On Saturday, April 28, forty campers took a trip back in time to the Wild Wild West at Cape Henlopen State Park where they participated in the 46th annual Younger Member Weekend! Campers gathered for registration where they were greeted by the town Mayor, Shawn Mitchell and the fiddler, Brittany Carpenter. The Outlaw, Pioneer, Cowboy, and 49er people proceeded to dorms where they were greeted by their Voice and Echo leaders as well as the Towns People – class teachers for the weekend. After orientation and icebreakers, groups rotated to four educational and fun classes. Group themed crafts were made; Science class learned about the layers of the earth and what purpose they serve; Recreation Class included fun and interactive games such as nuke em, dodge ball and kick ball; and Community Service class made cards for a nursing home and made “You’re the bomb” chap-stick to give to local police officers. There was time for free recreation, relaxing and Bonfire Training (practice for the evening festivities). After a delicious evening grub prepared by chaperones and leaders, the group headed to the Bonfire (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 gold panning activity, parents arrived to transport campers home.
Special thanks to: The Mayor (One Voice): Shawn Mitchell and The Fiddler (song leader): Brittany Carpenter, Group Leaders: Pioneers, Taylor Messick and Zach Adams, 49ers, Jenna Anger and Kyle Morris, Cowboys, Becca Arpie and Garrett Smith, and Outlaws, Matison Smith and Meredith Carey; Towns People- Craft Class: Daniel Tull and Sam Messick; Recreation: Caden Dickerson and Zane Adams; Science Class: Becca Lenhart and Madi Rice; Nurse: Sharon Anderson; Chaperones: Susan DeFord, Hollie Taylor, Jeff Allen, Heather Taylor, Neil Anger, Melissa Mitchell, Dave Mitchell, 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 can be found on the Delaware 4-H Flickr site!