My name is Jonathan Tindell, I am a homeschooler from Union County and I'm finishing up the 9th grade. I want to take a few minutes to explain to you what the 4-H All Star Conference is. This is a region event where 4-H'ers come together from nine East Tennessee regions. These counties include Claiborne, Union, Grainger, Hamblen, Knox, Jefferson, Blount, Sevier and Cocke. We like to call this the BIG NINE !! The 2021 All Star Conference was held on Saturday, May 15th at the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus. The event is for 8th through 12th graders. The day consists of two service projects and two fun activities.

The 4-H'ers were split into teams for the games, this was nice because it gave me an opportunity to meet new kids. First we were off to an escape room. This was a fun game because it required us to really think and work together as a team. The result of us working together was getting out of this room. Then came the thrilling scavenger hunt. We got into our teams then took off to find all the answers to 10 questions about UT. It was fun for me because I got to explore the UT campus walking many miles learning about the statues, the University's history in different locations around campus. My team placed 2nd in the contest , I would have to say that this event was the best overall.

After the exciting scavenger hunt it was time to participate in the service projects. Our 1st project was to make dog toys out of recycled clothing to donate to different shelters in the region. This was a fun, low cost activity that I could bring back and share with my local club and encourage others to participate in simple activities like this to give back to the community. Our last and final service activity was making Christmas cards for service men and women in the Army. When I was writing these cards for those in service, I personally had a heart full of gratitude for all the men and women protecting us and keeping our country free. I would also like to say thank you to all the men and women who read this article in our community who have served our country at one point or another. Your service to our country is greatly appreciated and because of you I get to live and grow up in a free country.

All in all this was a wonderful day and I am thankful that I was able to attend my first All Star Conference. I look forward to many more conferences and projects with my 4-H group.

In closing I would like to say if you were not in 4-H, I encourage you- to join ! 4-H has so many opportunities to grow and learn many new skills as well as constantly having opportunities to give back to your community. If you're interested in learning more please call the UT Extension office at 865-992-8038 or email Ashley Mike at ashley.mike@utk.edu