The classes they expose 4-H’ers to encourages great careers. One of my favorite classes was Western Swing Dance. I took the class every year...the friends I met in this class of 4-Her’s was the best part. To this day, I still see these 4-H’ers as alumni and involved with their kids in 4-H at many state events.”

“The 1956 4-H Round-up holds a special memory because my husband and I met there...the last night at the dance he asked me to dance (with him), and we never changed partners. He had to get special permission to walk me back to the dorms. We have now been married almost 64 years, had 3 children and we were an active 4-H family, twice being selected 4-H family of the year for our county. So, 4-H Round up brought 2 people together for a wonderful life.”

Christina Frick, Pawnee County, Zook Zippers 4-H Club

“I have memories of walking across campus going to seminars with other 4-H members and getting a real sense of what it might feel like to be a student on K-State campus and feeling confident in being able to succeed at college.”

Renae Hansen: Shawnee County, Riverside

4-H

Club

Lynda Lou (Lynn) Anderson: Johnson County, Greenwood Meadowlarks Club

In this 1976 4-H Round-up photo, the Kansas delegates from the National 4-H Conference rehash their trip during the event on K-State’s campus.

From left to right: Rob Koelsch, Great Bend; Jan Dugan, Alton; Doug Claassen, Whitewater; and Janet Stoffer, Abilene.

goals

dreams.

“I attended 4-H Round-up at least two years and treasured the friendships made there. We wore 4-H uniforms and a group picture was made that formed 4-H for years. Then, I attended working at the cafeteria to serve the kids who came for Round-up.”

Mary Lou Ficke Anderson: Riley County, College Hill 4-H Club

4-H EXPERIENCE Youth leader shares about

Head. Heart. Hands. Health. When these words are separated, they may seem random, but when combined, they create the building blocks of my life. My name is Emma Littich and I am a 12 year member of the Smoky View 4-H Club in the Central Kansas District. I am currently serving as the Kansas State Youth Leadership Council President. Over the course of the past 12 years, 4-H has been one of the most influential experiences I have ever had.

EMMA LITTICH

my country, and even my world. My favorite experience was a multi-county project in which youth and adults helped sew tote bags as well as gather donations for the “Wellness Tote Project.” The Wellness Tote Project is a group that works to provide gift bags full of items like chap stick, reusable water bottles, journals, blankets, and anything else that patients going through cancer treatments might enjoy during their hospital stays. We were able to donate 13 8 bags and around 120 different items. 4-H has taught me that I can use my hands to help others and how much of an impact I can make.

Head. I can remember my early years in 4-H. I would watch as older 4-H’ers worked with full force to achieve their goals. I remember the desperate desire to be just like my role models. One of the greatest awards in my county is being recognized as fair court. The summer of 2021 I had the honor of serving as the Tri-Rivers Fair Queen. Once I put on the tiara and sash, it finally occurred to me: I had become the role model. With this honor comes a great responsibility. I used my head in 4-H to allow me to make clear decisions and remember the grit that I had always looked up to, as I realized that my actions influenced others and their 4-H journey.

Heart . My Grandpa, Edward Wilson, who unfortunately passed before I was able to meet him, was the inspiration of my 4-H career. I felt that I was carrying on a family tradition joining 4-H as my mother and her late father—a leader of the Indian Creek 4-H Club—had both been in before me. When I was first allowed to go to 4-H Camp at the lovely Rock Springs, I was undeniably excited to visit a tree that had been planted in his name many years prior, and it gave me a connection to my Grandpa Ed. This is how I use my heart in 4-H.

Hands. Through 4-H I have had countless opportunities to serve my club, my community,

Health. One of my favorite memories of 4-H is going to Rock Springs in the summers for 4-H camp. From archery to building rockets to horseback riding, camp was one of the things I loved most about the summer because it gave me a chance to actively explore all aspects of 4-H. I have so many fun memories of making friends when I was only 9 years old that I still see occasionally to this day. I cherish the memories of camp because they allowed me to be active and experience healthy living. Along with many other project-based experiences, this is how I used the health aspect of 4-H.

These are just a few of the countless ways 4-H has impacted me. I am forever grateful for every experience, memory, and opportunity 4-H has provided me. I can’t imagine my life without 4-H, and I would not be the person I am today without it. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and thank you for your continued support. You are truly making a difference in the lives of youth in Kansas 4-H.

