Heifer International - Global Village Camp

June 19-22, 2008
by Ben Gallup

Photo Gallery

Two nights in the open air barn where you see, smell and hear livestock co-existing below through slated floor boards seemed like luxury compared to an overnight stay cooking outside and living on dirt in the “Village.” 

Twelve 4-H youth, Donna Taake, Sharon Tuschhoff and I spent 4 days at the Heifer International headquarters in Perryville, Arkansas June 19 – 22.  Donna and I co-sponsor the Global Village Camp trip for 14 – 18 year old 4-H members from SE region.  This is our second time to host members on the experience. 

Our goal was to create an environment where members learn about and experience hunger, sustainable agriculture and personal development.  How can anything so unpleasant as experiencing poverty first hand be so valuable for kids?  As they say, you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. 

Following a sequence of team building sessions the ultimate challenge was cast before the group as a part of their experience.  Do you knowingly allow people to die from hunger?  What can we do to take personal responsibility?  

In the Village, when given the opportunity, the 4-Hers arose to the occasion though selfless acts and partnering for greater good.  Those who did not have food did not go hungry.  Those with physical needs were lifted up.  They, as a group of young adults chose to help each other. 

The outcomes captured from post evaluations give credit for this behavior choice to….. 4-H club and project work.                     

If you would like to learn more about Heifer International and the opportunities for youth development, contact Donna Taake at taaked@missouri.edu or Ben Gallup at gallupb@missouri.edu.