Indiana-Poland 4-H Exchange Program

The Indiana-Poland 4-H Exchange group arrived on May 31 and returned to Poland on June 17. The group included 19 4-H youth and 11 adults from southern Poland. Families from 15 different Northern Indiana counties were hosts this year. Lodge Members Richard and Joyce Pacer hosted two of the delegates from the group, Jozef Siwek and Bogdan Sobon. The Pacers were willing to take the two on a trip to Toledo for the Echoes of Poland, a visit to the Fort Wayne’s Children’s Zoo, to see Science Central, and a nature hike at Mengerson Reserve, while they stayed with them. Joyce and Richard really enjoyed the time they spent with the two during the visit.

The group enjoyed many activities and occasions while in the US. There was a Fort Wayne day which included the Polish guests having a presentation at the IPFW Allen County 4-H Extension Office. Afterwards the group enjoyed a Fort Wayne Tin Caps game at our new Parkview Field Stadium. On June 14th in Middlebury was a “Amish Experience Day” trip including a tour of Jaco RV Factory, Dass Essenhauss, Dutch Kase Cheese Factory, Orie Lehman Farm to learn about Amish life, Shipshewana market, BBQ, and see some of the 4-H farm animals in the area. 4-H Camp Mack, Albanese Confectionary in Merrillville IN, While in Chicago on June 16 and 17 the group toured the area including: Navy Pier, Giordano’s Pizza, Sears Tower, a Walking Tour, Visit of Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Polish Museum, Red Apple Restaurant and the O’Hare Airport for their departure flight to return to Poland.

I would like to thank Krystyna Bialasiewicz from the PNA Home Office for meeting with the group and presenting them with PNA tee shirts and things while they were in Chicago on June 17th.

(also see Wells County 4-H on Facebook!)