Alumni and current members invited to contribute photos, projects and memorabilia
The Cameron 4-H Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary by giving back to the communities that have supported generations of members.
As part of its centennial celebration, the club is donating $7,500 to local organizations.
“We wanted to find ways to celebrate our centennial by giving back to our community,” said club president Ethan Nelson, who has been a 4-H member for nine years and served as a club officer for the past two years.
The $5,000 donation to the Murray County 4-H Federation is expected to help fund new fans for the dairy and horse barns and provide shade between the Olsen Arena and the sheep and goat barn at the Murray County Fairgrounds.
The club’s $2,500 donation will support the Murray County Medical Center Foundation’s matching-fund campaign for wellness parks planned in Slayton and Lake Wilson.
“It’s important to help serve the community and give back to the communities that have supported us all these years,” said Nelson.
The Cameron 4-H Club traces its roots to 1923, when seven families from the Farmers Club in Cameron Township organized a youth group. The club officially received its charter in 1926.
Giving back to the community The club was named Murray County’s Outstanding 4-H Club in 1956. Community service continued to be a priority in the decades that followed. During the 1970s and 1980s, members supported the Murray County Developmental Achievement Center and volunteered to care for Hilfer’s Train during Lake Wilson’s 1982 centennial celebration. In the 1990s, club members planted flowers throughout Lake Wilson and helped replant trees after a tornado damaged the community.
Today, the club has 40 members, including several thirdand fourth-generation Cameron 4-H families. While the club historically served Cameron Township, membership now includes families from the Slayton, Lake Wilson and Hadley areas.
Throughout the year, current 4-H members participate in monthly meetings, a holiday wreath fundraiser, bowling outings and community service projects. Last year, the club received a Minnesota 4-H Food Partner Challenge grant and matched the funding to purchase food for the Murray County Food Shelf while teaching youth about budgeting and the difference between needs and wants.
The club will recognize its centennial from August 12-15 during the Murray County Fair with a historical display in the 4-H building.
“Alumni and current members are invited to contribute photos, projects and memorabilia for the exhibit by August 7,” said Nelson. “Items to be shared can be dropped off at the Murray County Extension Office or contact Kelly Nelson at 651491-9235.”
Centennial T-shirts will also be available for purchase by alumni and supporters, with additional anniversary activities still being planned.
