Category Archives: Youth

K-State Extension, Youth

“Fit for the Style Revue” Class Series in Fort Scott 

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Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023

 

The Southwind Extension District is hosting the “Fit for the Style Revue” series in Fort Scott this summer. Youth from ages 7 to 18 are invited to attend this two-day STEAM Clothing workshop series (even if they are not enrolled in 4-H or the buymanship project). This series will be made up of two interactive lessons that work on accessorizing an outfit and modeling in front of a judge. Youth will be able to put together an outfit with accessories and learn how to present themselves in front of the judge. These sessions will be held in two separate locations on the following dates:

 

  • June 14th from 5 PM to 6:30 PM at Bids and Dibs
  • June 21st from 5 PM to 6:30 PM at Fort Scott Community College Bailey Hall

 

This series is free, but registration is required at https://bit.ly/Southwindstyle. Get your registration in soon!

 

For more information, contact Southwind Extension District Intern Gwenyth Fry at (620) 223-3720 or [email protected].

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

FSHS Tiger Drama Camp Performs Treasure Island

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Submitted photo.

 

This year’s annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs Treasure Island on June 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School commons area.

 

Thirty five students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp preparing for the production. The play is adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller from the book by Robert Louis Stevenson.

 

The character of Jim is played by 6th grader Scout Eden. Other notable characters include Long John Silver who is played by 8th grader Theodore Bowman, Doctor Livesey – freshman Dimple Williams, and Squire Trelawney portrayed by freshman Adeline Hartmetz. Other campers make up a motley crew of pirates, storytellers, and Skeleton Island Natives.

 

The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Seniors Regen Wells and Lexi Hill are the Directors.

 

“I absolutely love getting to share my love of theatre with the younger people of our community and I’m extremely happy to have an outlet in the community for directing and producing,” Wells said.

 

Other high school staff include:  junior Kiara Thompson – Stage Manager, sophomores Emma Bin and Tuesday Glessner – Choreographers, junior Cooper George – Costume Designer, senior Natalie Woods – Sound Designer, senior Jericho Jones – Music Director, sophomores Charlie Chaplin and Chris Newman – Props and Set Designers and freshman Tobi Larrabee and junior Molly Hoyt – Arts Directors. 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.

 

Hill said, “This is my first time directing a show and I am so excited to see it performed. Working with the kids is amazing and everyone involved has put so much work into this hilarious show.”

 

Tickets for the show are $5 and available at the doors at Fort Scott Middle School. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Youth

Young Entrepreneurs: at Fort Scott Farmers Market This Saturday

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The logo of Acton Children’s Business Fair from its website.

Several young children who are learning how to create their own business will have their wares on display and for sale at the Fort Scott Farmers Market this Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The event will be at Third and Main Street, behind the First United Methodist Church in that parking lot.

Children who attended a young entrepreneurs fair in the last year will be selling their wares and encouraging other children to start their own businesses

“Saturday is to get the word out and let other children see a small sample of inspiration for what they can be a part of,” Maria Whitson, one of the parent organizers said. “It will also allow the children who have created businesses a chance to sell their products.”

“We will have opportunities for kids to take their ideas and learn about how to turn it into a business,” she said. “Then we will give them an opportunity to launch and sell their products at the kid’s business fair later this year. More information will be available at the kid’s booths at the farmers market this weekend.”

The Acton Children’s Business Fair will be sponsoring a fair again this fall. To learn more: https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/

“There will be cash prizes for the event in the fall,” Whitson said.

Whitson and Melanie Lamb are the parent organizers who will be available to answer questions on Saturday.

Melanie Lamb. Submitted photo.
Maria Whitson. Submitted photo.

Some of the children who will participate:

Camren Lamb is an young businessman, selling his artwork and music. Submitted photo.
Chloe Couchman will be selling her handmade potholders. Submitted photo.

“This weekend kids will be having their booths to inspire others to be entrepreneurs,” she said. “Kids who already have set up their own business to inspire others.”

Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.
Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.

In addition, there will be handouts for a class in September that the youth can participate in, Whitson said.

Malachi Whitson will be selling jewery at the farmers market. From Facebook.
Grace Jackson along with her sisters will be selling produce. Submitted photos.
Trinity Jackson. Submitted photo.
The Jackson sisters will be selling produce, this is Evie. Submitted photos.

 

The farmers market has changed spaces this Saturday only, to accommodate the Good Ol’ Days annual celebration in downtown Fort Scott.

