Backcountry Horseman of Idaho (BCHI) member was guest speaker at the Cayuse 4-H Education Camp
Submitted by BCHI’s Roving Education Chair Reporter, Marybeth Conger
On Friday, December 11, 2015 Charles Chick, a local member of the Squaw Butte Chapter of Backcountry Horseman of Idaho (SBBCH) was the guest speaker at this horse-less overnight educational camp for kids. His wife Lorraine helped, and set up the SBBCH chapter display, the BCHI Banner, and handed out the BCHI “Placemats” that show statewide all BCHI chapters. The camp was hosted by the Payette Country 4H Horse Leaders Association and was held at the Payette Country Fairgrounds in New Plymouth, Idaho. It was a fun educational winter overnight camp-out for the horse kids to learn about the Backcountry Horseman organization and work on their 4-H projects.
Forty eight horse kids, along with their parents, and 4-H leaders were in attendance. Charles began with a “who we are” introduction of Backcountry Horseman of America, Backcountry Horseman of Idaho, then brought it down to the chapter level. He discussed the backcountry horseman mission and what members do such as having fun clearing trails, building things on trails, being responsible on the trails, our volunteer service and partnerships to help keep trails open. Next was a “Horse normality” conversation, so the kids could learn the traits of a backcountry horseman’s horse. The presentation lasted about 45 minutes with great questions coming from the kids.
The Chick’s had a giveaway drawing for a BCHI calendar, another way to educate. They had terrific fun with this community outreach event, and encourage other members of the backcountry horseman organization to promote expansion through education. “The tools to do this type of thing are out there for us to use” says Charles. He prepared by reviewing BCHA and BCHI website information, and got copies of BCHI Placemats for handouts. Keep in mind there is a provision in the BCHI budget to reimburse chapter for copies of these placemats.
So, kudos to Charles and Lorrain Chick, who have shown us one way to have fun with education and promote our organization.