By Betty Young
Terry LaCombe
MSG Junior Co-Directors
The Maine State Junior Grange took the “Junior Grangemobile” which is a nine-passenger van, to National Grange in Niagara Falls. We apologize to our Navigation expert Caroline for having the middle hump seat both ways. She has the great Grange attitude and did not complain about it once. One mother wasn’t feeling well during the trip. We all brought food and snacks to share. They enjoyed many fun activities and events. Please find the list below. This is just a few of the many noted features.
- We enjoyed a Junior Activities Day with other Junior Grangers from around the US. Maine Junior Grange sang their Reuse, Reduce and Recycle song and Co-Director Betty signed it.
- We helped with the Dictionary Project.
- Went to the Underground Railroad Center.
- Went to an Escape Room.
- Went swimming (this was not a Grange event)
- Made many new friends.
- Saw Niagara Falls and State Park.
- Saw Rainbow Bridge.
- Enjoyed an elevator ride to Cave of the Winds.
- Lunched, saw movies and many activities at the Power Station. We learned so much about power.
- Utilized and enjoyed many meals/treats in the Hospitality Room. Thank you to the Northeast for such an EXCELLENT job.
- Wore our new Junior Grange Polo shirts to the “Fancy Nancy” National Grange Banquet.
- Marched with the Junior Grange Ambassadors after Youth opened National Grange.
- Thank you, Master/President Harriman, for our new Junior Pin! We will wear it with pride.
- The kids took great pictures, stayed at La Quinta Inn on the way and the Sheraton Inn in Niagara during convention.
We received the 2024 Junior and Youth National Grange Program Book. If you would like more information on how to become a Maine State Grange Junior or Youth, please contact us. This year’s Junior theme is CORN. The Youth age has changed and will roll out in the next 2 years. Current Youth ages 14 to 20 will remain the same, but Grange Youth Adult will be ages 21-30 until until November 2025. Starting November 2025, the age will be 21-25, over 25 should be stepping into the role of a Grange mentor as they make the transitions into full adulthood. The Grangemobile hopes to be able to attend the Legislative Experience in Washington DC, as this is such a fun way to learn our history, but we will have to wait and see when the Northeast Conference is going to be. We are trying to coordinate the Junior and Youth Conference at the same time as the Northeast Leadership Conference. Possibly, having our contest as entertainment. We all enjoyed the Northeast Youth Conferences (NEYC) in July. However, we are trying to reduce costs, work and for many conferences a reduction in attendance is an issue. Being in the summer, it was a fun opportunity for many Junior and Youth to attend NEYC camp.
Would your Grange like to host Junior Grange? We will visit you at your Grange and include you and your child or grandchild. Our next Maine State Junior Grange meeting will be December 16th at Danville Junction! The children will work on a Christmas or Holiday Craft.
Maine State Junior Grange may not be the largest, but we truly have the “BEST” group of kids. We hope the others who aren’t homeschooled have the opportunity to attend a National Event soon.
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