Cooperative Extension Central Sierra 4-H

Realms of Darkness - Tuolumne County Hi 4-H Haunted House

“Realms of Darkness,” the Tuolumne County Hi 4-H Haunted House, celebrated its 20th year in 2013. It opened October 17 in the JS West red barn for eight evening performances. It was built and staged by teens in 7th grade and up and adult volunteer leaders. The Evening shows meant to be scary and not recommended for young children, but a special matinee on Saturday, October 26, was a demonstration with the lights on, designed for families. each year, the entire house is wheelchair accessible. We think this project is unique in California 4-H. It is put on by teenagers for teenagers and has become a Halloween tradition in Sonora.

Planning the rooms and special effects takes all year with layout and design starting in August. Construction begins in September in the two story barn, with about 30 members and 15 adults putting in about 800 hours of labor. An additional 20 members and 15 adults swell the ranks for performances. Audience numbers average close to 2000 every year. The week before opening night is busy with sound and lighting checks and the final cobwebbing. 4-H teens become ghostly characters and our favorite adult leaders take on new personas like Igor and Beetlesauce.

This year the teens added a “community service room” showing the possible effects of texting, drinking and driving, with support provided by the local CHP office. After expenses are paid, the proceeds from Haunted House support adopting a family for the holidays through the Victim Witness program and go toward the Hi 4-H bus trip to Disneyland in the spring. Hi 4-H is open to any teens in Tuolumne County in 7th grade and up is a lot of fun and a great way to meet new friends from other schools. For more information about Realms of Darkness, like us on Facebook or go to www. realmsofdarkness.org.