Youth Conference Promises To Be "A Blast"

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PARADISE, CALIFORNIA, January 24, 2008  --- “It’s going to be a blast”, promises California State Grange Youth Committee Chairman Jeremy Heckman, describing the upcoming Youth Conference to be held February 8 – 11 at the Paradise Grange Hall in Paradise, California. Youth from across the State are encouraged to attend.

“Shaping Tomorrow’s Future”” is the conference theme.  All boys and girls aged 5 – 20 are invited to attend.  A registration fee of $40 covers meals, activities and workshops.  An additional fee will be charged for an optional outing to watch dog sled races.

A full slate of activities and workshops is planned for the four day conference with most events scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, to accommodate attendees with school schedules.

Local attractions and entertainment are planned, including Barry Kirschner’s exotic animals, movies, dancing and bowling.  Workshops will include producing a 30 second commercial, self-defense against kidnapping, public speaking, signing-a-song and Grange history.

Junior Grange members are eligible to earn merit badges from the National Grange Program.  Youth Grange members are eligible to earn Youth Achievement and Star Awards from the National Grange.

Focusing on the diverse interests of today’s kids while embracing the best traditions from its past, the California State Grange Junior, Youth and Youth Fair programs provide a fun and wholesome experience for boys and girls ages 5 – 20.

"Our goal is to encourage the kids to become well rounded individuals with skills and experience that will help them through any challenges they may face in life," states Youth Director Ed Komski.  “We’re going to excite their imaginations and challenge their limits. We’re not going to just sit around a table with coloring books."

The California Grange is a community service organization with 185 chapters and 10,000 members across the state. The Grange’s roots go back to 1867 when the first Grange was organized to promote the common interests of farmers and ranchers. Everyone is welcome to apply for membership.
 
The Youth Conference will be held at the Paradise Grange Hall at 5704 Chapel Drive in Paradise, California, 95969.  The picturesque community of Paradise is located in the Sierra foothills, about a two hour drive north of Sacramento.

The Conference registration fee does not include lodging.  Attendees should arrange lodging at any of the area motels which include the Comfort Inn (530-876-0191), Ponderosa Motel (530-872-9094), Lantern Inn (530-877-5553), and Paradise Inn (530-877-2127).  Discounts are available for limited rooms on a first-come-first-served basis at Comfort Inn and Ponderosa Motels, if you ask for the California State Grange Youth rate.

Check-in for the Youth Conference begins Friday, February 8 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Paradise Grange Hall and continues at 8:00am the following morning, Saturday.

For more information and a registration packet contact Youth Committee Chairman Jeremy Heckman at (530) 520-1261 or by email at jeremyheckman@pacbell.net. A registration form is also available on-line at www.californiagrange.org.