Ya Reckon?
 | Author:
Denise Thompson, MT43News AG Correspondent
Denise Thompson |
Denise Thompson
MT43 News AG Correspondent
What do you get when you mix amazing 4-H youth with amazing volunteers, amazing educational sessions, amazing fun, and amazing food over the course of an amazingly exhausting weekend? You get none other than Montana’s State 4-H Rec Lab. This event was held in White Sulphur Springs, last weekend, with nearly 250 4-H members, leaders, and facilitators in attendance…..and a caterer who continues to up her game!
What a weekend! I am here to spread dual warm accolades: For that helpful volunteer SPIRIT that LIVES in the 4-H world, and for the self-taught chef (my daughter), Josie Reynolds, who MASTERFULLY fed an army.
I was a co-leader of the Old Baldy 4-H Club for over 20 years, with all four of my children partaking, so I have seen, firsthand, what the 4-H organization is all about and the positive impact it has on our youth and communities.
4-H is the largest out-of-school youth development program in the state, reaching nearly 20,000 youth in all 56 counties and 7 reservations each year. More than 200 different projects and learning experiences are offered to members.
In 2020, Montana 4-H volunteers were valued at $25.23 per hour. At an average of 20 hours per volunteer per year (in reality, it is much higher), the value of Montana 4-H volunteers was $1,545,085!! Impressive!
What really struck a chord with me at last weekend’s event was that 4-H members, leaders and volunteers not only know how to help but actually DO! No 4-H event would ever happen if it were not for VOLUNTEERS! The youth would not gain invaluable life skills through 4-H if it were not for VOLUNTEERS! The 250 participants at Rec Lab would not have been fed if it were not for the men and women VOLUNTEERS who walked into that kitchen and sliced and chopped and scooped and served and washed and washed and washed! And they did it all with a generous, fun and warm SPIRIT! That speaks volumes about the adults who care so deeply for the youth and the 4-H program.
I need to take this a step further and extend huge kudos to the 4-H youth who attended Rec Lab. I had the pleasure of watching them interact and come through the food line. It was so refreshing to see the majority make eye contact and hear “thank you,” and “I appreciate you,” and “have a good day.” Truly a breath of fresh air, ya reckon?!
Josie put a great deal of thought and care into her menu. Even though it is very challenging to feed large groups wholesome, delicious food, she accomplished just that! Every meal had a personal, homemade touch to it, from her famous queso to her special pancakes, from her savory chili to her scrumptious chicken alfredo…..and her homemade bread! Yes, she made fresh bread for 250 people!
I left this long but memorable weekend with a deeper appreciation for school lunchroom cooks, restaurant chefs and caterers. How they do what they do, day in and day out, is truly remarkable! There is absolutely NO WAY Josie and I could have served these meals to this group without the help of some humble, helpful volunteers who really stepped up to the plate and hit home runs over and over again!
For the Love of Ag, From the Heart of a Western Woman.
Denise Thompson
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Denise Thompson
Image 1 Caption: Ever since Josie was a little girl, she has loved cooking, and she certainly extends that passion onto her three children. Here she is helping her little girl (Rosyn) make Christmas goodies. Circa 2015.
Photo Credits: Denise Thompson
Image 2 Caption: 4-H Motto: "To Make the Best Better."
Photo Credits: Denise Thompson
