Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

4-H News

Ron Matlock

County Extension

Agent-Staff Chairman

The forests and mountains of New Mexico helped shape the perception of Arkansas 4-H members. Some may say it was a call of the wild. For Trey and Leah, the wild answered back!

Two Clark County 4-H members have recently completed a trip to Cimarron, New Mexico. Trey Burchfield and Leah Lynn qualified for this trip attended a rally and a shakedown. These events enabled the 4-H'ers to practice the skills they would need to survive the wilderness of Philmont Boy Scout Ranch.

Each camper was participating with a group of approximately ten persons, supervised by two adult volunteers. Each person was required to carry 30-50 lb. packs, while hiking 6 to 12 miles per day in mountain wilderness ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 feet in altitude. Climatic conditions include low humidity, temperatures of 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit, and frequent mountain showers.

Crew leaders are selected from the members that have participated in the Arkansas 4-H High Adventure program in the past. Those members duties are to navigate the trails, set the pace, and to keep order.

The group had to store items in a bear bag at night, Mathces, sunscreen, lipbalm, toothpaste and food are some of the items that had to be carefully stored in the bear bag.

The group enjoyed a trail ride, trip to a cattle ranch, and miles of majestic scenery. The food at the cattle ranch was a welcome relief after eating powdered eggs and power bars.

Anyone interested in joining a 4-H club should contact the local County Extension Office at 246-2281.