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| Front row seated, from left, Allie Doise, Gabrielle Briscoe, Laiha Bergeaux, Alli Moore and Rosie Guinn. Middle row, kneeling, from left, Kaitlyn Guillot, Hannah Daigle, Shelby Fruge, Cassi Duhon, Kerri Duhon, Kaitlyn Meyer and Megan John. Back row, from left, Nolan Sweeney, Gred Demary, Tyler Trahan, Kylie Derks, Glardon Hoffpauir, Mackenzie Hannon, Megan Inman, Catherine Guinn, Clay LeBlanc, Daniel Guinn and Braden Williams. |
4-H Mixes Cajun-Creole Heritage and Gravity
Jeff Davis seventh- and eighth-grade 4-H Club members recently took part in their Spring Educational Trip on April 14, 2009.
Twenty four members signed on to take a journey back in time and experience life in Acadiana between 1756 and 1890 at the Vermilionville Folklife and Heritage Center. 4-H’ers explored the living history of the original Lafayette while investigating the 18th and 19th century houses. In addition to touring the park itself, 4-H'ers trekked on a boat tour of the Vermilion Bayou and learned about the ecosystem, the bayou's historical importance during the revolutionary war and how volunteers continue to fight pollution in the bayou.
Next 4-H members reviewed Newton’s Law of Gravity at the Rok Haus, an indoor rock climbing gym located in Lafayette. After a detailed safety lesson, 4-H'ers took part in the thrills and challenges of indoor rock climbing. Not only was the law of gravity on everyone's minds, but also teamwork, trust and communication skills.
“At first this may seem a very individual exercise, but in this environment, these youth are learning teamwork and how to trust one another,” said Silas Cecil, assistant extension agent. “When you’re the belayer on the ground and the climber is tied off to you, you have a different perspective of the wall and can aid the climber by coaching where to grab the rocks. Also, trust is being developed; no one wants to be dropped if they were to slip off the wall.”
4-H members were able to choose from differing levels of climbing difficulties. They also had the opportunity to experience indoor boulder climbing. In the bouldering cave, there are no ropes, harnesses or a physical safety systems used except for a spotter who stands under the climber with hands up ready to assist if needed.