Do you know someone who could benefit from the experiences of Kansas 4-H?

You can invite them to join your club or volunteer in the community at an event!

Scan this QR code for enrollment information!

YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Officials estimate impact of KANSAS 4-H VOLUNTEERS

BY PAT MELGARES, K-STATE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION NEWS SERVICE

The numbers are staggering.

In 2022, the Kansas 4-H office reported a five-year average of 6,442 volunteers who have supported its youth programs, providing expert guidance on such projects as sewing, shooting sports, livestock, rocketry and nearly three dozen other pursuits.

Sarah Maass, director of the Kansas 4-H program, cited a study reporting that volunteers donate an average nine hours per month, or an estimated 695,736 hours annually to Kansas’ largest youth development program.

Also in 2022, Independent Sector – a coalition of nonprofits, foundations and corporate giving programs –released findings indicating that the value of one volunteer hour in the United States is $29.95.

Doing the math, the annual contribution of volunteers to the Kansas 4-H program tops $20.8 million.

Recognizing that impact, the Kansas 4-H program is joined in National Volunteer Week, a national celebration for non-profit groups that occurred April 16 -22 to recognize the contributions of those who donate their time to worthy causes.

“Volunteers have a passion to bring their time and knowledge to 4-H youth,” said Bob Harlan, a retired engineer for the Landoll Corporation in Marysville, now living in Manhattan.

Statistics don’t always bear out the passion of volunteers

like Harlan, who began as a project leader in the Hanover 4-H Club when his daughter wanted to participate in the photography project.

“Three or four years later, I was asked to be a countywide project leader,” he said. “My wife, Annette, was co-leader with me and we continued that until 2013.

Harlan’s interest in photography was self-taught; he was asked to take pictures for advertising as part of his job. As he became involved in volunteering for 4-H, “I expanded my knowledge of photography to stay ahead of the youth.”

“Now,” he adds, “photography is one of my main hobbies.”

When the River Valley District was formed (in northcentral Kansas), all in that district were invited to our project meetings. In 19 89, I joined the photography action team and am still a member of that team today.”

Ray Bartholomew of Hutchinson is the Reno County 4-H shooting sports coordinator and has been the countywide project club leader for 27 years.

“I have a passion for working with youth and providing the basics of safety and fundamentals of the shooting sports disciplines,” said Bartholomew, who worked for the USDA Farm Service Agency for 3 8 years prior to retirement.

Bartholomew said he has obtained national Level II certification in archery and coordinator, and state Level I certification in archery, coordinator, hunting skills, pistol, rifle and western heritage/cowboy action.

“Prior to 4-H certification training,” he said, “I had limited background, particularly as it relates to competitive shooting events.”

Bartholomew estimates he has volunteered more than 1 , 500 hours per year to Kansas 4-H…for 23 years.

Maass lauded Kansas’ volunteers, noting they “add a tremendous amount of public value to our programs and the other organizations they serve.”

“From my perspective, the 4-H program’s success is centered around being able to recruit and retain qualified adult volunteers,” Bartholomew said. “With the vast variety of projects, no one 4-H agent would be expected to have the skill set nor the time to provide instruction and guidance for all projects.”

“Volunteers are key to expanding the impact of 4-H in the community.”

Volunteer Bob Harlan helps a Kansas 4-H member line up a photo. Volunteers contribute approximately $20.8 million in annual impact to the state’s largest youth development program.

Information on how to volunteer for Kansas 4-H is available at local extension offices in Kansas or by contacting the state 4-H office at 785-532-5800.

Photo courtesy of Bob Harlan

STRONG FUTURE Strong history leads to

A note from the Board Chair at the Kansas 4-H Foundation:

The Kansas 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Mindy Weixelman has been selected as the new President/CEO.

Mindy officially began her new role on April 1, 2023.

While serving as the chief development officer the last four years, Mindy demonstrated her commitment to the 4-H mission, extraordinary skills as a collaborative leader, and vision for the power of philanthropy.

MINDY WEIXELMAN PRESIDENT/CEO

program. Your philanthropic gifts inspire others. Later in this issue, you will learn more about a transformational $1.4 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation to support key 4-H initiatives including teen programming and infrastructure needs at Rock Springs Ranch.

