Kansas 4-H Youth Development

4-H's Fifth Decade
1943-1952

After the war, interest in 4-H increased around the world. In 1948, Extension established the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE), which is now known as International 4-H Youth Exchange. Armin Samuelson, right, a former Shawnee Co 4-H'er, was Kansas's first 4-H member to travel to a foreign country (Sweden) as an International Foreign Youth Exchange student in 1948. He was one of 17 in the nation. Kansas was a leading state in the program and has maintained an active alumni group. In the picture above John Nagel, a former IFYE from Sedgwick County, and Samuelson visit with an unidentified IFYE visiting Kansas. KS international programs

The 4-H Centennial web site was the source of the national pictures and comments (http://wwww.4hcentennial.org/) and the book Kansas 4-H, The History of Head, Heart, Hands and Health by Betty Lou Denton and Merle L. Eyestone for the Kansas pictures and comments.

Master 4-H Club members break ground at the new Rock Springs State 4-H Leadership Center (now Rock Springs 4-H Center and formerly Rock Springs Ranch) in 1946 for their gift to the Center - the gateway at the entrance for many years. Albert Morgan, Geary County, is shown breaking ground.

The original committee responsible for the development of the Rock Springs State 4-H Leadership Center included J. Harold Johnson, the State 4-H Leader at the time; Ernest Berry, Newton, chairman of the Businessmen's Committee; L.R. Quinlan, KSU landscape architect most responsible for the original philosophy and physical layout and design; H.S. Hinrichs, Kansas Power and Light Company, Topeka, chairman; and John Kugler, Abilene, chairman of the State Camp Committee.