4-H summit engages teens in service, global education

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Cape Girardeau County 4-H members were among 150 youth and adults participating in "Bring the World Home!" -- the 2015 Youth Civic Leaders Summit at Windermere Conference Center, near Camdenton, March 6-8. 4-H members were joined by teams from 32 other counties, and groups representing Iowa and Illinois 4-H. Those attending were Hannah Aufdenberg, Natalie James, Renee Peters, Steven Peters, Ryan Schumer, Brent Seyer, and Julia Todt. Adult chaperone was Mark James and Bridget Schumer as a member of State Council.

On Friday evening, Summiteers participated in a dollar drive benefiting 4-H youth programs in Liberia, and displayed posters about "teens as teachers" projects they completed during 2014. Trent Ludwig, State 4-H Council President, kicked off the Summit, encouraging teens to develop their skills as communicators and public speakers. Brandon Lee White, Let It Move, Inc. motivational speaker, led interactive dances and stories highlighting qualities of true leaders. Mark Goth, Monsanto Company representative, spoke on 4-H clubs offering youth their first leadership roles, and how a simple "thank you" put him on a career track that has led around the world. Jo Turner, whose career started as a 4-H member and later led to 4-H specialist, state director, and National 4-H Council consultant, gave teams practical advice on how to reach out and connect with youth through Global 4-H Network programs in developing countries around the world.

On Saturday evening, Summiteers experienced citizenship initiatives through a mock petition drive, and learned about 4-H state, national, and global trip opportunities.

Youth participants gained exposure through workshops on leadership, service-learning, second- and third-world living conditions, and state/national advocacy on issues. Adult sessions focused on quality youth programs, youth-adult partnerships, and global exchange opportunities. Summiteers also honed their teamwork through the EDGE Challenge Course, Bridal Cave Tour, circle-the-world dancing, and a team talent showcase emceed by Mizzou 4-H collegiate members.

Sponsors of the tenth annual Summit include Monsanto Company, Cenex Harvest States Foundation, The Missouri Bar, and Missouri 4-H Foundation. Missouri 4-H's national partners include National 4-H Council and U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA).

Missouri 4-H is a community of over 260,000 youth ages 5-18 from rural farming communities, suburban schoolyards, and urban neighborhoods. 4-H youth are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills, guided by over 10,000 caring adult volunteers statewide. University of Missouri Extension 4-H is the youth development program of the nation's Cooperative Extension system.