 

 

 

K-State Extension, Youth

Prevent Summer Brain Drain

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

 

School is out for the summer for a majority of the schools in the area. I have noticed much more activity in my town as kids are out riding bikes, walking around the town square, and visiting the local park.

With all the beautiful summer days ahead, kids have all sorts of opportunities to take advantage of their summer vacation. But should fighting “summer brain drain” be part of their plans?

The last thing children want to think about during the off-season is all the knowledge and skills they gained during the past school year. Summer brain drain is explained by experts as a lapse in what children remember during summer. This could include forgetting strategies or skills that will have to be retaught at the beginning of the next school year. Evidence shows more challenging subjects such as math and science are the first topics that students experience the most impact in.

 

As parents, there are ways you can help prevent the backward slide of knowledge during the upcoming summer months.

Reading for as little as 10-15 minutes each day can enhance vocabulary, extend comprehension, and generate curiosity. This is true for all ages, so encourage your kiddos to pick up a book each day or even enroll in a summer reading program through local libraries. Reading can also be incorporated into everyday activities such as reading instructions on how to build a new toy or preparing a new recipe. Negative impacts are also shown in reading skills, so consider having your child start a simple summer journal or diary.

Parents should help to maintain structure during the summer. Structure and routines provide kids with a sense of security and comfort year-round, not just during the school year. Daily routines encourage healthy choices and teach healthy behaviors while teaching responsibility and self-control. Try to add daily exercise, set a time for reading and writing, and plan family meals together. Hold them accountable for their routines by creating a list or writing it on a family calendar. By having the ability to check off a to-do item, they will feel a sense of accomplishment from even the smallest tasks.

Consider using these simple tips to help your child thrive this summer. Remember, summer brain drain is not a complete loss of information but more of a lapse and should not be the source of stress or anxiety. Focus on encouraging natural experiences for learning at any opportunity. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

Fort Scott, Youth

Summer Reading Kick Off Party

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The Library Invites You to the Family Summer Reading Kickoff Party

 

This year, the Fort Scott Public Library’s summer reading program will begin on May 31 at 10 a.m. with a family kickoff party in Buck Run Community Center’s front gym.

The party will run from 10 – 11:30. Partygoers will play games, create crafts, eat delicious treats provided by donors, drink cold water provided by G & W Cash Saver, earn prizes, and enjoy fairy tale activities inspired by the classic tales and The Land of Stories book series by Chris Colfer.

This summer’s theme is All Together Now, and the program will explore friendship, cooperation, and unity through stories, crafts, games, and other activities from June 1 to August 2, with a wrap-up party on August 8 or 9.

 

The library will be collecting summer care items for families in need, with a donation box

available at the party. Please bring unused swim diapers, sunscreen, feminine sanitary products,

etc. to donate. Clothing donations will not be accepted. Donated items will be available for anyone to take as needed in the library’s downstairs computer room throughout the summer

(while supplies last). Donors may also bring children’s books in good condition to the library to donate for summer reading prizes.

 

Families may register for summer reading at the party or skip the long registration line for each child and teen by pre-registering by May 29 at this link: Online SR Registration Form. They may also register via a paper form available at the library. Patrons may turn in completed registration forms at any library desk or by placing them in the after-hours book return, located on the north side of the library.

This party is made possible in part by Buck Run Community Center. All library programs are free and open to the public.

Fort Scott, Youth

Get your game on at the Middle & High School Summer Reading Kickoff Party

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The Fort Scott Public Library’s 6th -12th grades summer reading program will begin on May 31 at 4 p.m. with a kickoff party at the Keyhole, across from the high school. The party will run from 4 – 6 p.m.

 

Partygoers will play board, card, video, and billiard games, eat delicious treats, drink cold water

provided by G & W Cash Saver and soda, and earn library loot, which may be used to “buy” prizes throughout the summer. Throughout the summer, teens will meet at 4 pm on Wednesdays to play games, do art projects, participate in volunteer efforts, and

celebrate through special parties from May 31 to August 9.

 

Teens may register for summer reading at the party, or skip the line and preregister at this link: Online SR Registration Form. They may also register via a paper form available at the library. Patrons may turn in completed registration forms at any library desk or by placing them in the after-hours book return, located on the north side of the library.

This party is made possible by a partnership with the Keyhole. All library programs are free and open to the public.

Entertainment, Youth

The Rockballet Dancers Show is June 9,10

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Tickets went on sale to the public last night for Rockballet recital.

Kristin Gorman teaches dance to over 100 students ages 4-18 years old and loves it.

