Winneconne FFA member Hailey Domke started the Endless Adventures program and event.
When Hailey Domke of the Winneconne FFA in Wisconsin started her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in diversified livestock, she did not realize how impactful her program would be.
Domke started her SAE raising animals to exhibit at her county fair. She also teaches young students with special needs how to show and care for animals. This was to carry on the legacy of a member of her 4-H Club, Josh Perry, who unexpectedly passed away at the age of 16.
Perry, a member of Domke’s 4-H Club, 4-H Friends, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This affected his ability to socialize and communicate with others. Despite this, Perry enjoyed showing dairy cattle and spending time with animals. Domke realized her hope to share that happiness with other kids like Perry. To do this, she started a program called Endless Adventures.
Domke poses with Josh Perry’s family at the Endless Adventures program event.
Endless Adventures is a one-day program at the Winnebago County Fair in Oshkosh, Wis., that allows youth with special needs to learn about showing animals. They learn about the care, preparation, and showing of calves, sheep, and goats. Participants are paired with exhibitor volunteers who take them through the routine of preparing their animals for show. Participants then take to the ring to learn about showing each animal.
All participants and exhibitor volunteers smile for a photo after the Endless Adventures program event.
Domke hopes this program will give youth in her community the opportunity to experience something different and educate them about agriculture. With this year’s success, Domke hopes to expand the program.
“My goal is to expand it more this coming year,” Domke said. “I would like to have it be a two-day event, one on a local farm, allowing participants to get up close with the animals and see behind the scenes. Day two would be the fair part of the program.” Domke hopes to continue carrying on Perry’s legacy through the program.
“I am beyond grateful to say that this event was by far a success,” Domke said. She is thankful to every participant, sponsor, volunteer and community member who supported the event at the county fair.
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