Category Archives: Youth

Bourbon County, Church news, Youth

Vacation Bible School 2020 in Bourbon Countyu

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If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS, to [email protected]. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.

First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church, 123 Scott is hosting a One Day Vacation Bible School on Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m.  Lunch will be provided.  Children ages 5-12 are welcome to attend!

First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Combine Efforts

Denise Needham is the VBS director for the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Church team.

This year, the First United Methodist Church is hosting the VBS at 301 S National Ave in Fort Scott Ks. From June 17th to 21st, 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Free Dinner provided.

The  theme is “Just like me: Digging in and Growing Deep”

It is for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. J

Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene

Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott,  will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or their Facebook page for more info.

Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church

The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from  9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas.  The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.

VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord

Submitted graphic.

VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange

Bourbon County, Youth

Barnstormers 4H Club Met May 8

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May 8, 2024

 

At 6:31 p.m. the Barnstormers 4-H meeting was called to order at the Hubenette Pavilion.

The roll call was, “What are your summer plans?” 18 members and 12 parents were present.

Next the Treasurer’s report and Secretary minutes were read and unanimously approved.

The 2024 Fair newspaper was passed out to all families.

Cannon O’Brien came forward to give a talk on gun safety. After a very informed talk and many questions. Jack Endicott made a motion and Cannon seconded to adjourn the club meeting. The time was 6:54 p.m. The next Barnstormers club meeting is June 12, 2024 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

Jewel Endicott
Barnstormers Secretary
Jack Endicott
Barnstormers Reporter
Church news, Youth

Local V.B.S. Dates In The Community for 2024

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If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.

 

Rinehart Christian Church; 9443 S 900 Rd, Richards, MO 64778
With a Theme-“Circus theme. Big Show, Big Faith, Bigger God, Rinehart Christian Church will have their V.B.S. from June 9-12 (Sunday-Wednesday evenings); 6-8:30 p.m. “We feed everyone at 6, including parents who bring their kids and don’t want to make another trip back to pick them up…so they stay for the evening.”
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church, 123 Scott is hosting a One Day Vacation Bible School on Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m.  Lunch will be provided.  Children ages 5-12 are welcome to attend!

First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Combine Efforts

Denise Needham is the VBS director for the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Church team.

This year our VBS is being hosted by the First United Methodist Church at 301 S National Ave in Fort Scott Ks. From June 17th to 21st, 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Free Dinner provided.

Our theme is “Just like me: Digging in and Growing Deep”

“Free for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. Join us in a garden full of wonder and love!”

Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene

Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott,  will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or our Facebook page for more info.

Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church

The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from  9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas.  The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.

VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord

Submitted graphic.

VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange

Bourbon County, Fair, Food, Youth

Bourbon County Fair is July13-19: Open Class Check In on July 15

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The Welcome Sign at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

The 2024 Bourbon County Fair will be July 13 through July 19, 2024, at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  Check in time for Open Class exhibits will be Monday, July 15 at the Myers Building, 2pm – 6pm.  King Arthur Baking Company continues to sponsor a baking contest.  The adults will be making a “Sneaky Shortcut Banana Bread”.  Learn a new way to prepare banana bread.  King Arthur flour and recipe can be picked up at the Extension Office July 1 and until the fair.

The Youth will be making Ultimate Brown Butter Rice Krispies Treats.  Recipes will also be provided by the Extension Office.

New categories have been added this year in the Arts and Crafts section. The Lego’s categories have been so popular with the youth and also adults.  This year the categories have been divided into age groups with Junior and Senior classes.  This will aid the judges to be able to judge more fairly.

Also, in the Arts and Crafts section a Hooking Division has been added.  Rug hooking has become very popular, so 4 classes have been added including a class for punch needle items.

This year the Table Runner Contest will be making an Easter Egg Table Runner.  The pattern provides the guidelines for the project, but the “eggs” can be your own design.   Contact Jackie Warren, 620-224-8161, for pattern for this project.

Don’t forget the Scarecrow and Hay Bale Contests.  Contact Terri Williams, 620-215-3202 to register.  A hay bale will be provided for you if requested and a bucket of sand for the scarecrow will be provided.

Judging of the open class exhibits will be Tuesday, July 16, 8am till completed.  Remember that the Myers building will be closed during this time for the judging.  The building will be open for viewing the exhibits and for the FCE Bake sale at noon.

