Adams County 4-H youth leads project to inspire others to serve the community
Elise Rumschlag and her fellow Adams County Junior Leaders were brainstorming new ways to serve their community when they learned about the YES Grants program from their 4-H educator.
“Our Junior Leader group felt that we had not been doing enough community service and giving back in the last couple of years, but we don’t have a lot of time to give back as we found that all of us are so busy with all of the other activities we are involved in,” Elise said.
Elise explained that the group has wanted to host a lock-in event but struggled with having enough engaging activties to keep attendees busy (and out of trouble!). They came up with an idea to address both issues: hosting a lock-in that focused on promoting community service.
The event, held at the Adams County Fairgrounds, featured three main stations where youth were able to gain firsthand experience in helping their neighbors by assembling special kits:
- Prize kits to be used during BINGO events with nursing home residents.
- Birthday kits to be distributed to several local food pantries and a domestic violence shelter to have on hand for families with youth who have approaching birthdays. These kits include gift bags, cake ingredients, candles, and supplies.
- Hospital kits with filled with activities to distribute to newly admitted hospital patients, including a coloring book, crayons or colored pencils, stickers, and a small game or toy.
Elise said that hosting the event was a positive learning experience. “I realized that leadership isn’t just about giving direction; it’s also about listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued,” she said. “I came to understand that service isn’t only about the physical items we provide—it’s about the thought, care, and human connection behind them.”
Learn more about YES Grants at in4h.org/grants