4-H Update by Jamie Beckstrand

Jamie Beckstrand is the 2018 Freeborn County 4-H summer intern.

My name is Jamie Beckstrand and I am the 2018 Freeborn County 4-H summer intern. I am from Waldorf, and I’m attending South Dakota State University. I will be a senior this fall majoring in agricultural business and minoring in animal science. This coming year I also plan to work on getting my real estate license.

I took this internship because growing up, 4-H played a huge role in my life.  I wanted to help change other youth’s lives while being involved in the organization that changed mine. I was a member of Waseca County 4-H for 13 years; during that time I showed beef cattle as well as being a county ambassador, on the federation board, and was a camp counselor for many years.

This internship has let me see behind the scenes of 4-H. From preparing and running 4-H camp at Camp Patterson and the many hours of preparation for the county fair, I realized how many hands it takes to run these events. My favorite part of the internship so far has been 4-H camp. I enjoy working with kids and spending time and doing activities with them. I was a camper for 3 years, a counselor for 4 years and am now a staff member. It was cool to see all of the staff’s hard work to make camp so successful. Along with camp and fair prep, I have been going to the Children’s Center to educate them about agriculture and bring different activities and games for them to play. I have also attended the Farmers Market a few times with a 4-H booth and hands-on activities for the children to do. This summer I was able to attend my first dog show! It was a very educational experience, and I learned a lot! I am looking forward to the county fair and meeting many more 4-H families in this county!