SpecTra program gives youth foundation to an ag career

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Members of the SpecTra program include participants, back, from left, Taylor Willis, Jeffrey Roper, Rusty Keaton, and Isaiah Logan; front, from left, Extension program specialist Cheryl Newberry, teacher Julie Zimmerman, and participant Jennifer Vickers. - Staff photo by Spikes

August 7, 2003 -- Members of the Texas 4-H wanting to spend a week learning and growing, recently got their chance when a special youth program, called SpecTra, took place. This camp, held July 28-Aug. 2 in Brownwood, gave 14- to 18-year-old participants the opportunity to expand their minds and career goals by partaking in a variety of programs geared toward the four goals of the program.

The four goals, stated Extension program specialist Cheryl Newberry, are leadership development, project enrichment, self image enrichment, and career exploration. Participants chose one of the four goals, which was the project area they were in for the week.

"SpecTra was started by Mike McKinney, who was the former program director. He began it about 16 years ago and it has turned into a great camp for teens," explained Newberry.

The term SpecTra was formed to represent the camp's commitment of special training in spectacular tradition.

She added, "Over the years, SpecTra has grown into one of the premiere programs in the Texas 4-H. It's evident that each member who shows up values their 4-H experience because they made the choice to spend a week of their summer at the Texas 4-H Center and participate in the program.

"We feel that this program really is a life changing experience that impacts their lives forever. "

When SpecTra first began there were nine different project areas. While some of these still exist in the program, the project sessions are often changed or modified to represent the changing interests of the participants.

"Not only are the various project areas a big reason that participants come to this event, but it's also a great way to build a network of friends across the state," stated Newberry.

Participants of the recreation leadership part of the SpecTra program enjoy a fun game of koosh volleyball as part of their olympic competition at the 4-H Center on Lake Brownwood. - Staff photo by Spikes

She said that participants choose their course based on their interest. From there, they learn more about their area in-depth, which might help them spark a career goal.

"Most of these kids want to major in agriculture. It really applies more to their career goals than any other group."

Julie Zimmerman, a 21-year old senior from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, used to attend the program when she was in high school. She is now helping to teach SpecTra. "It's so rewarding to have returning students come to this event. Just watching them grow and progress in their knowledge of ag is exciting to share.

"When I first came to SpecTra I decided that I would love to work here. I eventually would like to become an Extension agent. It's great to help kids in their career decisions. They are also able to make many life-long friends here. People might think ag is dying, but I know it's not because it's a part of everyday life."

Jennifer Vickers, a 15-year-old freshman from Engram, has enjoyed her ag class because she is able to learn a lot more about ag in-depth. "This is my first year attending SpecTra. I am so glad I decided to come here because I have learned so much more than I thought I would."

"I have been going to SpecTra for five years," stated Rusty Keaton, who is part of the creative leadership group. "When I first came in 1999, I thought leadership was showing people what to do."

The 18-year old Texas Tech freshman said that he now knows that leadership is about listening, learning, being a friend, and showing authority. He believes that because he attended this event, he knows how to set goals better and achieve them.

Isaiah Logan, a 17-year-old freshman from Cameron, is attending camp to have fun and make friends, all while learning something about himself. "I am part of recreation leadership. Through the Olympic competitions that we are having, I am learning more about teamwork, sportsmanship, and cheering for each other no matter what team you are on. As a group, we are learning that you don't always have to be in first place to enjoy the game and have fun."

This is the fourth year that 17-year-old Jeffrey Roper has attended the program. "I have learned through the ag part of the program that things you didn't think would require an agriculture background do."

The Holland High School senior wants to be either an ag teacher or Extension agent. "This program had a lot of persuasion in what I want to do with my life."

Taylor Willis, a junior from Garden City, enjoys seeing old friends and meeting new people at the program.

"I have been going here for three years and I look forward to coming back every year," explained the 16-year-old. "This program helps point you towards what you want to do. It has shown me that there's a lot more out there in the world than just what's in Garden City."

"A lot of kids who come here as participants end up coming back to work here," stated Newberry. "We have so many really good success stories through our program."

She added that the program is also successful due to the location of the program. "The Texas 4-H Center is located on Lake Brownwood and is a great place for any kind of program or retreat."

For more information on the SpecTra program contact Cheryl Newberry. For more information on using the Texas 4-H Center contact Newberry or Scott Cross at 325-784-5482 or visit http://texas4h-ctr.tamu.edu.