Dare to Be You

By Lacey Mann, CSU 4-H Extension Agent, Bent & Prowers Counties

Southeast Area- Seventeen 4-H campers, counselors, and chaperones from the Southeast Area attended the Annual Dare to Be You (DTBY) 4-H Camp on November 15-17 held in Pueblo, Colo, as representatives of District VI. DTBY is hosted by the 25 counties making up the South Central District 4-H, which includes the Southeast Area. DTBY teaches youth ages 11-13 to find their leadership style, develop their confidence and have fun along the way.

This year’s theme, “A Whole New World,” crisscrossed the globe to demonstrate the variety and similarity across cultures. In an attempt to bring youth from different counties together workshops were planned that challenged them to work together and to find common ground. Workshops included community service, geocaching, learning how to dance, origami and Cowboy Ethics.

Cowboy Ethics is an interactive curriculum based on ten core principles written by James Owen. They are values that shape the character of the hardworking, honest cowboy and tie directly to 4-H’s youth programming focused on leadership, citizenship and life skills. Cowboy Ethics is being implemented throughout Colorado 4-H thanks to a grant from the Daniels Fund. The Colorado 4-H Foundation received financial support to have 4-H agents and volunteers trained to deliver the Code of the West curriculum.

Amy Kelley, SEA Area 4-H and Youth Development agent said, “helping put on a Cowboy Ethics workshop at the camp affirmed to me what I had already suspected about 4-H members, they are very aware of the importance of making ethical decisions and the impact those decisions have not only on themselves, but those around them.”

Trace Cox, Bent County 4-H member said, “Dare to Be You is where I meet friends, I learn something new, I have fun and I cannot wait until next year.”

If your child is interested in joining 4-H or you would like further information on the 4-H program, please contact your local CSU Extension Office; Baca County 719-523-6971, Bent County 719-456-0764, Cheyenne County 719-767-5716, Crowley County 719-267-5243, Kiowa County 719-438-5321, Otero County 719-254-7608, Prowers County 719-336-7734. 4-H is a cooperative effort between CSU Extension and the County.