This summer, Trempealeau County Extension was lucky enough to have Isabella Kramer join our team as our first AmeriCorps member. In the past, there have been summer interns who have helped create, teach, and support 4-H programming during the summer. This summer, we were lucky enough to have our first AmeriCorps member help build capacity in our office and bring her expertise. You might have seen her at a couple of different programs. Her role was to help new or future members learn more about 4-H. She did a fantastic job! Below are Isabella’s own words about her experiences this summer.
As my AmeriCorps service term with Trempealeau County 4-H comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the many opportunities I had to work with youth and families throughout the county this summer. From camps and library programs to summer school lessons, Safety Day, and the Trempealeau County Fair, one thing stood out to me again and again–young people learn best when they are given the opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover for themselves. Throughout the summer, I helped lead activities focused on a variety of topics including science, engineering, environmental education, creativity, art, personal safety, and more. While each program was different, they all shared a common goal: creating hands-on learning experiences that encouraged youth to ask questions, work together, and try something new.
One of my favorite memories came from Science Camp at Pietrek Park. During an engineering challenge, a group of campers designed a device to protect an egg from a drop. They worked enthusiastically and were confident they had created the perfect solution. When it came time to check their design against the challenge requirements, they realized their project was too large. Without hesitation, the group began taking their entire design apart, assuming they needed to start over from scratch. After they had dismantled most of their work, I asked if there might have been another solution. Could they have simply made a small adjustment instead? The look of realization on their faces was unforgettable. In that moment, the challenge stopped being about protecting an egg. It became about adaptability, problem-solving, and learning that obstacles do not always require starting over. Sometimes success comes from making small improvements to something that is already working.
I saw similar moments throughout the summer. At Great Outdoors Camp, youth tested mystery water samples and explored the science of water quality. At summer school programs, students learned about the engineering design process and worked together to improve everyday objects. At library programs, children transformed simple natural materials into imaginative creations. During Safety Day, young people practiced identifying information that could help them respond appropriately in an emergency. The activities were all different, but they shared something important: they gave youth the chance to learn by doing.
Many of the skills developed through these experiences extend far beyond any one project or lesson. Teamwork, communication, creativity, persistence, and critical thinking are skills that help young people succeed in school, future careers, and everyday life. Whether a child was building a tower from craft sticks, testing water samples, creating art from pinecones, or displaying a project at the county fair, they were gaining experience in solving problems, expressing ideas, and building confidence.
Another highlight of my service was supporting county fair activities and helping introduce new families to 4-H. Through outreach events, updated brochures in both English and Spanish, educational displays, and community programming, I had the opportunity to connect with families who were discovering 4-H for the first time. Seeing community members learn more about what 4-H offers reminded me how valuable these opportunities can be for youth of all interests and backgrounds.
As someone who was not involved in 4-H before beginning my service term, I was able to experience firsthand the impact that 4-H has on communities. Over the course of the summer, I saw youth step forward as leaders, work through challenges, support one another, and take pride in their accomplishments. I also saw the dedication of volunteers, parents, educators, and community partners who make these experiences possible.
As my AmeriCorps term comes to an end, I am grateful for everyone who welcomed me into Trempealeau County 4-H. This summer reinforced something I will carry with me long after my service has ended: some of the most valuable learning happens when young people are given the chance to explore, make mistakes, ask questions, and discover what they are capable of accomplishing. Thank you for a wonderful summer. It has been a privilege to serve Trempealeau County 4-H.