Leadership, creativity and purpose were on full display as Benton County 4-H Ambassadors and camp counselors in grades 7–12 gathered for a meaningful day of reflection, teamwork and planning centered around this year’s theme: Get Patriotic: Discovering the Legacy That Unites Us in 4-H.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the day served as a powerful reminder that patriotism is not just about looking back at history — but about building the future.
More than just a planning session, youth discovered that they themselves are part of the legacy that will keep communities strong and united for generations to come.
The experience began with a reflective “Legacy Wall” activity where participants explored what legacy means, how 4-H shows up in their community, and what kind of experience they want to create for younger youth.
Their responses highlighted shared values of service, belonging, leadership, and growth.
Throughout the day, youth explored how unity does not mean sameness — but rather bringing individual strengths together for a shared purpose. In defining patriotism in their own words, County 4-H Ambassador and camp counselor Evan Lamberg, a 12th grader from Clear Lake, shared: "Patriotism is upholding and respecting the beliefs and values in a certain community, whether that be a family, school, or country. It’s important to be prideful and carry on the legacy that people have left behind for us."
County 4-H Ambassador and camp counselor Monica Schlough, a ninth grader from St. Cloud, added: "Patriotism is upholding and respecting the beliefs and values in a certain community, whether that be a family, school, or country. It’s important to be prideful and carry on the legacy that people have left behind for us."
A central message became clear. It is their responsibility as leaders to set the example.
These ambassadors and camp counselors are called to model what it looks like to give back to their community and to recognize that differences are not barriers — but strengths. By valuing one another’s unique talents, perspectives and experiences, they can positively influence the communities around them.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day was the creation of personal leadership sculptures. Far more than an art project, these sculptures symbolized each youth’s individuality and the role they will play in shaping the future of 4-H.
As one ambassador reflected during the process,"This sculpture shows what I bring — and how even though we’re all different, we fit together to build something stronger."
Placed side by side, the sculptures became a visual representation of unity — showing that individuality, when brought together, creates strength.
Youth also reflected on the importance of honoring those who came before them, including community leaders, volunteers, and service members — whose contributions made today’s opportunities possible.
The ambassadors then turned their focus toward the future, beginning the exciting work of planning upcoming youth experiences including Activity Night and Project Adventure Day.
This summer alone, Benton County 4-H day camps are expected to reach up to 400 youth. The ambassadors recognized that the experiences they are designing today will directly shape the confidence, belonging, and leadership of younger members tomorrow.
By modeling service and respect for differences, these older youth are helping create a ripple effect that strengthens community for years to come.
By the close of the day, participants returned to the Legacy Wall, recognizing how their understanding had grown.
Legacy, they learned, is not something left behind someday.
It is built now. It is built through leadership. It is built through service. And it is built every time they choose to lead by example.
While celebrating 250 years of our nation’s history, these youth are helping shape what the next 250 years can become.