Wisconsin 4-H Youth Group Enjoys AirVenture

July, 2023 —If you were on the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh grounds on Tuesday, you might have noticed a large youth group representing several 4-H clubs from around the state of Wisconsin. This AirVenture is the first time that 4-H club youths have organized to come to the world’s largest aviation event.

Working with the EAA education department and taking advantage of Boeing’s continued support to provide free entry to all youths 18 and under, Rusk County 4-H adult leader Mary Big Mountain said, “My vision involves a long-term partnership between 4-H and EAA to inspire youth into aviation and aero-space. Working for the U.S. Air Force and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, I know some-one needs to be building more shared youth aviation partnerships across Wisconsin and our nation, and I am hoping we can start this partnership with EAA this year.”

Adding EAA’s support, Danielle Schmick, EAA AeroEducate program manager, said, “This is a really exciting opportunity to connect with youth who might not ordinarily get any exposure to aviation and aerospace career fields. We always tell youth there is truly an exciting job in aviation correlating to any kind of skill or talent that a youth can think of. This is their chance to come and see those opportunities for themselves.”

Special thanks to Air National Guard Col. Mary Big Mountain and her 4-H team of leaders for coor-dinating more than 100 youths and additional chaperones with an exciting experience and doors to new opportunities.