State 4-H Orienteering High Scorers

The team of Greg Moyer (left) and Mark Munford (center) of the Liberty 4-H Club in Tioga County, PA took top honors in the orienteering novice division at the Pennsylvania 4-H State Achievement Days. Greg Moyer also was the high point individual scorer and Mark placed second. Greg and Mark demonstrated their knowledge of topographic maps and compass use as they navigated a course over various terrain. Congratulations to these 4-H members.

If you are interested in 4-H, contact your county Extension office and they can help you. There are a wide variety of projects available for youth from agriculture to technology to natural resources. It is a great program!

National 4-H Forestry Invitational

Pennsylvania Competes at National 4-H Forestry Invitational

Pennsylvania was among the 14 state teams that participated in the 30th annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational from Sunday, July 26, through Thursday, July 30.

At the Invitational 4-H members compete for overall team and individual awards in several categories. Events included a forestry written exam, tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, insect and disease identification, topographic map use, the forestry bowl and forest evaluation.

The invitational was held at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston, West Virginia. The Farm Credit System and the Cooperative Extension Service sponsored the event.

Pennsylvania was represented by Sara Beatty of Home, Jacob Beisel of Clymer, and Caleb McGaughran of Blairsville. The team was coached by Deborah Beisel and Ashley Early.

Forrest Ford of Alabama received the high-point individual award. Second place high individual award was given to Amelia DeWitt of Alabama and third place high individual award was given to Amber Jenkins of Georgia. Alabama was the overall team winner at this years event.

The Joe Yeager leadership award was given to Wilson Pierce of Georgia. This award is presented to the individual who demonstrated excellent communication, management, decision-making and interpersonal skills at the Invitational.