Gifts like these enhance the immersive experiences for Kansas 4-H youth. One of the ways the Foundation delivers 4-H programming is through 4-H camp at Rock Springs Ranch. As the state 4-H center, Rock Springs Ranch is the place where youth can attend summer camp, your family can make memories, and an organization can host a retreat. I hope you and your family make plans to visit Rock Springs Ranch this summer!

I’m sure we can agree that all Kansas youth should have access to a 4-H experience.

Kansas 4-H is all about youth exploring creativity, providing a safe environment with caring adults, or trying something new.

--Warren Weibert, Board Chair

Greetings from the Kansas 4-H Foundation!

How many youth organizations have 100 years of programming? That is a truly remarkable milestone and one that speaks to the significance of the innovative teaching and learning that has happened in 4-H over time.

The immersive experiences, like Discovery Days, that Kansas 4-H provides are unlike any other. As the Kansas 4-H Foundation, our role is to meet the current and future needs of 4-H youth through philanthropy. Foundation staff enjoy hearing your inspirational 4-H stories and how they influence your philanthropic decisions.

Over the last four years as the chief development officer and my new role as president/CEO, I have seen philanthropy serve as a solution and elevate the 4-H

We’re committed to building on the momentum of the 4-H program, with the vision and leadership that Dr. Maass provides. Through 4-H, youth connect with caring adults who invest in their growth and development.

More than 10,000 loyal 4-H supporters receive this publication, and we’re successful in our philanthropic work because of your generosity, which supports the future of your community and the state of Kansas. Through partnerships with the state 4-H office, agents across the state and youth leaders, we look forward to continuing our commitment to serve 4-H youth.

You’ve been an integral part of the rich history of this organization, and I hope you will continue to be part of the future of 4-H! If you want to learn more about the philanthropic vision for Kansas 4-H, feel free to contact me at mindy@ks4h.org or call the Foundation office at 785-775-0123

STATE 4-H LEADER Get to know the

BY MARIA CHILDS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF KANSAS 4-H?

It’s all about the partnerships. The youth adult partnerships and helping develop those life skills as they develop into the leaders of tomorrow. We always hope that youth find their spark, that they find the special thing that they’re passionate about.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A 4-H AGENT?

That’s a good question because I initially wanted to be a high school math teacher. My 4-H agent had asked me, “have you ever thought about going into extension and being a 4-H agent?” I had never really thought about it. For one semester, I was a dual major with math and then family relations and child development. Let’s just say some math classes and I didn’t get along as well as I had hoped. After just one semester of classes, under my belt, I thought “you know this is really where I want to go.” So, I dropped the math degree and I continued with the family relations and child development major, and then I never looked back.

WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT KANSAS 4-H THAT THE AVERAGE PERSON MIGHT NOT KNOW?

Kansas 4-H provides a safe haven to fail, and it can be in any realm. It provides the opportunity to fail in a safe place, learn from it, and then be able to apply what you learned the next year in some capacity. One of the things that I really love about Kansas 4-H is the conference judging when it comes time for fair, or even with 4-H club day. You can talk with the judge and have that one-on-one conversation to know what you did well and where you can improve. So then, you can turn around and apply it the next time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AT ROCK SPRINGS RANCH, THE STATE 4-H CENTER?

My first time there because I was blown away by the fact that we had such a gorgeous campground to be able to use for the 4-H program on a statewide basis. It’s amazing to me that other organizations can use the facility, regardless of 4-H enrollment. But when I was able to go to Rock Springs for the first time, I was just blown away at the simple fact that we had this facility.

HOW DOES PHILANTHROPY ADVANCE THE MISSION OF KANSAS 4-H?

Philanthropy expands the outreach to support quality experiences. Philanthropic opportunities with the Kansas 4-H Foundation, local foundations and other local groups reinforces and elevates the 4-H program. It opens doors to a philanthropic conversation. Doors that may not have even been there, because somebody either left a large amount of money in their estate or a conversation started with a potential donor.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM BEING IN 4-H?

My mom always taught me to break an egg in a bowl before putting it in the batter. It was a good thing because one time, I had a rotten egg. My mom said “see this is why we break the eggs in a bowl, before we put it into the mix because you don’t know what’s inside that shell.”

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE WANTING TO ENROLL IN KANSAS 4-H?