More information is in this year’s fair paper with a complete list of the categories.  All volunteers and sponsors are very much appreciated and make each year’s fair a successful one.  If you have any questions, please call Terri Williams, 620-215-3202 for more information.

 

Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Eight-Year-Old Donates Bike to Gunn Park Trails

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Marie Seaver presents a child’s bike to Frank Halsey of Gunn Park Trails. Submitted photo.

8-year-old Marlie Seaver donated her 20” bike to  mountain bike enthusiast Frank Halsey. Halsey founded Gunn Park Trails, a bike trail system in Fort Scott’s largest park.

“The bike is a 20” Guardian that her parents Josh and Melinda Seaver bought her last fall,” Halsey said.  “The company, Guardian Bikes, as seen on the 2017 episode of Shark Tank, teamed with Mark Cuban, has a trade-in policy that requires the old bike to be donated to a charitable organization that promotes bike riding and biking safety.  The Seaver family knew of Gunn Park Trails and reached out to me.”

“My husband Josh and I had tried for quite awhile to teach Marlie to ride a bike,” Melinda Seavers said. ” Finally after trying other bikes we did some research and found a company called Guardian Bikes online. They have great reviews and an amazing 365-day guarantee on all of their bikes. ”

“If your kid won’t ride it, can’t ride it, if it’s too big, if it’s too small they will refund your purchase or allow you to exchange for the correct size (which we did) and allow you to donate the original bike to a nonprofit of your choice,” she said “Last fall we purchased the bike for Marlie and she learned to ride it with no problems the very same day! After this winter when we got the bike out for her to ride this Spring it was too small for her. We contacted Guardian Bikes and they said to locate a charity we would like to donate to.”

“My husband and I used to be next door neighbors with Frank Halsey and we have followed along with his journey in creating and maintaining the Gunn Park Trails. I contacted him to find out if the bike would be useful to his project in any way to raffle or raise money for the trails or any of the many events they would be hosting in the future. ”

“He said there is an organization called NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) that was coming to help with the cleanup efforts of the trails after the recent flood in April canceled their event and damaged many parts of the trails. It sounded like the perfect fit for Marlie to donate her bike to since she really loved the bike and wanted it to go to a good cause here in Fort Scott. We met Frank at the Gunn Park Trails sign early this week to take a picture to send to Guardian Bikes to show them where our bike was donated.”

“I’m not sure what Frank and the NICA will decide is the best way to use the bike for their efforts but we were happy they could benefit from it in some way,” she said.

Frank Halsey has the idea to raffle the bike off at a future event to help fund the maintenance of the trails.

About The Trails

According to Frank Halsey, Gunn Park Trails was started in 2009, by him and his “bunch of misfit volunteers.”

Today there are approximately 8.5 miles of mountain bike trails, ranging from easy to difficult.  These trails are maintained by volunteers, and attract visitors from all over, including the Annual Marmaton Massacre Festival.

They are also trying to develop a more complete skills park and pump track on the property immediately before entering the park.  Additional funding is being sought to make this more permanent.

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Tiger Drama Camp Performs Sleeping Beauty on June 10, 11

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This year’s annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs Sleeping Beauty by Kathryn Schultz Miller on June 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium.

 

Thirty three students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp preparing for the production.

 

The character of Aurora is played by 8th grader Celia Hamilton and Morgana (the Bad Fairy) is played by freshman Isis Patton. Other notable characters include King Alfred, played by freshman Beowulf Carpenter; Lilac (the Head Good Fairy), portrayed by fifth grader Audrey McNutt; and Prince Ferdinand, played by seventh grader Adam Perry.

 

The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Recent graduate Regen Wells and senior Cooper George are the Directors.

 

George said, “I have been enjoying the technical aspect and working one on one with the designers. I have loved working on set dressing and learning how to use materials for what they weren’t designed for. But overall, I have loved seeing the different personalities and energies from the kids. I truly hope the kids will see what theatre is and all the different possibilities they can find in it, and the possibility of them returning for more shows or being involved with theatre during their high school and college years.”

 

Technical staff include:  senior Mykael Lewis – Stage Manager, senior Kiara Thompson and junior Garrett Arvidson – Assistant Stage Managers, graduate Casey Gomez – Choreographer, sophomore Allie Wards – Costume Designer, graduate Natalie Woods – Sound Designer, graduate Lizzy Moore and junior Junie Fisher – Music Directors, junior Charlie Chaplin and sophomore Abby Szczepanski – Lighting Designers, junior Tobi Larrabee and senior Molly Hoyt – Arts Directors and senior Milo Donnelly – Props Master. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders and Thespian Director Angie Bin serves as show producer.