“The best thing for me about recital is standing in the wings watching my dancers look look so beautiful and confident on stage, and seeing them truly loving the art form,” she said.  “As a professional performer my whole life, knowing what it feels like, I love being able provide this opportunity for them to experience performing in a show like this.”

The performance is June 9 and 10 at the Bicknell Center, Pittsburg.

Kristin Gorman 
Owner / Director
ROCKBALLET
Email: [email protected]   Website: therockballet.com
Art, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Youth

CONSERVATION THROUGH THE ARTS: Junior Duck Stamp Contest Winner

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NPS Photo: C. Brenner. 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Winner for Kansas Group III.

Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11 am, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting Jewel Endicott with the first-place award for her age group in the Kansas Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for the 2nd year in  a row.  Her winning entry is titled “Cinnamon Teal Swimming” and was done in colored pencil. The awards presentation will be in the foyer on the upper level of the park’s Infantry Barracks, outside the theater.

 

This year’s contest had 214 Kansas entries and judging was held at Baker Wetlands Education Center in Lawrence, Kansas last March. This is the 30th annual National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Participants created original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil.

 

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.

 

From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

 

Area News, Youth

85th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas Set for June 4-10 in Manhattan

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85th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas Set for June 4-10 in Manhattan

 

May 22, 2023 — High school students from across the State of Kansas will participate in the 2023 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 31st consecutive session at KSU and 85th overall.

 

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.

 

Among the major events during the week (the below events are open to the public unless noted; members of the media are invited to attend all events):

 

Sunday, June 4

  • Delegate check-in, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Goodnow Hall

This event is not open to the public.

  • Opening ceremonies, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., McCain Auditorium

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.

Media note: Starting at approximately 2 p.m., the KBS delegates will walk 

from Wefald Hall to McCain Auditorium – great photo/video opportunity.

 

Monday, June 5

  • Swearing in of Kansas Boys State mayors, 7 p.m., Kansas Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow Hall/Marlatt Hall parking lot [between buildings on Claflin Road]).
  • 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 6

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

 

Wednesday, June 8

  • 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   2023 Kansas Boys State governor’s inaugural address.

o   Address by Jeremy Ehart, Hutchinson, Kan., American Legion Department of Kansas commander, and introduction of Kansas American Legion dignitaries

Watch and read Ehart’s cover story from the February 2017 issue of The American Legion magazine.

o   Kansas Boys State band, chorus and talent show.

 

Friday, June 9

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

 

Saturday, June 10

  • Closing ceremonies, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., McCain Auditorium

o   Announcement of Kansas Boys State outstanding citizens, Kansas Boys State Samsung American Legion Scholarship winner and 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.

  • Final State Assembly/Final Flag Lowering, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., KBS Assembly Area

 

In addition to the above events, the public is invited to view the daily morning assembly/flag raising at 8:30 a.m. (8:45 a.m. on Saturday) and evening retreat/flag lowering at 7 p.m. (6:50 p.m. on Monday). For those who cannot attend these events, Boys State of Kansas will provide updates during the week on its Facebook page, facebook.com/KansasBoysState.

 

— #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.

Schools, Youth

Dominick Budy to Play Basketball at Fort Scott Community College

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Dominick Budy with his parents, Jeremy and Amy Budy. Submitted photo. Jeremy Budy is also the basketball coach.

Fort Scott Christian Heights senior Dominick Budy has committed to playing basketball at Fort Scott Community College for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Dominick has received numerous awards throughout his high school basketball career, including three years as MACC Conference MVP, and the MCSAA All-Tournament Team in 2023.

Dominick has scored more than 2000 points in his time at Fort Scott Christian Heights.

Dominick plans to pursue a degree in Sports Medicine, and is the son of Jeremy and Amy Budy of Fort Scott.

Dominick Budy with his team at Fort Scott Christian Heights school. Submitted photo.

 

 

Bourbon County, Youth

Uniontown 4-H Club May Report By: Marley Sutton

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 Several Uniontown 4-H club members recently took part in the 4-H expo at Tractor Supply in Fort Scott Kansas. The purpose of the event was to promote various 4-H projects to local community members. Makiah Woods promoted the dog project, the Sutton kids promoted the swine project, and the Bloesser kids promoted sewing and foods.

     Three Uniontown 4-H club members competed in the Perry-Lecompton Junior High Aggie Day. The team ranked first overall with Hailey Shadden receiving high individual, Marley Sutton ranking 3rd, and Kendyl Bloesser ranking 11th individually.