WHITE DEER — If you visit Faith Chapel United Methodist Church, White Deer, on the second or fourth Thursday evening of the month you’ll likely hear laughter echoing from the building.
The giggles will be coming from members of the Green Pride 4-H Club. The organization is open to boys and girls age 7 to 18.
Carol Nunn of White Deer, organizational leader, said many people believe 4-H is just an agricultural club geared toward children who live on farms. Of the 18 youth involved in the Green Pride club, only one lives on a farm.
Nunn said 4-H has evolved to offer activities of interest to today’s youth. Kids work on projects such as computers, small engine repair, scrap booking, quilting, ceramics and community service activities. They also learn how to develop leadership skills.
The kids were filled with joy Thursday as they played a game called the human knot. The youth crossed their arms and joined hands with one another. Next, they had to figure out how to uncross their arms, and end up in a circle without unlocking their hands.
Nunn said the activity teaches the youngsters how to work together as a team. She noted one of the staples of today’s 4-H is to teach kids the skills they’ll use as an adult.
“It’s not just agriculture anymore; we’re called a community club,” she stressed.
Members of the Green Pride 4-H Club organize the New Columbia Easter egg hunt, bake 20 cakes each year for the Watsontown Fireman’s Carnival and have helped spread mulch at the Milton State Park.
Club member Rachel Deitrick said she enjoys 4-H because it affords her the opportunity to help other people.
McKenzie Ranck added the leadership activities members learn help them make new friends, give public presentations and be more organized. Ranck also noted that she, as well as a number of other kids, enjoy spending time at the 4-H camp in Sullivan County each summer.
Melanie Hartley, 4-H member, describes the camp as “the bomb.” She added that everyone should try it.
Nunn said youth participate in fishing, shooting sports and a multitude of other outdoor activities while at camp.
She also noted club members have a chance to exhibit their completed projects at the Union County West End Fair, held each August near Hartleton. Nunn said the youth have a chance to win ribbons, and sometimes cash prizes for their work.
“I don’t stress the cash,” she added. “I stress being proud of what they did.”
Club member Brienna Flewelling said she loves seeing her work on display at the fair.
“It feels really great, especially if you did a really good job on it,” she said.
“Last year was my first year in 4-H so it was my most awesome year ever,” Flewelling added.
For more information on 4-H, log on to pa4h.cas.psu.edu or call 966-8194.