Released: May 30, 2001

Trying Out Campus Life A Plus For Future Students

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Unseasonably cool and rainy weather has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of nearly 600 Kansas 4-Hers attending Discovery Days on the Kansas State University campus.

During the May 30-June 1 event, 13- to 18-year-old 4-Hers, who represent nearly all of Kansas’ 105 counties, have the opportunity to attend skill-building sessions, explore career interests and try out campus life. They have an opportunity to live in a dorm and make new friends, but they also have to get to class on time.

"Kids have a lot of choices these days, but [they] say attending Discovery Days at K-State is one of the highlights of their summer," said Lindy Lindquist, K-State Research and Extension associate 4-H youth development specialist who coordinates the youth gathering.

"Visiting the university and the Manhattan area can open some new doors for them," said Lindquist, who noted more than 50 different class offerings.

Some of the classes are career-oriented. For example, Julie Wolf, a former 4-Her from Illinois who now coordinates youth activities for the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at K-State, volunteered to teach would-be beef breeders a computerized genetic simulation game.

Future grain scientists can try their hand at making a perfect cookie, while others signed up to learn more about conservation and environmental management; improve their photography skills; write a news release; canoe; and get-acquainted with golf.

Stagg Hill golf pro Jim Gregory, who teaches "Introduction to Golf," offers one of the most popular classes – all three of his sessions are full. Gregory said that he appreciates the opportunity to teach the get-acquainted sessions: "Golf is a lifetime sport – that means kids can learn to enjoy it now, and keep playing for the rest of their lives. The game offers some challenges, is good exercise and a great stress reliever."

Dennis Chandler, K-State Research and Extension agent from Thomas County who is attending for the first time, said that he was impressed with the list of classes available and volunteered to bring 4-Hers from two counties.

"While adults like Chandler say they like to attend as chaperones because they learn, too, it’s the 4-Hers who benefit the most. Many later choose K-State as their college – when they do, they’re off to a head start because they already have had an opportunity to get to know the campus, community and – of course – the classroom," Lindquist said.

For more information on Discovery Days 2002 or other educational 4-H programs open to students ages seven and up, interested persons can contact the local K-State Research and Extension office.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
npeterso@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News