Last summer twenty-nine youth were recognized at the 4-H Achievement Awards banquet for their success in specific project areas, as well as their leadership, community service experience, and overall contributions to their county and state 4-H programs.
Just a few short months ago, these same youth had the opportunity to celebrate their hard work as they traveled to Atlanta to participate in National 4-H Congress. This five-day event gave teen 4-H members the opportunity to connect with their fellow youth around the country as they exchanged ideas, attended workshops, gave back through community service work, and grew as young leaders.
Teens kicked off the event by getting to know each other through educational workshops on team building, public speaking, self-care, and more. They also heard from motivational speaker Dr. Laymon Hicks as he shared his strategies for overcoming obstacles, finding motivation from within, and pursuing dreams.
As one of the larger state delegations at National 4-H Congress, the Ohio youth were excited to make new friends and meet fellow 4-H’ers from across the country. During one of the welcome sessions, they participated in a pin exchange with other delegates and met youth who had traveled from Hawaii and Puerto Rico to attend.
Throughout National 4-H Congress, 4-H members also had the opportunity to learn more about the history of Atlanta. In addition to exploring some of Atlanta’s most popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, youth participants engaged in an “evening of culture” at the Atlanta History Center.
Another highlight of the experience was the morning of service that all youth delegates participated in. 4-H members were assigned to a variety of community service projects in the Atlanta metro area, with options ranging from landscaping projects at the Piedmont Park Conservancy to reading to youth and assisting with holiday preparations at inner city elementary schools.
The Congress Gala served as a culminating celebration for all the youth participants. They dressed to impress as they enjoyed a delicious meal before hitting the dance floor for a final party with their fellow delegates.
“I will always remember this experience and the awesome people I met at Congress,” said Cayden Jones, Ohio delegate and winner of the Shooting Sports Achievement Award. “I have enjoyed everything I have done here, even if it put me outside of my comfort zone. I can’t express how thankful I am to everyone who helped put on this once in a lifetime event.”