Teens Gather on MU Campus for 70th State 4-H Congress

Youth from every corner of the state gathered on the University of Missouri campus June 3-5, 2015 for the 70th annual State 4-H Congress. In all, 225 teens ages 14-18 participated in a variety of hands-on workshops that fit their interests. Choices ranged widely, from leadership development to acting, writing, and meteorology.

"4-H is about setting your life course on a higher trajectory," said Lesley Meier, 4-H Youth Specialist. "State 4-H Congress helps teens develop important life skills, explore careers and make positive new friends from across the state."

State 4-H Congress delegates also elect 36 peers to represent them on the state's 4-H council for the coming year. This council works with faculty from MU and Lincoln University to provide a youth voice in the continued development of Missouri 4-H programs.

Cape Girardeau County had 20 4-H youth members attend. They were Hannah Aufdenberg, Julie Aufdenberg, Nathan Aufdenberg, Natalie James, Blake Kasten, Adam Koenig, Joshua Koenig, Samuel Koenig, Anthony Kobak, Victoria Kobak, Renee Peters, Steven Peters, Ryan Schumer, Brent Seyer, Chelsea Seyer, Anthony Strack, Belinda Strack, Julia Todt, Rachel Wichern, and Sarah Wichern. Jan Koenig served as a chaperone.

4-H in Missouri is a program of MU Extension. Over 22,000 Missouri children and youth participate in 4-H clubs, and over 206,000 were reached by Missouri 4-H programs in 2014. Research shows youth involved with 4-H more likely to pursue careers in science, excel in leadership, have higher educational goals, and embrace fewer unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco.

For more information about Missouri 4-H programs, visit http://4h.missouri.edu.