Kansas State University

Kansas 4-H Foundation Updates

Submitted by Mindy R. Weixelman

• KANSAS 4-H FOUNDATION UPDATES

ROCK SPRINGS RANCH
Staffing

• Senior Director of Operations, Jared Causby, has decided to leave the camping industry to pursue a new career. He has accepted a position at Old Dominion University. His last day at Rock Springs Ranch will be Wednesday, May 15th. We are pleased that Letha will be staying with us through part of the summer to facilitate summer camp. Both Letha and Jared have significantly elevated the camp experience at Rock Springs Ranch. Their legacy of leadership will continue to be experienced in our programming, facilities, and culture.

• Katelin Calhoun has joined our team where she will be serving as equine program manager. With more than 15 years of camp experience, Katelin will be a tremendous asset to RSR. Most recently, she has been serving as the executive director for Lake Doniphan Camp and Retreat Center in Excelsior Springs, MO. At Rock Springs Ranch, Katelin will be focusing on her first love, managing horses. She’s excited to launch Ranch camp this summer. Katelin can be reached at kcalhoun@rockspringsranch.org.

• Not to be confused with Jared Causby, Jared Gleason recently joined our team as camp director. Jared was born and raised in Mahomet, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois with his Masters of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in the Spring of 2022. He grew up attending camp at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, Illinois where he would progress through the CIT program, began as a cabin counselor, and eventually helped to oversee the camp as the Assistant Camp Director. Jared knew as an aspiring Camp Director that it would be prudent to gain an understanding of all aspects of youth programming and has spent time in various camps across the Northeast, assumed the role of Aquatics & Activities Director for an indoor water park, and has worked as a Paraprofessional Aid in an Elementary School.
  
  Coming from a 4-H program, Jared knew he could find a new home with Rock Springs Ranch. He looks forward to bringing his love for community development through outdoor recreation and youth development programs to RSR and cannot wait to see what the summer of 2024 has in store. If you want to strike up a conversation with Jared just ask about; the last card/board game he discovered or better yet challenge him to a game, anything related to Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc., or suggest your favorite restaurant, he is open to traveling for food. Contact Jared by email at jgleason@rockspringsranch.org.

Summer Camp Update
Camp registrations are pacing well ahead of where we finished in 2023. As of April 26, 2024:

• YTD:

• 1,009 summer camp
• (multiple sessions have wait list started depending on gender and age group)
• 83 guests registered for Family Camp
• (Session 1: Family Camp; Full - wait list started)

• Specialty camps: 
• 24
• Ranch Camp; Full
• Shooting Sports Camp; 1 spot left

• LIT/CIT: 
• 41
• 31 LIT; All three sessions full with wait list
• 10; CIT

• Kansas KEEP Program
• We continue to see tremendous success with this partnership that provides youth access to Kansas 4-H through a summer camp experience. So far, we have received $40,000 in KEEP registrations.

EMERALD CIRCLE CELEBRATION
The Kansas 4-H Foundation is excited to announce an updated vision for the annual Emerald Circle celebration. We want youth award winners to be able to interact with donors and each other more freely throughout the evening. To that end, we will kick off the evening with heavy hors d'oeuvres in the K-State Student Union Courtyard. State project award winners will have the opportunity to showcase their projects and mingle with attendees. We will then move into Forum Hall, also in the K-State Student Union, for award presentations, inspirational messages, and a can’t-miss speech from the Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, Mitch Holthus. Invitations are going out, so watch your mailboxes and be ready to RSVP!

CLOVIA PROPERTY
On behalf of the Kansas 4-H Foundation, thank you to all Clovia alumnae who supported the recent fundraising effort to purchase the Clovia house. It is our sincere hope that the undergraduate members and alumnae feel excited and empowered to own the house and chart a new course for the future. The mission of Kansas 4-H is to design and deliver programming for youth beginning at age 7 and concluding at age 18. We made this decision to ensure the philanthropic work of the Foundation aligns with the focus and needs outlined by the State 4-H program. We plan to continue to accept gifts on Clovia’s behalf, manage their alumnae database, receipt charitable gifts, and send gift acknowledgments as long as these services are needed. We are so pleased that the Women of Clovia will continue to call 1200 Pioneer Lane home and appreciate the generous support for the collegiate student organization.