4-H Stories....
Mary Mantooth
Mary Mantooth, Extension program assistant in Robertson County and 4-H volunteer, relates her 4-H story:
My 4-H story actually begins as a three year old. My family moved to Polk County where my dad was Extension agent. I attended county meetings and even local meetings before I began school. I even rode to Congress one year. The school club met the day after my 9th birthday and I became an official 4-H member!
I participated in every event/activity available throughout the years. I remember the first public speaking contest. It was held in the courtroom (which was very large and intimidating to a 4th grader). I started my speech on Abraham Lincoln and after about 3 sentences forgot what I was doing. A senior 4-H member (Nancy McClure) was sitting on the front row and she calmed me down and got me to start over. That is one of the most memorable events for me and it set me on the road to speaking. I can truthfully say I am comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and it all goes back to that one night in February.
The most fun in 4-H came during camp. We camped at Woodlee and it holds a special place in my heart. The cold showers, swimming in the river and later pulling off the leeches, “walking” to the cabin after the square dances, the cave (not my favorite place, but memorable), family style meals, and the letters from new friends after arriving home are all happy memories. When Woodlee was closed and our county was sent to Crossville, we did not know what to expect. When the bus pulled up, we decided we were not getting off the bus. Camp was not supposed to have pavement and painted buildings. We finally did unload and discovered more fun in different surroundings.
Because of the wonderful memories of camping as a 4-H'er, I am still going to camp as an adult volunteer. Helping the new campers to adjust and encouraging all to participate in new activities is truly rewarding. I guess some day I will be told I am too old for camp, but until then I plan to continue to attend.
Memories are still being made as I took my first plane ride as an adult on a 4-H trip. I am currently serving as Chairman of the State Committee of Volunteer Leaders. I am enjoying working with the State Council members. They reinforce that there are lots of good, contributing young people in society and 4-H is the basis for many of them.
Hopefully, this wonderful organization will be around for another 100 years or more.