05/19/2026
Our 4-H Youth are Awesome!
ALCESTER, S.D. — Members of the Eager Beaver Club 4-H Club brought the joys of the farm directly to the community on Saturday, visiting the Alcester Care and Rehab Center to share a special petting zoo experience with residents. The heartwarming intergenerational visit featured an array of young animals, including bunnies, chickens, lambs, and a baby calf.
The special animal visit was organized as part of the club’s May meeting, providing 4-H youth an excellent hands-on opportunity to share their animal husbandry projects while fostering meaningful community connections. For the residents at the center, the surprise encounter offered a comforting touch of nostalgia, sparking smiles and animated conversations about their own past experiences with animals and rural living.
"Our 4-H members learn so much from raising these animals, but being able to bring them out to share that joy with others is what 4-H is truly all about," said Club Leader , Dawn Butzer. "The residents’ reactions were absolutely priceless. Seeing the generations bond over a baby calf or holding a soft bunny is a rewarding experience our members won't soon forget."
Animal-assisted interactions are widely celebrated for their ability to promote emotional well-being, reduce stress, and improve the mood of older adults. The Eager Beaver 4-H Club expressed their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Alcester facility for making the afternoon possible and looks forward to continuing their tradition of community service.
About Eager Beaver Club 4-H Club:
The Eager Beaver Club 4-H Club is a Union County club dedicated to teaching leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Through hands-on projects and community service, 4-H empowers young people to reach their full potential and give back to their local neighborhoods.