“4-H has influenced my life in a number of ways. I remember one of my earliest memories of 4-H.  I had glued together a project based on my goats and although I didn’t win the contest, I won in a different way.  I had started down a path that would open up so many opportunities and experiences for me.  In doing this project, I had sparked an interest in everything that was 4-H.This interest led me to going to my first overnight 4-H Camp.  I was in third grade. My grandmother, Alice had decided she would be too worried about me being their completely on my own.  She knew I could take care of myself but she wouldn’t mind being their just in case. We both would attend our first year of camp the same year.  That very first overnight camp provided me my first example of what a role model should be. She tried to help everyone and anyone that needed it at camp.  I made new friends, I learned new skills, and I would go back to camp for many more years as a camper until I got too old.  Since my first year, I had dreamed of being a teen counselor.  I recall looking up to the teen leaders of my camper days, wanted to be just like them.  I was determined to make that dream come true.  I would become a member of the teen council.  I would take part in a number of new activities that I had no idea 4-H was a part of.  I would do my part at the reality store, preparing middle school students for the real world. I would help with the county project day, reminding me of the projects I had done in the past.  I would lend a hand at the farmers market, giving Floyd County something to be proud of.  I would assist in numerous day camps, helping children have fun and giving them the learning opportunities I was given.  All these activities would lead up to going back to overnight camp.  Although this time I would not be a camper.  I admit I was somewhat nervous on the bus ride to camp. As soon as I stepped off the bus, all the nervousness disappeared.  The sights and smells had brought back many great memories.  I was inspired to give the kids an even better camp experience than I had (which would be hard to do).  I helped with canoeing class and done my best to make everything about camp fun for every child.  In almost no time I learned leadership skills through managing my team.  I done everything possible to give them a fun, safe week.  I learned how to connect with another person just by interacting with campers and teen leaders alike.  I also learned how to inspire, cheering the kids on in my canoe class to do their best. After my first year as a teen leader, I was hooked on 4-H Camp again.  I would go to camp as a teen leader again the next year.  My team would win 1^st place in points my second year as a teen leader.  4-H has influenced my life in too many ways to count.  Just from my classes as a camper, I learned to dance, how to canoe, how to play disc golf.  I learned leadership, inspiration and how to connect with people as a teen leader.  I learned how to have fun, I learned how to be a role model, and I learned how to be responsible.  One of the most important ways 4-H influenced my life was the people I’ve met along the way.  Without 4-H I wouldn’t have met some of the best friends in life.  4-H has made me into the person I am today and given me an amazing group of friends that go along with everything I’ve learned.”    Justin R.