Shenandoah County 4H: Mission Trips & Radio Commercials

On a recent Extension Office Monday, host Janet Michael sat down with Carol Nansel to delve into a unique program spearheaded by the Shenandoah County 4-H—international mission trips to the Dominican Republic.

Carol, who manages the Shenandoah County 4-H program, explained that this will be the 17th year that they take a group of 4-Hers to the Dominican Republic. The grassroots program started in Shenandoah County and has expanded across Virginia, resulting in a delegation of 26 participants this year. The team is so large that they must split the group over two weeks.

Carol detailed that the program is culturally immersive and beneficial even if participants don’t speak Spanish. The 4-Hers pair up with Dominican teens to conduct two-day day camps for local children, using a mix of sign language, interpreters, and Google Translate for communication.

Participants conduct a service project, usually a trash cleanup, eat local cuisine, distribute school supplies, and partake in sightseeing activities. The program's goal is to show the American teens a different way of life and help them recognize how much they have in common with their peers abroad.

Carol reassured listeners that the trips are well-supervised, with multiple 4-H agents and volunteers, secure accommodations, and reliable local partners who guide them through different communities.

"This isn't a free trip for them, so they have to raise funds," Janet pointed out. Carol agreed, noting that fundraising efforts start in each county, and Shenandoah County has been fortunate in receiving local support. Teens develop organizational and public speaking skills through these fundraising activities. "They also keep blogs during their trips, giving daily accounts of their experiences," added Carol.

The trips usually occur in July, coordinated around 4-H camp schedules and county fairs. While Janet jested about envying Carol's annual two-week stay in the Dominican Republic, Carol emphasized that the trips are intensive, rewarding experiences effort.

Listeners were encouraged to consider supporting the teens or the Dominican children receiving scholarships to attend the day camps. Carol extended an invitation for latecomers to join the current year's trip if they could commit promptly. Click here to contact her. "This opportunity isn't just about travel; it’s an eye-opening, life-changing experience," emphasized Janet.

Closing the segment, Janet introduced clips from award-winning 4-H radio spot contests, emphasizing the organization’s diverse activities and opportunities for its members. Both Carol and Janet applauded the participants for their creativity and for stepping outside their comfort zones.

The radio contest further showcased how 4-H cultivates real-world skills. Participants like Lizzie Zirkle and Micah Schennum displayed their talent and readiness to take on real-life challenges, smoothly translating their on-paper plans into compelling audio scripts. Their success in the radio contest recognized by both Carol and Janet, mirrors the broader impacts of the 4-H program.

Through this engaging radio segment, listeners were encouraged to support initiatives that foster such rich and transformative experiences for the youth in their community. Whether via international travel or local contests, the 4-H program continually proves its worth in preparing well-rounded, community-minded individuals.