Breaux Bridge – “This contest really allows us, as youth educators, to teach certain skills in a very non-traditional way,” said 4-H agent Laura M. Brumbaugh.

She was talking about the new 4-H Amazing Race, the first of which was held on Saturday, March 17.

The goal of the 4-H Amazing Race is to educate youth and adults about opportunities in 4-H and the city of Breaux Bridge’s history.

Brumbaugh continued, “These youths were able to practice decision making, teamwork and communication skills; all while enjoying themselves in a safe and fun environment.

“It also gets adults involved, which rarely happens with our traditional contests.”

The first 4-H Amazing Race saw 21 teams, with a total 80 youths and adults, competing. Teams had to conquer eight stations to reach the finish line. At each station, teams had to work together to solve a series of clues before moving on to the next.

Activities throughout the event included Head, Heart, Hands and Health stations, as well as stops at the bronze statue in Veteran’s Park, the public library, the 4-H office and Bayou Teche.

4-H agent Hope Guidry explained, “When coming up with contest activities, it was really important for us to include 4-H material throughout. Most of the time, the 4-H program is identified with certain aspects like club meetings or animals, but we offer much more, in many different areas. We try to showcase different aspects including the outdoor skills program, the healthy living mission mandate and the service component of our program.”

Activities included:

•A 4-H project book search, where participants were given questions the could be answered by looking in project books provided.

•A peep hunt, to emulate belonging within 4-H, teams had to find a missing peep that was hidden in a plastic egg and help him belong with his group of peep friends.

•Backyard bass, challenging teams to fish for 100 points, each fish caught had points or a roadblock on it. If a roadblock was caught, teams were asked to complete an extra assignment before completing the fishing challenge. Roadblocks were a chance for youth to practice their communication skills by having to find an adult to help with answering questions.

Participants included: Ashley Latiolais, Tori Hayes, Olivia Guidry, Haley Newsome, Logan Patin, Jadie Badeaux, Damon Lanclos, Tanner Vicknair, Jon Boudreaux, Justin Blanchard, Devin LeBlanc, Jordan Guidry, Paige Babineaux, Elliott Bernard, James Boudreaux, Jeffrey Boudreaux, Adele Richard, Josh Alleman, Colin Scrantz, Jace Knott, Zachary Theriot, Colin Dugan, Kelcy Louviere, Georgia Theaux, Celia Theaux, Leyla Theaux, Erin Blanchard, Peter Harris, Georgie Mae Harris, Brin Laperouse, Celeste Frederick, Gracie Latiolais, Alyssa Savant, Payton Cummings, Mia Broussard, Camille Beau Weber, Raven Trahan, Nathan Greig, Owen Greig, Madison McDaniel, Gabrielle Latiolais, Kelly Hebert, Madison Latiolais, Jacie Laviolette, Katelynn LeBlanc, Grant Romero, Alex Meche, Jenna Delahoussaye, Conner Durand, Alex Latiolais, Grant Bienvenu, Mya Andrus, Noelie Castille, Christina Alleman, Sera Denais and Molly Angelle.

Volunteers included: Grace Richard, Jeanise Bernard, Jessica Dupont, Terri Brumbaugh, Zac Dupuis, Haley Newsome, Jordan Guidry, Paige Babineaux, Elliot Bernard, Devin LeBlanc, Adele Richard and Kevin Guidry.

Senior winners included: 1. Jordan Guidry, Paige Babineaux and Elliott Bernard; 2. Haley Newsome, Logan Patin and Jadie Badeaux; 3. Ashley Latiolais, Tori Hayes and Olivia Guidry; 4. Jon Boudreaux, Justin Blanchard and Devin LeBlanc; 5. Erin Blanchard, Peter Harris and Georgie Mae Harris.

Junior winners included: 1. Mya Andrus, Noelie Castille and Christina Alleman; 2. Madison Latiolais, Jacie Laviolette and Katelynn LeBlanc; 3. Alyssa Savant, Payton Cummings and Mia Broussard; 4. Madison McDaniel, Gabrielle Latiolais and Kelly Hebert; 5. Sera Denais and Molly Angelle, and Raven Trahan and Camille Beau Weber.