D.C. Pumas make history as first Minnesota all Hispanic 4-H Club

Unique.
In one word that’s how leaders of the D.C. Pumas, the only all Hispanic 4-H club in Minnesota, describe their group.
Four years ago the group formed after a group of parents decided that they wanted to have their children be involved with the special program that is known as 4-H.
Getting started
One of the steps of the process of a new group is coming up with a name for the group. After all the parents discussing possible names and with help from UMN-Extension Staff, they decided on the name the D.C. Pumas.
Like other new 4-H groups they began the recruiting process to get members signed up with the group.
As with any new group they also were able to receive $500 from the county federation account. The funds for the account came from donations by businesses in the community.
Once these things were completed they were able to begin the fun of having an official 4-H group.
First Generation 4-Hers
One of the things that makes the group so unique aside from being an all Hispanic group is the fact that all the children and parents in the group are first generation 4-Hers.
“It's a good opportunity for them we never got the chance to be in something like 4-H so it’s great that they get to experience it,” said Mayra, one of the D.C. Puma’s parents.
State Fair
One of the things that most of the kids and parents in the group never experienced before was the Minnesota State Fair, which is something that 4-Hers strive to qualify in every year.
Through the D.C. Pumas many of the members got to experience the State Fair for the first time over the last three years after qualifying through their projects.
Breaking cultural barriers
Gabby Burk, who is a leader of the group, said that they feel privileged to have the first and only all Hispanic 4-H group in Minnesota.
Kelly Vincelette, Dodge County 4-H coordinator, said that she is very proud of the fact that the group was started and feels that is a way to make sure everyone is comfortable getting involved with 4-H.
“It is very important to our county to have the Puma's in our 4-H Program, it gives our 4-H program in Dodge County a welcoming environment for all to join,” Vincelette said. “I feel it shows that we are a program that has something for everyone in our community. We can help find opportunities for anyone to join and be apart of our organization,” she said, adding the D.C. Puma 4-H Club helps create that environment.
Although they are made up of primarily Hispanic youth, they are welcome for anyone to join, just like any of the county’s 4-H clubs and that is an important piece as well, Vincelette said.
The parents of the group all agreed that one of the favorite activities so far was making piñatas.
They explained that not only was it a fun project and activity, but it was also a great way for the kids to learn about their culture a little more in a fun hands on way.
Another cultural activity that the group has been working on recently is making a display for The Day of The Dead.
With information displayed at Triton Elementary School the goal is more people will learn about what it is all about.
Going forward
Like many 4-H groups, they rely heavily on fundraising to continue doing projects and activities.
One of these fundraisers that is coming up is an event where members of their group, along with members of the 4-H exchange group, will be serving lunch to different members of the community. Check out the preview on page 7A for more details about the fundraiser.
Since the group has formed they have had about 27 members on average each year  and hope to continue to add more members going forward.
For more information about the D.C. Pumas contact Gabby Burk at  burkx012@umn.edu.