 

During the two week camp, students learn about most technical theatre areas such as lighting, sound, costuming, stagecraft, and make-up. They also help to create the artistic set decor.

 

“We are very lucky to have an amazing group of recently graduated seniors working on this staff in the areas that they are going to be majoring in in college. They are really experiencing on the job training right now in the careers they plan to pursue in the future,” Bin said.

 

“This is my fourth time working on directing the children’s summer play through the FSHS Tiger Drama camp. I find that this program is one of the most valuable things the high school runs. This year alone, I have received so many kind words from parents about how much their children love and enjoy these shows. Because of Tiger Drama Camp, I discovered my passion for directing and Stage Management. I’m pursuing theatre as a career in college. I hope you’ll all come out to support these amazing kids and see the work they’ve put into making this show spectacular!” Wells said.

Tickets for the show are $5 for reserved seats and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the doors. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

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Business, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Young Entrepreneur Series: The Needham Brothers

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Please nominate a Young Entrepreneur for this series, a youth under 18 years old.

The Needham brothers with their first customers of the day on May 25, Dad, Seth, is in the background middle.

Robert Needham, 10, and his brother, John, 6, with the guided help of their father, Seth, have developed homemade food products.

They started working on recipes  several weeks ago.

On May 25, they set up shop at Gunn Park, south of the first playground area, near where cars are leaving the park.

Robert and John Needham at their pop-up business in Gunn Park on May 25.

“They were open for about an hour and 45 minutes,” Seth said. “Around 2:45, I could tell they were getting worn out, so we shut down. They had been working on set-up, signs, and getting supplies loaded since about 10 AM that morning, so it was a long day for them. But they had around $75 in sales between the two of them.”

Robert

Robert is the creator of Robert’s Famous Lemonade.

The logo that Robert, with computer help from his Dad, made for his business.

Robert said he named his business “because it’s famous and also lemonade.”

Robert sells his lemonade in red Solo cup at Gunn Park at his pop-up shop.

With supervision, Robert buys the lemons, “juices them out” and then makes a simple syrup, then adds extra sugar, “because it was too sour,” he said.

“It’s super good, costs $2, and you get a red Solo cup with a straw,” Robert said. If you bring your own cup, you save 25 cents.”

Robert is saving up his money for something special.

 

John

John’s product is homemade popsicles.

John created the logo for his business with computer help from his father.

He explained how to make the product: “You take blue gelatin, sugar, a Kool-Aid packet, water and a secret ingredient, Blue Hawaiian Punch and heat it up.  You cool it. Then you pour it into popsicle molds. You put sticks in before juice. Then Dad puts it in the freezer. It takes 10 hours to freeze.”

They will be making different flavors through the summer, Seth said.

John shows his product Blue Raspberry Starburst Popsicles.

Seth said his boys always taste-test the products before selling them.

The best part of his business, for John, is “You get a bunch of money.”

Marketing Lessons

Their Dad helped them with the marketing of their product.

“We found an online design tool, and then they did all the work themselves,” Seth said. “The websites had some basic templates made up that they customized with their names, choice of colors, choice of fonts, and images.”

They have also learned how to make a marketing video, Seth said.

 

 

Church news, Youth

Youth Rummage and Bake Sale at First Baptist Church This Weekend

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Youth Fundraiser!
Rummage & Bake Sale at First Baptist Church Youth Center
123 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott on
Friday, May 31, from  8 am-2 pm and  Saturday, June 1, 8 am-3 pm

Furniture, Outdoor Gear, Electronics,
Dishes, Home Décor, Clothing, Bedding Books, Toys,
Kitchen, Vinyl & Tapes And Much More!

FACE PAINTING FUN FOR YOUR KIDS!
YUMMY BAKE SALE ITEMS FOR EVERYONE!

The youth are raising funds for a Mission Trip with a Rummage Sale this weekend, Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 in the church basement.   LOTS of items – free will donation unless marked.
Area News, Bourbon County, K-State Extension, Youth

4-H Spring Dog Show: May 25 at 1 p.m.

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Pictured is Ella Snider and her dog Tex earned 5th overall in their division at the Kansas State Fair last year. Submitted.

