The Roundup -

Over 160 4-H members and volunteers participated in the Culbertson Rec Lab Rendezvous sponsored by the MSU Extension agency.

There are 8 different 4-H districts in Montana, so every 8 years our district, which is district 4, gets to host the event. "We held it in Culbertson, and called it the rendezvous to draw on local history from Fort Union." said MSU extension 4-H agent Josie Evenson. "The recreation lab is a hands-on and 4-H member favorite. It provides an opportunity for youth and adults to enhance their leadership, communication, and team building skills in an action, packed, interactive setting."

Richland County 4-H Members who attended Rec Lab, back (L-R) Adilyn Elverud, Brooke Skov, Addison Foss, Brooke Spinner, Josh Pollari, Casey Rettke and Logan Rettke; front, Chase Bireley, Quaid Marshall and Burton Pollari.

REC lab programming provides participants with tips and tricks for being a better club, camp, and community leader. This allows them to form relationships with 4-H peers from across the state. "It brightens their skills and widens their network." said Evenson. "It was a great event. We took advantage of being close to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. We had students able to participate in setting up a teepee and we also had the Pretty Iron Feather Dancers from Fort Peck. They closed the event with a friendship dance that we all participated in, and it was breathtaking.

Tommy Christian, Fort Peck Indian Tribe elder, talked on culture and heritage. He suggested: be the best you can be with what you have, make smart choices, get yourself on a path you enjoy, and be an active part in the future.

Workshops during the weekend included leadership, life skills, communication, and dance, just to name a few.