Last month, Dunn County 4-H offered a cross-generational program called Generation Celebration, where youth met and interviewed residents at the Neighbors of Dunn County. This turned out to be a meaningful program for both the youth and the residents. As the youth listened to the amazing stories told about the residents’ lives and childhood, they learned about history, but more importantly, that they had a lot in common. Some even discovered that they had special connections.

For example, when Gene Knutson was being interviewed by 4-Her Milo Beyrer, they realized that Gene had known Milo’s great-grandfather and bought a Belgian stallion from him.

Another amazing result of this program was how the residents thrived when they talked with the young people. Because the 4-H’ers asked specific questions, the residents started remembering more details from their childhood to share than if they had tried to just talk about themselves on their own. One story led to another. These wonderful outcomes were not entirely accidental.

To help people make stronger connections during the interview, Zachary Rozmiarek, the Dunn County 4-H Educator, had the youth write down what their hobbies and interests were when they registered for the program. Later, Kathy Asper, instructed the youth to choose interview questions that were interesting to them, and then, Alyssa Stelter Neighbors Life Enhancement Mentor/Volunteer Coordinator, chose residents who had similar interests to be paired up with the youth. On April 28 there was a Generation Celebration Day where families of the participants gathered, and the 4-H youths introduced their new friends with information they had learned during their interview.

Look for a 4-H Activity Booth at the Colfax Free Fair on Thursday, June 18th and visit the 4-H Activity Barn at the Dunn County Fair Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information contact Zachary Rozmairek at [email protected], 715-232-1636