[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15264-15265]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        4-H 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB SIMMONS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to wish the National 4-H Program a 
happy 100th birthday. This is a wonderful milestone in the life of this 
national institution.
  The 4-H program began as a series of clubs for boys and girls in 
rural America. The 4-H taught young people a variety of skills related 
to farming by using a learning-by-doing strategy. The program has grown 
tremendously in scope and today encompasses a

[[Page 15265]]

broad range of subjects, but hands-on learning remains at the center of 
the 4-H.
  Another constant for the 4-H is the organization's continued 
commitment to the 4-H's in its name--Head, Heart, Hands and Health. For 
100 years this organization has provided opportunities for thousands of 
young people in my district and my state and to millions across the 
country. The 4-H teaches young people the importance of learning, 
kindness, a healthy lifestyle and helping one's neighbors. Those are 
great characteristics to instill in our young people.
  In my state of Connecticut, New London County's 4-H camp was founded 
in 1947 on 24.5 acres, in Franklin, as an education and recreational 
facility. The camp is open to any and all youth ages 16 to 17, and 
campers do not have to be members of the 4-H to attend. The camp 
provides these young people with an experience in group living in the 
great outdoors. Through a wide variety of activities that focus on 
self-development, environmental awareness and a concern for safety and 
health, campers develop a greater understanding of themselves, others 
and the world around them.
  The Middlesex County 4-H camp was established in 1962, on 90 acres in 
Moodus. This educational/recreational facility offers a mixture of 
traditional camping and innovative programs for young people. A variety 
of camp sessions offer programs for children between the ages of 7 and 
14 and a Teen Camp is available for youths ages 13 to 16. From 
traditional sports to horsemanship to archery and creative arts, the 
camp achieves its mission to strengthen and uplift the youth's social, 
mental and physical development.
  The Windham-Tolland 4-H camp has served families since 1954. Located 
in Pomfret Center, the camp's 270 acres contains woodlands, cabins, 
recreational areas and a beautiful lake. Campers enjoy a variety of 
sports, arts and crafts, woodworking, canoeing and campouts. Like all 
4-H camps, the staff at Windham-Tolland focuses on fostering leadership 
skills, enhancing self-esteem and increasing each camper's individual 
potential.
  In Connecticut, and across our nation, the 4-H continues to exemplify 
the very best of our youth and of America. I am pleased to wish them a 
Happy 100th Birthday.

                          ____________________