On Saturday, April 29, fifty nine campers enthusiastically traveled to “Dr. Seuss and Whoville” at Cape Henlopen State Park where they participated in the 45th annual Younger Member Weekend! Campers gathered for registration where they were greeted by The Cat in the Hat, Colleen Anderson and The Grinch, Shawn Mitchell. The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham and Fox in Socks people proceeded to dorms where they were greeted by Thing 1, Thing 2 and The Whos– their group leaders for the weekend. After orientation and icebreakers, groups rotated to four educational and fun classes. Group themed crafts were made; Nature Class participants participated in geocaching to find Dr. Seuss treasures and also went on a nature hike; Recreation Class included fun and interactive games; and Whoville class taught campers about Council Circle, important songs, scouting reports, and each group created a song, skit and yell. The group participated in True Leaders in Service month by preparing dog treats and toys to be donated to the SPCA and wrote thank you notes to our Veterans. There was time for free recreation, relaxing and Whoville Training (practice for the evening festivities). After a delicious dinner from “Mt. Crumpit” prepared by chaperones and leaders, the group headed to Council Circle and later the Dance/Party. Campers enjoyed dancing and spending time with new friends, and yummy snacks! After reflections of the day, campers returned to the dorms and preparation for bed.
Sunday, was a cooler day. Campers packed gear, cleaned the dorms and headed to breakfast. Chaperones again had done a great job with the meal preparation. Everyone enjoyed breakfast and morning reflections. After a relay and group games, parents arrived to transport campers home.
Special thanks to: The Cat in the Hat (One Voice): Colleen Anderson and The Grinch (song leader): Shawn Mitchell, Group Leaders: Fox in Socks, Taylor Messick and Caden Dickerson, Horton Hear’s a Who, Zach Adams and Meredith Carey, The Lorax, Brittany Carpenter and Kyle Morris and Green Eggs and Ham, Rebecca Arpie and Matthew Rieley; Who’s – Craft Class: Matison Smith and Madison Rice; Recreation: Junior Rodriguez and Alyssa Thawley; Nature Class: Garrett Smith and Jenna Anger; Nurse: Jacalyn Bradley, Chaperones: Susan DeFord, Hollie Taylor, Angela Arpie, Christopher Lenhart, Neil Anger, Sequoia Rent, Kaleb Scott and Jill Jackson.
Everyone involved in the planning and implementation of this weekend should be proud of a job well done. It was definitely an exciting weekend for all!
Photos from this event can be found on the Delaware 4-H Flickr page!