Zach Ross, Fort Scott,  is the  Kansas State University Southwind District coordinator for the local 4-H dog program. That district is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties.

He and his wife, Aubrey,  will be hosting a Spring Dog Show at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on May 25 at 1 p.m.

The event is for youth participating in 4-H Clubs

“Typically (dog) handlers compete at the Bourbon County Fair to qualify to take their dogs to the Kansas State Fair,” she said. “The Southwind District has 43 handlers who have an opportunity that day, at least 10 from Bourbon County. Zach and I have been coaching the Bourbon County group for three years and we have several handlers who are looking to move up in agility and obedience divisions and need to have more qualifying scores to be able to go to state.”

“We’ve invited all regional dog show programs to attend and compete, she said. ” Handlers will be competing in Agility, Showmenship, Obedience, and Rally Obedience.”

“We are excited to have this opportunity for our handlers and want to share their hard work with the community,” she said.

The event is free for spectators and the dog handlers.

“Many of our handlers are ready to move up and our program needs to purchase advanced equipment,” she said.  “We will be accepting donations that will help fund new equipment so that handlers can compete in higher-level events in the future.”

Checks can be made to 4-H Council and in memo: Dog Program and be sent or delivered to the K-State Extension Office at 210 S. National, Fort Scott, 66701.

The Bourbon County Fair Dog Show is on July 13 at 8 a.m.

 

Kansas, Youth

Boys State of Kansas Meets June 2-8 at K-State

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Speakers, Special Events Set for 86th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas

 

May 20, 2024 — High school students from across the State of Kansas will participate in the 86th session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU.

 

Among the major events during the week. Unless noted, these events are open to the public.

 

 

Sunday, June 2

  • Opening ceremonies, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (end time could be earlier), McCain Auditorium

o   Opening remarks: Tom Wierman, Kansas Boys State executive director, a 1976 KBS delegate from Ransom High School and current resident of Wichita, and Sam Houston, Kansas Boys State 2023 governor and 2024 graduate of McPherson High School.

o   Keynote speaker: Kendall Gammon, 15-year NFL veteran with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. Considered the best long-snapper in the NFL, Gammon, a 1987 graduate of Rose Hill (Kan.) High School and 1991 graduate of Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, was a member of Pitt State’s 1991 NCAA Division II national championship team. He also played in Super Bowl 30 and in the 2005 Pro Bowl. Gammon talk will draw on personal life challenges with a message threaded with vulnerability and authentic stories to inspire attendees to use emotional strength to embrace change, build strong relationships and positively impact growth and success.

o   Conversation with John Celock, a New York based award-winning author, media affairs advisor and special projects editor of City & State New York, a magazine focused on politics and government. Celock authored The Next Generation: Young Elected Officials and their Impact on American Politics, a 2010 book examining why people aged 35 and under run for elective office, the challenges they face and how their age impacts their views on public policy. Celock is a former state politics reporter and Patch liaison for The Huffington Post where he covered state-level politics and policy across the country, along with U.S. Senate races, as well as coordinated presidential campaign coverage and breaking news events. Celock’s work at The Huffington Post has been credited with impacting state-level legislation in Kansas and Alabama.

  • John Milburn, KBS associate director and a 1985 KBS delegate from Pittsburg High School will moderate the discussion. A resident of Lawrence, Milburn is the special assistant for communications and policy for the Kansas Secretary of State.

Media note: Starting at approximately 1 p.m., the KBS delegates will walk from Wefald Hall to McCain Auditorium – great photo/video opportunity.

 

Monday, June 3

  • Swearing in of 2024 Kansas Boys State mayors, 6:50 p.m., Kansas Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow Hall/Marlatt Hall parking lot [between buildings on Claflin Road]).

o   Scott Schwab, Kansas Secretary of State and 1989 KBS delegate from Great Bend High School, will provide remarks and swear in the KBS mayors.

  • Party caucuses, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Federalist Party, Fiedler Hall, Room 1107; Nationalist Party, Rathbone Hall, Room 1073 (Each party will select their candidates for the six state offices and formulate their party platforms.).

This event is not open to the public.

 

Tuesday, June 4

  • Kansas Boys State governor candidates’ debate and introduction of other state office candidates, 1:30 to 2:45 p.m., McCain Auditorium.
  • Announcement of Kansas Boys State general election winners for governor and other state offices, and swearing-in ceremony, 7 p.m., KBS Assembly Area.

