Events

National 4-H Conference

National 4-H Conference is a week-long program that will provide delegates an opportunity to provide input into youth development programming at the federal and state levels.

Purpose

This opportunity offers youth delegates with an opportunity discuss issues and share concerns about 4-H youth development programming with youth from other states, USDA officials and federal legislators.

Objectives

Delegates who attend will:

  • Strengthen their leadership skills and gain knowledge to share back home.
  • Become involved in roundtable discussions on issues pertaining to youth, 4-H, and their communities.
  • Meet with federal legislators to inform them of Extension and 4-H programming in the legislator’s districts.
  • Travel throughout Washington, D.C. to visit and learn about historical memorials and their impact on US citizens.
  • Understand how they can use what they have learned to make a positive impact in their own communities.
  • Interact with 4-H members from across the nation to learn about 4-H programming in other states.

Target Audience

National 4-H Conference is open to a limited number of 4-H and Extension-related youth delegates ages 15-18 by January 1, 2013. First opportunity to attend this trip goes to members of the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team. Teen delegates should represent the diversity of Illinois teen 4-H members in ethnic origin, age, residence, and type of 4-H experience (traditional club, special interest, individual member, EFNEP, etc.). Regional representation will also be considered.

Adult Chaperones must be age 25 (National requirement) and must have been approved by the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Screening procedures. They must also have completed the on-line Overnight Chaperone Orientation Certification at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hchaperone/.

Dates and Location

The 2013 Conference is scheduled for Saturday, April 6 through Wednesday night, April 10. Illinois delegates will stay an additional day for sightseeing in the nation’s capitol and will return on Friday, April 12. Delegates stay at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD and travel around the Washington, D.C. area.

Cost

The State 4-H Office & Illinois 4-H Foundation cover the following costs: Conference registration, room, and board (approx. $800, includes most meals); air travel costs from Illinois to Washington, D.C. (Approx. $350); and one evening’s dinner. Delegates are responsible for paying : A $350 participant fee; Ground transportation in Illinois & Washington, D.C. (approximately $50-75); 6 meals; any expenses related to for sightseeing; and their own incidentals.

If the participant fee poses a financial difficulty for members, alternative funding sources may be available. Interested youth or local Extension staff should contact the State 4-H Office regarding concerns. If a delegate cancels after January 11, the $350 participant fee will NOT be refunded. After a delegate has completed the obligations of the National 4-H Conference trip, $150 will be returned to the delegate.

Requirements of Participants

Delegates must apply and be selected for this trip as space is extremely limited. Delegates are required to participate in a one-year, special project following their return home. Once the year commitment is finished, $150 of their participant fee is returned to them.

Delegates are required to follow all National 4-H Conference rules and regulations, as well as the Illinois 4-H Code of Conduct.

The 2013 Conference Application (available below) is due no later than Monday, December 10.

Contacts

Debra Stocker, State 4-H Office, dstocker@illinois.edu

Photos from past National 4-H Conferences >>