I would say when you look at the list of projects, pick just a couple. There’s no need to go all crazy and select a whole lot, but just pick a couple that you think are super interesting that you would like to learn more about and then explore them. As you are in 4-H longer you have the opportunity to say “I’ve learned enough about this project, I’m ready to move on to something new” or “I have found my spark and I absolutely love this. I just want to keep improving up on it and doing more.”

The other thing I would say, especially for the parents, don’t think you have to know all the answers. Don’t be afraid to let your child enroll in a project that you know nothing about. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and just let the club leadership know if you don’t know something.

WHY IS 4-H CAMP IMPORTANT TO THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE OF 4-H YOUTH?

When you think about the various 4-H projects that campers are exposed to, I think of shooting sports, environmental sciences and stream studies. There’s just a lot of that. It is so important that our youth, with the advancement of technology, that have the ability and opportunity to go outdoors and enjoy nature. I think the 4-H camp experience just gives 4-H members and non4-H members, another level of exposure to not only 4-H projects, but also that opportunity to get out and enjoy nature and in a beautiful place.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CAMP FOOD?

The chicken strips and rolls.

SARAH MAASS DIRECTOR OF KANSAS 4-H PROGRAM

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Gift of grain inspires more

BY MARIA CHILDS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

When asked what 4-H youth gain through their experience in the Kansas 4-H program, Ione Toll’s answer said it all. “...Your head to clearer thinking, your heart to greater loyalty, your hands to larger service and your health to greater living…,” she recited in her Lindsborg, Kansas home recently.

Throughout her 99 years of life, Toll has continued to build on the 4-H values she learned as a youth. Growing up, she was a member of the Hopewell 4-H Club in Rice County for six years. The projects she enrolled in were clothing, foods, home improvement and at the time, baby beef.

“I served as vice president and president of our club,” she said. “We entered the model meeting contests, and I was a member of clothing judging teams and also gave demonstrations.”

She recalled giving a demonstration at the Kansas State Fair about pressing wool trousers after winning a top blue ribbon at the county fair. As part of her 4-H experiences, Toll also attended 4-H Round-Up, now known as Discovery Days, at Kansas State University. She learned about sewing and what it takes to make quality garments.

“One dress I made had two rows of piping around the waist and neckline that was difficult to sew,” she said. “My aunt and I got ‘into’ a bit of a dispute over that dress, but it was a neat dress.”

While she learned a lot of new life skills in the foods, sewing and home improvement projects, her favorite project was baby beef. Through the baby beef project, Toll eventually met the love of her life, her late husband Marlin.

“The fall of my senior year in high school I exhibited at both the State

Throughout her 99 years of life, Ione Toll has continued to build on the 4-H values she learned as a youth. Toll’s personal 4-H experiences led her to philanthropically supports Kansas 4-H with a gift of grain. Her gift is directed toward Rock Springs Ranch, the state 4-H Center.

Fair and Wichita Fat Stock Show,” she said. “I won a blue ribbon at the State Fair and placed well at Wichita with my shorthorn steer. I met Marlin at Hutchinson at the State Fair and thought he was really ‘neat.’ He was at the Wichita Fat Stock Show also, and we visited a lot there. Marlin was the real highlight of my 4-H days!”

Toll’s personal 4-H experiences led her to philanthropically support the experiences of Kansas youth today. She chose to direct her gift of grain toward Rock Springs Ranch, the state 4-H center. Her recent gift will fund cabin renovations to the Earl W. Parsons Hilltop Housing Area at Rock Springs Ranch.

“Making a gift of grain was a great way for me to support Kansas 4-H,” she said. “The process was simple, and I would encourage

others to think about using that option.”

Toll said it was important to her to support the immersive experiences of 4-H youth at camp this summer and beyond.

Ione Toll stands in her brown velvet dress and brown hat that she made as part of the clothing project during her years in the 4-H program. She was also enrolled in foods, home improvement and at the time, baby beef.

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

For the love

OF BEEKEEPING

BY MARIA CHILDS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

When Rogan Tokach was 11 years old, he attended the Dickinson County fair where he discovered his curiosity of beekeeping.

“Every day, I would go back to the fair and look at the observation hive and try to find the queen bee,” he said. “I’m a very competitive person so I tried to make it a game to find the queen. I thought it was fascinating.”

The next step was convincing his mom, Lisa, that he was serious about this project.