Wednesday, June 5

  • Flag retirement ceremony, 7:30 p.m., World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020.

Media note: This event is a great photo/video opportunity.

  • Evening ceremonies, 8 p.m., McCain Auditorium.

o   2024 Kansas Boys State governor’s inaugural address.

o   Address by Randy Frank, Hillsboro, American Legion Department of Kansas commander, and introduction of Kansas American Legion dignitaries

o   Kansas Boys State band performance, chorus performance and talent show.

 

Thursday, June 6

  • Candidates for Boys Nation, two of whom will represent Kansas Boys State as senators in Washington, D.C., July 19-26, will present speeches, 8:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area.

Friday, June 7

  • Announcement of delegates who will represent Kansas Boys State as senators at Boys Nation, 8:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area.

Saturday, June 8

  • Closing ceremonies, 9:15 to 10:45 a.m., McCain Auditorium.

o   Announcement of Kansas Boys State outstanding citizens, Kansas Boys State Samsung American Legion Scholarship and KBS Executive Director Scholarship winners, and announcement of various awards, including Advisor of the Year, Counselor of the Year, New Counselor of the Year, William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, Outstanding Senator Award and Outstanding State Representative Award.

o   Farewell address by KBS Executive Director Tom Wierman.

o   Closing Address by 2024 KBS Governor

  • Final State Assembly/Final Flag Lowering, 11 to 11:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area

 

Members of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate are expected to make visits to Kansas Boys State during the week, based on availability due to a potential special session being called by Gov. Laura Kelly.

 

In addition to the above events, the public is invited to view the daily morning assembly/flag raising at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, as well as the evening retreat/flag lowering at 7 p.m. on Sunday and Tuesday through Friday, and at 6:45 p.m. on Monday. For those who cannot attend any events, Boys State of Kansas will provide updates during the week on its Facebook page, facebook.com/KansasBoysState. and on its website at ksbstate.org.

 

The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).

 

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

 

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

 

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

 

Youth

Keep Water Safety Top of Mind this Boating Season

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Safe Kids Kansas, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provide tips for families during National Safe Boating Week

TOPEKA – With almost 100 different kinds of boats – from kayaks to canoes to motorboats – many Kansans will be having a great time on the water this year. Governor Laura Kelly has declared May 18-24 Safe Boating Week in Kansas, and Safe Kids Kansas, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks want to remind families to take extra steps to keep kids safe out on the water.

Safe Boating Week is an annual educational campaign, coordinated by the National Safe Boating Council (safeboatingcouncil.org) that runs the week prior to Memorial Day.

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among Kansas children. Wearing a life jacket improves your odds of surviving a boating accident by 80 percent.  In 2022, 75 percent of all fatal boating accident victims in the U.S. drowned, and of those who drowned, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket. During National Safe Boating Week, we want to remind all parents of a few simple things they can do to keep their kids safe on a boat and that starts with wearing life jackets.

“Drowning can happen quickly and silently,” said Cherie Sage, State Coordinator for Safe Kids Kansas. “It’s important for children to wear life jackets when they are in or around open water and for adults to actively supervise children, giving them your full attention.”

Follow these safety tips to keep your family safe while boating:

  1. Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters. Visit cgaux.org/boatinged/.
  2. Always wear a life jacket. Adults and children should always wear a properly fitted life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats or around open bodies of water. Children ages 12 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times on any watercraft, including paddleboats and kayaks. Older children and adults should set a good safety example for everyone and wear their life jackets, too.
  3. Supervise kids in and around water. When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use a Water Watcher card to designate an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision. Download a Water Watcher card here.
  4. Educate your children about swimming Every child is different, so enroll children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready. Teach children skills such as how to tread water and float. Kids should only swim in areas designated for swimming. Teach children that swimming in open bodies of water is different than a swimming pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, undertow and changing weather.
  5. Learn Water Rescue Skills. We know you have a million things to do but learning CPR should be at the top of the list. Knowing CPR and other water rescue skills will give you tremendous peace of mind. Contact the Red Cross or your local hospital for information about classes.
  6. Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before heading out on the water. Know that weather can change quickly, so have a weather radio or weather app that you can check. If the weather starts to change, head to shore immediately.

To learn more, visit https://uscgboating.org, https://ksoutdoors.com/boating and Boating | Safe Kids Worldwide.

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