By Quentin Revillard / Staff Writer

A service learning project at Missouri Valley College brought 4-H students from six counties to campus for a hands-on photography experience on April 24.

The event, organized by senior Brittney Slocum, connected local youth with college students while introducing participants to campus life. Slocum said the project began as a graduation requirement but quickly grew into a larger community-focused event.

“We wanted to create something that would bring people together and give these kids a real college experience,” Slocum said.

Slocum was able to organize almost everything, from creating marketing materials to planning timelines. Even members from other school organizations helped by guiding the participants around during the day.

The event drew 4-H members from multiple counties, many visiting Missouri Valley College for the first time. Participants learned basic photography skills while exploring the campus.

“I was hoping they would get a good Missouri Valley experience,” Slocum said.

Weather conditions forced organizers to move planned outdoor activities indoors, but the adjustment created new opportunities. Participants took photos in locations across campus, including the president’s office, art classrooms and main stairways.

“It actually worked out in our favor,” Slocum said. “The parents loved the indoor locations, and the kids found a lot of inspiration.”

The experience extended beyond photography. Participants observed football practice, took action shots and visited the press box.

Trenton Farnham, president of the Historical Society and a volunteer, said the event helped connect college students with younger participants.

“It was really cool to show kids a new environment they might not have experienced before,” Farnham said. “For a lot of them, it was their first time on campus.”

Each participant was paired with a volunteer who assisted with photography and taught basic skills such as composition and framing.

Slocum said one of her most memorable moments came from working with a participant named Addie.

“We were both a little shy, but we connected,” she said. “Getting to know her and her family, it was really special.”

Through the project, Slocum said she developed communication, leadership and organizational skills.

“This taught me how to use my voice more,” she said.

Farnham also emphasized the importance of teamwork and initiative, noting that the project demonstrated what students can accomplish when they take action.

“If we can help the community, why not us?” he said. “This showed that we can actually make things happen.”

Slocum said she would improve volunteer training in future events by focusing more on photography techniques such as composition.

Despite challenges, the event provided a hands-on learning experience for both college students and 4-H participants, with some expressing interest in returning if the program is offered again.