“She bought me the book ‘Beekeeping for Dummies’ and told me that she would know I was serious if I read it from cover to cover,” he said, with a laugh.

Now 13 years later, Rogan is earning his doctorate degree in entomology from Auburn University. He is focusing on honeybee research and honeybee health including the impact that pesticides have on honeybee health.

Rogan began 4-H as a 5-year-old Cloverbud and finished the program as a senior in high school. He went on to attend Kansas State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy, with a minor in entomology. He completed his master’s degree in entomology at the University of Lincoln-Nebraska.

Lisa jokingly says she is a reluctant beekeeper because they had so many other 4-H projects when Rogan and his sister discovered beekeeping. While Rogan is completing his doctorate, his mom, Lisa is looking after the bee colonies at home.

Looking back, Lisa enrolled all three of her children in Dickinson County 4-H so they would gain public speaking skills and stand apart from their peers.

“That was the one extracurricular activity they all had in common,” she said. “I really like the life lessons that 4-H teaches. One of the nice things about 4-H is that you have a variety of ages from the cloverbuds all the way through the seniors. It really teaches the older kids leadership skills because they have to help the younger ones.”

Rogan found his love of beekeeping through the selfdetermined 4-H project. The family also was involved in the horse, goats, quilting, photography, and rocketry projects.

Lisa is a veterinarian in Abilene, Kansas, and works at a mixed animal practice where she does mostly swine work. She is also voluntarily working with the Rock Springs Ranch team to establish beehives on the campgrounds. Historically, Rock Springs Ranch has had three beehives, but due to storms and other natural causes, Rock Springs has lost two of those hives.

Within the last five years, Rock Springs Ranch received a specialty crop grant through the Kansas Department of Agriculture to grow blackberries and produce honey with bee hives, which aligns with one of Rock Springs Ranch’s three Centers of Excellence in Conservation.

The blossoms of the blackberry bushes—along with local wildflowers and trees—provide the pollen and nectar that honeybees need to build their hives. In turn, the blackberry bushes are pollinated by visiting bees, and pollination makes it possible for these plants to produce viable seeds.

“Dr. Tokach has been a huge help with the planning and actual operation for getting our bee program back on its feet,” said Steve Maynard, executive director at Rock Springs Ranch. “She is a wellspring of practical bee wisdom and has been so generous with her knowledge, supplies and resources that we can’t thank her enough.”

Lisa Tokach and Rogan Tokach

Rogan Tokach maintains a bee hive.

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

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FUTURE LEADERS Planning your gifts to benefit

BY LORI ROGGE, PLANNED GIVING

Planned giving is a form of philanthropy that involves making a gift to the Kansas 4-H Foundation in a strategic and thoughtful way. It is a way for individuals to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations while also providing tax benefits and financial planning advantages.

There are many different ways to make a planned gift, including bequests, charitable trusts, life insurance policies, real estate, grain or stocks transfers (which are planned gifts, yet gifted today) to name a few. Planned giving is simply mindful and can be made today or deferred to a later date. Each of these methods has its own unique benefits, and it is important to consult with a financial advisor, tax consultant or estate planning attorney to determine which method is best for your individual situation.

One of the most common forms of planned giving is a bequest, which is a gift made through a will or living trust. Bequests can take the form of a specific dollar amount, a percentage of an estate, or a specific asset, such as real estate or stocks Bequests are an excellent way to support Kansas 4-H Foundation while also maintaining control over your assets during your lifetime.

Charitable trusts are another popular form of planned giving, and they come in two main types: charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts. Charitable remainder trusts provide income to a donor or other beneficiaries for a set period of time before the remainder of the trust is donated to Kansas 4-H Foundation. Charitable lead trusts, on the other hand, provide income to the Kansas 4-H Foundation for a set period of time before the trust assets are passed on to the donor or other beneficiaries.

Finally, life insurance policies can also be used for planned giving purposes. Donors can name a charity as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, providing a significant gift that will benefit the organization for years to come.

Planned giving is an excellent way to support causes that are important to you while also providing significant tax and financial benefits. There are many different methods of planned giving, each with its own unique advantages, and it is important to consult with a professional advisor to determine which method is best for your individual situation. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations for years to come.

If you want to learn more about planned giving, please email Lori at lori@ks4h.org or call the Foundation office at 785-775-0123.

