PA Farm News - 4-H’ers Take Over During Capital Days

4-H’ers Take Over During Capital Days
LANCASTER -- Lancaster County 4-H Members, Lisa and Luke Hershey, of Kirkwood, PA and Jonathan Bensing, of Ephrata, PA, recently participated in the Pennsylvania State 4-H Capital Days event, an annual citizenship awareness event, held April 13 through the 15 at the Hilton Harrisburg and Towers, Harrisburg.

These Lancaster County 4-H’ers were among youth from across the state that participated in the two-day program, which introduces 4-H’ers to Pennsylvania government through a series of hands-on, interactive experiences. Participants learn how laws are passed by participating in a mock legislative session. Individuals are grouped into the majority and minority parties to discuss their party’s stand on the issues, and then come together as full house and vote on three bills that include issues such as nutrition labeling, dog laws, and environmental issues.

Other activities included being welcomed by Representative Scott Conklin, closing remarks from former acting governor Mark Singel, and being introduced to approximately 14 participating agencies and organizations to see how these agencies fit within state government structure. They will also participated in workshops on Pennsylvania’s legislative process, meet and talk with other state government officials, and learn the importance of the private citizen's vote.

“This event introduces youth to an experience that they typically would not be exposed to in a traditional classroom setting. Our planning committee is made up of returning teen, volunteers, and extension educators. The Pennsylvania 4-H State Council served as master of ceremonies as well as conducting the mock legislative sessions. This helps us to illustrate the importance of the 4-H experience in leadership and citizen development,” says Phil Hoy, youth program management coordinator in Penn State's department of agricultural and extension education.

“4-H Capital Days is one of several opportunities for Pennsylvania’s youth to learn to be engaged with their communities,” states Christy Bartley, state 4-H program leader. “4-H members learn about local, state, and national governments through several opportunities during the program year.” 4-H partnered with Representative Scott Conklin to plan and implement this year’s event.

Penn State Cooperative Extension coordinates Pennsylvania 4-H. More information can be found on the World Wide Web at http://pa4h.cas.psu.edu.

Courtesy Photo: County 4-H members (front from left) Lisa and Luke Hershey, of Kirkwood, PA and Jonathan Bensing, of Ephrata, PA, met with (back from left) Representative Thomas Creighton, Representative Bryan Cutler, Representative Gordon Denlinger, and Representative Arthur Hershey at 4-H Capital Days, held recently in Harrisburg. In addition to meeting their legislators and agency representative, 4-H members visited the capitol building and participated in a legislative simulation on the House floor.

POSTED 080509_0800 ET