On April 2, in Forestburg, SDSU Extension 4-H held a two-part babysitting clinic for youth ages eight to 14. Twenty-nine youth participated in Sanborn County. The goal of the 4-H babysitting course is to give youth the confidence to handle unexpected situations and to properly care for youth under their supervision.

Youth received hands on experience practicing CPR and what to do if a young child starts choking. CPR, first-aid and safety presentations were facilitated by Marla Feistner, RN, Sanborn County Health Nurse, and Kathy Wingert, RN. “These can be scary situations for most people, and youth who are babysitting need to be properly prepared to know how to handle these situations,” explained Audra Scheel, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor. Each child received a first aid kit from the local SDSU Extension county office.

Sherryl Rankin, Sanborn County 4-H Administrative Assistant, provided the youth with knowledge on ages and stages of children and how to entertain them. Each participant was able to make some games to take with them for their babysitting bags.

Youth were also instructed on how to make healthy snacks and meals and what to remember when feeding children. Also discussed was how to run a babysitting business and some character education reminders. Youth participants each received a “4-H Grows Here” babysitting bag to hold all their information and items needed when they babysit. Child Development is a 4-H Project Area and their bag and its contents can be exhibited at 4-H Achievement Days.

If you would like more information about 4-H contact Audra Scheel, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor, at audra.scheel@sdstate.edu or your local SDSU Extension office.

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!

The Town ‘N Kountry Kids Red Crew 4-H Club met on March 19 at Prairie View Healthcare Community in Woonsocket. Prior to the meeting, they had BBQ’s for supper, and then they worked on making four tie blankets.  The blankets will be donated to McCrossan Boys Ranch as part of the statewide community service project “Blanket Buddies.”

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Xavier Baysinger. The flag pledge was led by Kaitlyn Swenson and the 4-H pledge was led by Danielle Brooks. Roll call was led by Evan Ohlrogge with the topic, “Favorite springtime activity,” which was answered by 21 members.

The secretary’s report was read by Morgan Schmiedt and approved as read. The treasurer’s report was given by Megan Linke and approved as presented.  Hope Baysinger presented bills for the tie quilts fabric and for supper.

A report was given by Blake Larson on Shooting Sports.  Hope reported on serving the funeral lunch for Shorty Mathis.  Collin Schmiedt read a thank you received from Bonnie Basham. Gavin Scofield told about sharing the lifesaver project with a special person.

For old business, the club noted that fruit will arrive on Saturday, March 24. They are scheduled to visit McCrossan Boys Ranch and Air Madness on April 14.

Under new business, members decided that they will do a community service project at the nursing home in May.  Their first planned project is to take the residents for a walk to and around the lake. They also plan to do a petting zoo again.

The Red Crew discussed their plan for barrel setting for a fundraiser over Memorial Day weekend.

The following members committed to give a talk or demonstration at the April meeting: Megan Linke, Luke Larson, Morgan Schmiedt, Lane Burkel and Evan Ohlorgge.

Following the meeting, Bailey Feistner presented a character activity on being trustworthy using the Jenga game.  She demonstrated how one builds their trust tower block by block over time, but how quickly a couple of lies can remove a couple of blocks and cause the tower of trust to tumble.

…Check out a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!

The Town ‘N Kountry Kids 4-H Club Blue Group met on Feb. 16, at the Letcher Community Center. The meeting was called to order by member McKenzie Uecker. Pledges were led by Memphis Moody and Riley Kneen. Thirteen members and six Cloverbuds answered the roll call topic “What is your favorite game?” Secretary’s report was read by Payton Uecker. Bryce Larson gave the treasurer’s report. A motion was made to approve the treasurer’s report by Caleb Kneen and second by Sidney Richardson.

Old Business: Sidney Richardson gave a report on shooting sports. Shooting sports received a grant from the NRA. The grant will be used to buy guns, targets and stands. Sidney also reported several members have qualified for the state shooting sports event to be held in April. Fruit sales orders are due to the Extension Office by Feb. 27, and each family is asked to sell five items. Club calendars will hopefully be here by the next meeting for easier note taking. A bead-making workshop, judging school, and PQI were held earlier in the day. Payton gave a report on the bead making, Teagen reported on the judging school, and Dean talked about the PQI.

New Business: Roxann Larson talked about having someone come talk to the club about Internet/phone safety. Payton Uecker made a motion to have Toby Russell give a presentation on Internet/phone safety to the club. Dean Hanson second the motion. Discussion was held on different ideas for the park celebration. June 10 looks like the date the club chose to have the celebration. A committee was formed for the park celebration: Cole Wilson, Sidney Richardson, Caleb Kneen, Parker Ettswold, Payton Uecker, McKenzie Uecker, Brady Larson, and Bryce Larson.

Talks and demonstrations were given by: Ashlee Hanson – “Homemade Playdough and Benefits,” and Sophie Kelly – “Making a Shelf out of Popsicle Sticks.”

McKenzie Uecker adjourned the meeting.

Snacks were provided by Parker, Brady, Bryce and Brooklyn.

The next meeting will be held on March 24 at 7 p.m. Ellie Evans and Keaton, Kenlie and Kaidence Fridley will serve snacks.

…See a picture of the meeting in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.