June 22, 2021
Donors Give $575K to Kansas 4-H
The Kansas 4-H Foundation distributed this press release statewide:
Kansas 4-H donors Allan and Carolyn Harms, from Derby, have committed $575,000 to advance positive youth development in Kansas. Their gift will be utilized in two ways: $500,000 for capital improvements at Rock Springs Ranch and $75,000 in annual support for the essential needs of Kansas youth.
“4-H is a unique organization that serves to reach youth of all backgrounds to help them reach their potential,” Carolyn Harms said. “This program helps youth to develop life and communication skills along with a desire to give back to their communities.”
For more than 100 years, Kansas 4-H has been shaping youth to be dynamic leaders and community members through experiential learning opportunities. These opportunities range from project learning to leadership training to 4-H camp at Rock Springs Ranch.
This year Rock Springs Ranch is celebrating its 75th camping season. It is the state’s 4-H center for immersive 4-H experiences and has served more than 1 million Kansas youth since 1946. In preparation for celebrating 75 years of camp, the Kansas 4-H Foundation Board initiated a master planning exercise for the future of Rock Springs Ranch and 4-H camp. Currently, the board is focused on camper care and safety and enhanced programming.
“To honor the history of Kansas 4-H, we are evolving the camp experience to have an even greater impact for the next 75 years,” Jake Worcester, President/CEO, Kansas 4-H Foundation, said. “The generosity of the Harms will be transformational for the future of Kansas 4-H and Rock Springs Ranch.”
4-H experiences like the county fair and 4-H camp are where youth engage in rich educational opportunities to learn mastery, independence, belonging and generosity. These experiences are guided by caring adult volunteers. The Harms have served as 4-H volunteers in Sedgwick County for more than 20 years.
“There is no better investment that can be made to support the development of young people who have a desire to be strong leaders in their communities,” Carolyn Harms said. “4-H members are known for their strong leadership and ability to work together to achieve results.”
The Kansas 4-H Foundation works with businesses, organizations, individuals and families who share a common desire to support a statewide effort of growing our future leaders. The Foundation is the 501(c)(3) fundraising arm for Kansas 4-H and Rock Springs Ranch.