ALICE FREY, GRANT COUNTY HERITAGE COUNCIL MEMBER

“One way I choose to support Kansas 4-H is by including it in my estate plans. 4-H helps youth grow outside of their comfort zone and learn something new. Teachers can always tell when kids have been in 4-H because they speak more in class and aren’t as nervous to get up in front of people. I’ve decided to designate my gift to the greatest need of Kansas 4-H because I know it will be used for what is needed at the time.”

CONSULTANT

Kansas 4-H youth learn more about project areas in their community alongside caring adults.

Courtesy Photo

Upgrades coming to

STONEYBROOK

BY MARIA CHILDS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, the Capitol Federal Foundation and Sunderland Foundation, cabins within Stoneybrook Village will soon be renovated with new windows, doors and a cooling system, but this area of Rock Springs Ranch will continue to maintain its rustic charm.

The largest investment will be made in renovating the bathhouse to meet camper care and safety guidelines outlined by the master plan for Rock Springs Ranch. The existing

bathhouse in Stoneybrook Village was built in the mid-1980s and the renovations have been planned since 2019.

The bathhouse’s interior will be converted into 12 new individual restrooms and shower facilities with new flooring and wall tile. The basement of the bathhouse also serves as the severe weather shelter in the southern area of the campground.

During summer camp, the newly renovated Stoneybrook Village would be used as a teen leadership

community to foster a space for growth and leadership development. As a year-round conference and retreat center, this area would not only serve as a teen leadership community during summer camp but also could be rented throughout the year by a variety of groups including faith-based organizations, corporate and business retreats, health nonprofits, military partners, outdoor recreation groups and other specialty camps.

The renovations are expected to be

Stoneybrook Village consists of 13 cabins, a bathhouse that serves as the severe weather shelter for the area, recreation area and community campfire. With the enhancements that are planned, it would also serve as a year-round facility for summer camp and retreat groups at Rock Springs Ranch.

Courtesy Photo

complete in 2024.

For nearly 80 years, Kansas 4-H has built sustainable camp programming at Rock Springs Ranch. With generous support from the Patterson Family Foundation, the 4-H camp team launched the inaugural year of the Counselors in Training (CIT) program in 2022 and are looking forward to launching the Leaders in Training (LIT) program in 2023.

“The teen leadership programs at Rock Springs Ranch are designed to shape the next generation of leaders by creating experiences where youth feel a sense of pride and commitment to their camp community and Rock Springs Ranch, which can translate back to life outside of camp,” said Kansas 4-H Foundation President/CEO Mindy Weixelman. “We value philanthropic partners who believe in the mission of the Kansas 4-H program and want to invest in teens today to lead to healthy, thriving, civicminded Kansas communities in the future.”

Through the teen leadership programs, Counselors in Training (CIT) develop a unique bond as they experience 4-H camp at Rock Springs Ranch. This community will create an atmosphere of education, leadership and foster a space of positive growth for young leaders.

Elizabeth Anderson, a 4-H member from Douglas County, attended the CIT session at Rock Springs Ranch in 2022. She said that through the program, she was able to become a more confident leader and connect with campers in a different way.

“As a CIT you have the responsibility and freedom of being a camp counselor, while still having the fun of being a camper,” she said. “The relationships I made were the best part of the week. My fellow CITs were from all over Kansas, and we all were very different people,

but we got along wonderfully. After the day was over, we sat on the front porch of our cabin and talked about what happened during the day and everything else under the sun. We could have solved all the world’s problems sitting out there and eating trail mix.”

Tammy Dishman, President of the Capitol Federal Foundation, said the Capitol Federal Foundation believes that the Kansas 4-H Foundation and the Rock Springs Ranch leadership teams are investing in teens for the right reasons.

“When we learned about the need to fund the teen leadership community and housing development, it was a unanimous decision among our board to fund this initiative. When we invest in our teens, we also invest in our future workforce and community development leaders,” Dishman said.

This map shows the existing Stoneybrook Village with added labels to showcase the vision for the teen leadership community.

KANSAS 4-H TRADITIONS Executive director focuses on

BY LAKIN CHERRY, CRAWFORD COUNTY 4-H ALUMNA

Rock Springs Ranch has been around for nearly 8 0 years making a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of campers, visitors, guests and staff. Steve Maynard began his new role as Rock Springs Ranch’s executive director in January and he plans to continue that legacy.

