Each organization will have a hands-on project that "attendees" can do on the spot that will in some way benefit the organization.  Each organization will have at least one representative at the event.  They will bring a display about their organization and be there for the duration of the event.  They will be able to answer questions about their organization ways that people can become more involved if they are interested.

Examples of 2013 non-profits and community-minded organizations and hands-on projects:

• Dog Shelter - Tying fleece strips and braiding them to make dog toys.
• Children's Community Garden - paint/decorate terra cotta flowers pots which will have flowers planted in them and sold to raise funds for the water bill.
• Summer Free Lunch Program - make hula-hoops to be used for exercise throughout the summer
• Foster Care partners - tie knots on the ends of fleece fabric to make blankets for children entering foster care.
• Meal delivery - make a tray favor to be delivered to seniors and shut-ins through a meal delivery system.

4-H Clubs have "adopted" a non-profit organization.  The club members will prepare the supplies ahead of time,  so the event day will go smoothly and efficiently.

Some supplies will be purchased through a generous grant provided through The Columbus Foundation and a special anonymous group. Item donations are gladly accepted from businesses and can be listed as an "in-kind" donor.  The registration donations will help to cover all remaining costs affiliated with the event...any funds that exceed the event costs will be used for camper scholarships for the Franklin County 4-H program.  In June 2014, there were over 200 boys and girls ages 8 - 18 who attended camp and many needed financial assistance in order to participate.

On event day, the participants will also make an impact by bringing non-perishable food items for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.  At check-in, participants will receive a map of the hands-on projects along with an event program featuring information about each of the groups. Then they will walk around completing the hand-on projects and learning more about the organizations. The event will end at noon when all of the completed projects are loaded up by the organizations to take back to their locations and to be put to use.

It is recommended that families review the activities listed on the "Committed Organizations" page in order to decide whether this event is appropriate for their children, most of the activities require finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination for those in 3rd grade and up.

The event will be "open house" style, where you are free to go to the projects/organizations that interest you most.  Each station will be open until all projects for that station have been completed.  Once those projects are completed, it will still be possible to talk to the representative from the organization until the event ends at noon.

Donations will help pay for supplies and event costs...

any amount over and above the event needs will be directed to the 

Franklin County 4-H Camp Scholarship Fund.