MONTE VISTA - The Colorado State University San Luis Valley Extension Office’s 4-H Juntos group recently made an overnight trip to Pueblo, for an exciting Discovery Day adventure Aug. 23 to 24. It would not have been possible without a generous $5,000 donation from Farm Fresh Direct.
Local 4-H Juntos Director Carol Gurule was excited about the trip and grateful to Farm Fresh Direct and Mayra McKibbon, the Director of Workforce and Community Programs, for the donation.
“With heartfelt gratitude, I want to say thank you and share the success of this trip with everyone. This trip would not have been possible without Farm Fresh Direct led by Mayra McKibbon. This trip was a truly transformative experience for our 25 participants, including both youth and parents. I just want to say thank you for helping the 4-H Juntos program, take these children, and show them how valuable they are, and how valuable they can be in their future lives, too. Educating children is so important to me. Thank you so much. I truly appreciate what you have done.”
Gurule described how the trip was an extraordinary adventure for everyone who attended.
“It all began with a journey to Pueblo. Our group stayed at a Holiday Inn. We took the kids on an inspiring tour of Colorado State University, Pueblo. The tour offered a glimpse into college life for the kids, and really ignited excitement in them about future educational possibilities,” she said.
Gurule said the staff that gave the tour was enthusiastic with the kids, and the tour was memorable from start to finish.
“Following the tour, we enjoyed lunch at Pack Café, located on the university grounds,” she said.
Gurule said lunch was a wonderful way for families and children to get together and reflect on their tour and on the beginning of the day's events.
Gurule then described a boat tour that was taken of the historic Arkansas River Walk in Pueblo.
“It was a relaxing way to take in all the scenic beauty and rich history of the area,” she said.
Gurule said that dinner was then held for the kids with their choice of either Angelo’s Pizza Pie or Old Chicago Pizza.
“Dinner offered the families a chance to unwind and discuss their experiences for the day, too,” she said.
Gurule said that the next day the kids were all taken to the Colorado State Fair, where they looked at 4-H projects that were showcased from all around Colorado, including the San Luis Valley counties. Gurule said that the kids had fun exploring all the project areas, including the Creative Cooks Contest, Public Presentations Contests, and several pavilions, including the Agricultural Pavilion, East Horse Area, and Small Animal Pavilion.
“Each exhibit offered a window into the skills and hard work of 4-H members, reinforcing the value of their dedication,” said Gurule.
Gurule said that the trip was a success for the 4-H Juntos group.
“The success of this trip would not have been possible without the astounding support from Farm Fresh Direct and the leadership of Mayra McKibbon. The positive feedback from families underscores the impact of this opportunity, highlighting the invaluable experiences gained by our Juntos 4-H youth. Throughout the trip, we ensured that all logistical needs were meticulously handled, including transportation, meals, and accommodations, allowing our participants to fully engage in these enriching experiences, all due to this wonderful donation,” she said.
Gurule said she was grateful to McKibbon and Farm Fresh Direct for their commitment and support for local initiatives.
“Thank you for making this trip a memorable and educational experience for all involved,” she said.
For more information about Juntos 4-H, contact Gurule at the CSU Extension Office at 719-852-7381.
