(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted to the Patriot as a press release by the Benton County 4-H Youth Development team).

This March, 700 youth on 171 teams from across Minnesota participated in the 4-H Project Bowl, the second largest 4-H event series of the year. 4-H Project Bowl challenges teams of three to five youth to test their knowledge on a variety of topics including dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, llama/alpaca, poultry, rabbit and wildlife conservation.

Competitions were held virtually with divisions for both junior and senior aged teams. This year, teams worked together to answer species related questions in a trivia format. Top placing teams in dairy, general livestock, horse and poultry hope to go on to national project bowl competitions.  

“4-H Project Bowl helps youth build communications skills and gain deeper knowledge in topics they find interesting,” said Amber Greeley, Director of State & County Fairs Programs. “We’re proud to have found a high-quality way to ensure youth can engage in this experience even in the midst of pandemic restrictions.”

Benton County 4-H’ers joined youth from other counties to compete in the Llama/Alpaca Knowledge Bowl. The Llama/Alpaca Junior team included Claudia Schlough, sixth grader from Benton County, Evelyn Skaj, third graders from Benton County and Brielle Lungren, third grader from Kandiyohi County. The junior team took 2nd as Reserve champion. 

The Llama/Alpaca Senior team included Marizza Lenz, 10th grader from Benton County, Mickaila Lenz, 12th grader from Benton County and Arabelle Rohs, ninth grader from Sherburne County. The senior group was successful in scoring third place in their division.

“Competing virtually was definitely not as stressful as it has been in person. “ said Marizza Lenz of Benton County from the senior team. “I enjoy participating in the project bowl because it gives me an opportunity to meet new people and talk with friends.”

“I love learning about llamas.” Said Claudia Schlough of Benton County from the junior team. “Even though it was a little strange doing the competition virtually, we worked hard and it turned out to be really fun.”

The two teams were able to participate in the competition because they had dedicated coaches that worked with them as they prepared and competed. Their coaches were Josh Kirchenbauer from Clear Lake, a 4-H Volunteer from Benton County 4-H and Laurie Krisko, from Becker, a 4`H Volunteer with Sherburne County 4-H. 

“Working with the youth keeps me out of trouble.” Laughed Josh Kirchenbauer Benton County 4-H Project Bowl Coach. “I enjoy coaching to make the best better, helping youth build confidence, reasoning. communication skills and problem solving strategies.” 

“I actually enjoy coaching, because it helps me learn and remember things as a llama owner as well as a 4H Lama Project Leader.” Said Laurie Krisko, Sherburne County 4-H Project Bowl Coach. “I love volunteering as a Project Leader because I am enthusiastic about Llamas & Alpacas and all the fun things we can do with them besides showing them at Fair. I’ve seen so many youth come out of their shells and grow into great youth leaders in other areas of their lives because of what they got to do with their animals.”

To learn more about 4-H Project Bowl, visit their website or contact Ann Olson Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Benton County at 320.968.5077 or contact Danielle Ganje, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Sherburne County at 763.765.3075.