Before coming to Rock Springs, Maynard and his family lived and worked at many different camps. For six and half years, Steve led a camp outside of Springfield, Missouri. After that, Maynard and his wife, Wendy, then moved to South Carolina doing some brief work at some great camps but they were waiting for the right camp opportunity to present itself.

When Steve saw the opening for Rock Springs Ranch executive director role, he said it was the right opportunity at the right time for him and Wendy.

“We met the terrific staff team as well as toured the facilities and the environment around there was incredible. There are so many opportunities for youth to learn environmental education on the ranch,” Maynard said.

There was a lot of forethought put together when they created Rock Springs Ranch. With the Riley Wallace building, there are 35 different meeting rooms to help accommodate a variety of different groups. So, when companies want to come to Rock Springs Ranch for a retreat, there is plenty of space for them. As well as Spencer Auditorium that has more than 4 00 theater seats, Maynard said.

“Rock Springs Ranch is a not only a great facility, but a great program building on the 4-H values of head, heart, hands and health. That also accompanies the tradition here at Rock Springs for both with summer camps and conference retreats,” Maynard said.

The fundamentals that the 4-H program have play a key role at Rock Springs Ranch in everything they do. When attending an event at Rock Springs Ranch you are given the opportunity to understand the four H’s -- head, heart, hands and health.

The underlying mission of Rock Springs Ranch is to

give every child, leadership groups or adult groups the chance to learn these 4-H values as they experience Rock Springs Ranch.

As the executive director, Maynard’s role is different from a camp director. The executive director supervises all the departments that keep Rock Springs Ranch running.

Rock Springs Ranch is like a small city. The staff is responsible for any repairs aligned with the property. They have different departments such as facilities, housekeeping, grounds and food service. In addition, they have their own water system that the whole property uses for drinking and wastewater, Maynard said.

“Rock Springs camp is like an umbrella. All of these pieces under the umbrella need to work together to make everything run smoothly,” Maynard said.

With nearly 8 0 years of tradition at Rock Springs Ranch with summer camps and conference retreats, Maynard said he can’t wait until campers arrive this summer.

“Everyone who comes on to the Rock Springs property can grow to better understand themselves and the group they are there with, along with experiencing the beautiful sights of nature all around us here at Rock Springs Ranch,” Maynard said.

STEVE MAYNARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Archery is one of many immersive experiences campers participate in at 4-H camp at Rock Springs Ranch.

Courtesy Photo

Camp registration is open! To register, visit at www.rockspringsranch4hcamp.org or call Rock Springs Ranch at 785-257-3221!

Celebrating the youth PHILANTHROPY INITIATIVE

BY CALLIE LEHMAN, ANNUAL GIVING MANAGER, AND MARIA CHILDS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

To celebrate the tradition of youth philanthropy in Kansas 4-H, clubs from across the state practice generosity by making a philanthropic gift each year. When clubs make a gift to support the youth philanthropy initiative, they are recognized as Gavel Club members. Gavel Club is a recognition society that celebrates the generosity of 4-H clubs across the state.

In 2022, Kansas 4-H youth launched the Accessibility Fund! For more than 115 years, Kansas 4-H has been committed to enhancing accessibility to 4-H experiences for current and new members.

This fund will support the financial, physical, social and emotional needs of Kansas youth. Here are some examples of how they envision enhancing accessibility for current and future 4-H members:

● Providing financial assistance to cover the 4-H enrollment fee for a member in need

● Paving trails at Rock Springs Ranch so a camper with physical limitations can participate in all camp experiences

● Online access to educational programs for 4-H members across the state

Kansas 4-H clubs have raised more than $36,000 for the Accessibility Fund! To join youth in supporting this effort, you can make a gift to support the accessibility fund at kansas4hfoundation.org/give/accessibility. Your gift will help achieve their goal of raising $40,000 to launch the accessibility fund! The Kansas 4-H Foundation’s Impact Committee will collaborate with Youth Leadership Council members to determine the method for distributing the funds.

“The accessibility fund is essential for Kansas 4-H,” said Channing Dillinger, Stevens County 4-H member and 2022 Youth Philanthropy Ambassador. “Because 4-H has taught youth like me essential life skills, I want to help share 4-H with everyone! Generous support will allow many others the opportunity to experience all of the great things 4-H provides.”

