WARSAW — The changes in 4-H, new challenges, global involvement and recognition of individuals who have helped in numerous ways were part of the annual Kosciusko County Purdue Extension Dinner held earlier in March. Kip Tom, Leesburg, a national trustee of 4-H and FFA, was the keynote speaker talking about his 2013 trip to Kenya and Tanzania with other 4-H trustees.

Tom stated 4-H is changing and taking on new challenges to appeal to larger audiences. The organization is also going global with 1.5 million 4-H’ers around the globe. While the global programs are not funded through 4-H, the programs are funded through major corporations, private industry and individuals.

Kip Tom, National 4-H Trustee, was keynote speaker.

Over 5 million kids, according to Tom are involve in 4-H with 20 times that number of alumni. “There are members of 4-H in places that we haven’t even been there yet. Starting their own clubs,” Tom said. “When I come back home and I look at 4-H in Kosciusko County, in Indiana, the one think I always look back at, are the people — the volunteers for 4-H …”

Globally, 4-H is just starting to take hold, according to Tom. “Ninety percent of their money is spend on food. Typically a farmer in Africa, you’re just substance living,” he said. Individuals live off 450 calories a day. There is no economic model for them.

Tom’s trip to Africa included visiting schools and talking with volunteers. He told of several articulate speaking young students and one who wanted to be a veterinarian. One school visited had 900 students with six teachers in a building “no better than the chicken house we had as a kid,” he said; adding “these are all orphans.” But the kids “wanted to learn. They wanted to help feed Africa … we transferred our knowledge to them.”

Because the program is not involved with 4-H, a registered USDA trademark, the programs are called 4K. These groups receive no government assistance. “A little bit goes a long way. You don’t know what they are going through until you walk in their shoes,” Tom said.

The evening also included a report from Doug Shock, county representative for the Purdue Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching group. There was also brief educator reports. Mandy Wise, 4-H youth development educator and Jackie Franks, health and human sciences educator, spoke of the new Girl Power program. The program began last spring with nine seventh and eighth graders at Lakeview and Edgewood. The goal is to find additional volunteers to take this program to every middle school in the county by the spring of 2017.

Paula Miller and Ed Boggs, retiring board members, were recognized and five individuals elected to the extension board. David Lash and Jenny Nelson were re-elected to another three-year term with Derrick Deardorff, Amy Cannon and Deb Schroeder elected to their first terms.

Life Saver Awards were presented by several extension staff members to: Jesse and Marissa Walling, Cody Demske, Justin McBroom, Tammy Wise, Rich and Kathy Schlilpf, Dan and Loni O’Hara, Mary Thomas, Stephanie Spangle and Julia Frush.

Lifesaver award recipients at the annual Kosciusko County Extension Meeting are shown. In front from left, are, Stephanie Spangle, Jesse Walling, Marissa Walling, and Julia Frush. In back are Dan and Loni O’Hara, Tammy Wise, Rich and Kathy Schlipf, Justin McBroom and Cody Demske. Not shown is Mary Thomas. (Photo by Deb Patterson)