The Sept. 9 Kiwanis Club meeting featured a presentation from Winn Parish 4H students Gracie Moore and Blakelyn Busha, who described their summer trip to Ireland, the first international tour organized by Louisiana 4H.

Five students from Winn Parish and five adults, including parents and grandparents, took part in the trip. It was the first international trip organized by 4H. The educational tour focused on agriculture in a different environment. The Winn Parish group joined 53 students from the northern region of Louisiana. Students from the southern region also participated, though the two groups did not meet during the trip. More than 100 students in total made the journey, traveling in two groups that departed two days apart.

Gracie and Blakelyn described their travels, which began in Dublin. They also stayed in Waterford and other locations, with educational activities scheduled each day. Stops included castles, historic buildings, flower gardens and churches known for stained-glass windows and acoustics.

Agricultural highlights included visits to a stud farm, dairy farm, oyster farm and a hydroponic gardening site. The students sampled strawberries and oysters, planted vegetables, and learned about farm-to-table dining, with restaurants serving locally grown food. At a sheep farm, they held lambs and watched a shepherd herd sheep with a dog. The group also toured a mine, wearing helmets for safety.

The girls said one of the best parts of the trip was meeting new people and making friends from other parts of Louisiana, friendships they hope to continue.

A video of the trip is available on the TWILA website and Facebook page.