A group of children in deep concentration sit at tables in the basement of the Mora Public Library. They murmur questions to one another and scratch ideas on their pieces of paper. One young boy holds up a fistful of fake money and cries, “I have 430 dollars.”

In an adjoining room, empty food cartons are neatly arranged on card tables. The children work together to create a budget that allows them to buy their favorite treats from this pretend store. While other children may be at home playing video games these kids are learning a valuable life lesson. This combination of fun, with a good dose of learning, is typical for the 4-H After-School Program.

June Heitke and Cory Stanchfield initially spearheaded the program in response to the closure of the Lone Pine Community Center. Heitke and Stanchfield are both veterans of the local 4-H Program. They’ve taken 4-H projects and expanded them to offer fun activities at each group meeting.

Heitke and Stanchfield don’t do this alone.

They’ve been joined by a

They’ve been joined by a core group of volunteers that includes Tricia Peterson, Lisa Iverson, Mary Meyer and Lucy Schultz. Together, the volunteers serve an average of 12-15 children each week.

The program is run on a shoestring budget.

“We get a dollar from each kid,” states Heitke.

“And we scrounge,” finishes Stanchfield.

Their scrounging has resulted in arts and crafts projects, food demonstrations, snacks and equipment for outdoor recreation.

Guest speakers periodically share their talents and knowledge on topics like food and nutrition, pet care and farming. Recently, the children sewed 100 lap blankets that were donated to Children’s Hospital in the Twin Cities.

“We try to have entertainment, exercise and community service,” explains Lucy Schultz.

These volunteers not only spend time planning a host of activities, they have also attended training sessions to help them better meet the needs of the children they serve. The training sessions have given the women ideas for new activities and strategies for dealing with kids with behavior issues.

Children interested in participating in this after-school program are welcome to join the group on Mondays and Wednesdays in the library basement. The cost is $1 per group meeting.

Caring adults who wish to help may also attend any meeting date. The women report that they welcome guest speakers, animal guests and folks just willing to spend some time with the children.