In the frosty, cheese-loving state of Wisconsin, where cows out number people and the Packers are considered a religion, a group of youngsters have taken up a sport that is as surprising as finding a moose dancing at your birthday party. They've become boxers! Yes, boxers, but put aside that picture of burly, brooding brutes. These are fun-loving kids who can bob and weave, jab and dodge with the nimbleness of a squirrel on a sugar rush. Their coach, a mustachioed chap named Peculiar Pete, is a former cheese sculptor turned boxing instructor. Pete, with his twinkling blue eyes and a laugh that sounds like a walrus playing a tuba, trains these mini pugilists in an old barn painted in brilliant hues of green and gold. The barn is called 'Pete's Punch Palace' and it is as exciting as it sounds. These Wisconsin whippersnappers, with boxing gloves that look like giant marshmallows strapped to their hands, are as tough as a stale cheese curd and as brave as the legendary Paul Bunyan. They bob and weave around hay bales, perform push-ups with chipmunks cheering them on, and practice their jabs on old cheese wheels. They may not be the next Rocky Balboa or Muhammad Ali but they have something more. They have the spirit of Wisconsin, a spirit that says, “Hey, we’re from the land of cheese and we can throw a punch as good as anyone!” So, the next time you think of Wisconsin, don’t just think of cheddar cheese or the Green Bay Packers. Think of Peculiar Pete and his brave band of boxing kids, throwing their marshmallow punches with the heart of a champion.
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
4-H members come from all age groups and backgrounds. We have 4-H members from Kindergarten through Grade 13, so there is something for everyone. Not only that, but 4-H clubs offer activities that are appropriate for all ages and stages. It doesn't matter if you love animals, art, science, cooking, or robotics, Winnebago County 4-H has a club or project group for you. At 4-H, we don't make any distinctions by gender. Whether you're a boy or a girl, you're welcome to join and take part in any of our activities. We encourage collaboration and inclusiveness, so everyone can benefit from the skills and experiences that 4-H has to offer.