If you feel inspired to support the youth with a gift to the Accessibility Fund, you can give securely online by scanning the QR code!

TO KANSAS 4-H stay connected

The Kansas 4-H family wants to celebrate when Kansas 4-H alumni and friends accomplish great things. Stay connected by sharing your updates and achievements with us at www.kansas4hfoundation.org/update/

KENT R. BRADLEY, DOUGLAS COUNTY 4-H ALUMNUS

Kent R. Bradley

M.D. was awarded the first ever “Kansas Section Legend in Obstetrics & Gynecology” award from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Kansas Section at their October meeting in Kansas City.

Bradley was a 4-H member of the Kanza 4-H club in Douglas County. He is a currently serves as a member of the Kansas 4-H Foundation board of trustees.

The award was presented by Dr. Kimberly Swan, current ACOG Kansas Section Chair. The award is to “celebrate both past and present accomplishments and all that are yet to come”. Founded in 1951, ACOG is the premier professional membership organization for obstetrician–gynecologists.

RALPH AND MARILYN GERMANN, WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Ralph and Marilyn Germann will celebrate their

WELCOME ADAM FISCHER!

Adam Fischer is the conference and retreats director at Rock Springs Ranch. He began his role in April 2023. Adam was raised in the Manhattan, Kansas area and is a graduate of Kansas State University with

a degree in Park Management & Conservation. Adam grew up attending Camp Chippewa in Ottawa, Kansas where he also worked in a variety of positions for the past four years including waterfront coordinator and lead counselor.

70th wedding anniversary. They were married in Iola, KS on May 3, 1953 and recently celebrated with their immediate family over Easter weekend. Ralph was a 4-H member in Clay County and retired after 36 years an Extension professional.

JAKE WORCESTER, GRAHAM COUNTY 4-H ALUMNUS

Former Kansas 4-H Foundation President/CEO

Jake Worcester accepted a position with National 4-H Council in January 2023.

Jake is a 4-H alumnus from the Spring Creek Hustlers 4-H club in Graham County. He will work remotely from Kansas to continue to advance 4-H philanthropically as the vice president of development.

SABITA RANABHAT, 4-H VOLUNTEER

Sabita Ranabhat, a third year doctoral student in K-State’s Department of Entomology and 4-H volunteer, was named the winner of the

the camping field. Having attended multiple events at Rock Springs Ranch he knew this was the place for him. Adam looks forward to bringing his love of nature and the joy of camp to everyone who finds their way to RSR!

Adam is passionate about helping people have a better understanding of the natural world, which lead him to pursue his degree and his career in

Interested in making a reservation at Rock Springs Ranch? Call Adam today at 785257-3221.

Sabita Ranabhat is the winner of the first-ever graduate student poster competition.

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Kent Bradley received an award from Dr. Kimberly Swan, current ACOG Kansas Section Chair

Jake Worcester

Adam Fischer

first-ever graduate student poster competition, held during the World Food Prize Foundation’s annual meeting in late October. Her research uses netting to reduces insect populations in stored grain, work that may contribute to global food security.

JULIE ROLLER WEEKS, DICKINSON COUNTY 4-H ALUMNA

Julie Roller Weeks was recognized as one of Ingram’s magazine “50 Kansans You Should Know.” Julie is the director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau.

As part of her role, Julie is helping Abilene, Kansas, garner increasingly noteworthy national attention: Destination of the Year by the Midwest Travel Network, Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY, Friendliest Small Town in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, Best Small Town to Visit by Smithsonian Magazine, and many others.

Her most notable achievement was establishing the home of the world’s largest largest belt buckle in Abilene, measuring at 19 feet, 10.5 inches wide and 13 feet, 11 2 5 inches tall (not including the frame). Julie was in the Jolly Jayhawker 4-H Club in Woodbine, Kansas.

HATTIE POLSON, KANSAS 4-H FOUNDATION INTERN

Hattie Polson, junior in agricultural economics and global food systems leadership, was recently recognized as Kansas State University’s 3 8th Harry S. Truman scholar. The Truman scholarship is a highly competitive national award that provides up to $30,000 for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities in the federal government. Truman scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence.

She previously served as the Kansas 4-H Foundation donor relations intern.

Julie Roller Weeks

Hattie Polson

1680 CHARLES PL SUITE 100 MANHATTAN, KS 66502 KANSAS4HFOUNDATION.ORG