maintained a positive attitude.
Sadly, the TACO family has lost several members over recent years, including camper Joseph Shifflett in November 2017, committee member Sallie Barber in August 2021, and host Susan Hanner in January 2022. These individuals left lasting impressions, and helped make TACO the amazing program it is today. In their honor, the committee decided to create namesake awards to help preserve their legacy for years to come.
Sallie Barber was remembered for serving the camp for over 20 years. She served as a group leader, a side walker, and in many more roles at camp. The committee focused their recognition on three qualities Sallie exemplified: her love of children, her sense of humor, and her dedication to TACO. Cole Ryder was awarded the inaugural Sallie Barber Memorial Award in recognition of his dependability, his natural interactions with campers, and his sense of humor. Susan Hanner was the hostess, an instructor, and a TACO committee member from 2001 - 2017. She was remembered as a kindhearted person who had a love for children and horses. The committee noted that she was passionate about TACO and teaching the campers. Jeremiah Stinnie was awarded the first Susan Hanner Memorial Award in recognition of his big heart and love of helping others, which was clear to everyone despite his being a relatively new volunteer.
Volunteers were also recognized for years of service for the first time at this year ’ s camp.
3 Years: Ricardo Caal Katrina Pettit Megan Ellinger
8 Years: Ann Bledsoe Patti Harlow Rob Pitera Ellen Pitera Cole Ryder Emily Shiflett Skyler Sisk
10 Years: Autumn Rogers
15 Years: Renee Almond Caitlin Horton Vibeke Ober
14 Years: Jessica Gredler Teresa Critchfield
5 Years: Carly Jenkins
TACO is always looking for more volunteers to help better the program and to allow them to serve more kids. To be eligible, a prospective volunteer must be at least 12 years of age and have transportation available to and from camp each day. Volunteers must attend a mandatory pre - camp meeting, which ensures that they are informed regarding safety guidelines and have the opportunity to learn about their role. Typically, volunteer positions include horse leader, side walker, horse education, craft project assistant, snack assistant, recreational activities supervisor and assistant, group leader, and photographer/ videographer. Two letters of recommendation are required of prospective volunteers. More information is available on TACO ’ s volunteer information webpage TACO will return in the summer of 2023! Prospective campers and their families are encouraged to visit the TACO website for detailed information about camp functions and how to apply, or talk to any committee member or Orange County 4 - H staff. The program is provided free of charge. To make this possible, donations are appreciated! Those who would like to support the program financially should email 4htaco@gmail.com.
Page 4 | September, 2022
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