Local Youth Attend National 4-H Congress

Hannah Aufdenberg, Morgan Crutsinger, and Adam Koenig from Cape Girardeau County were among the nearly 900 youth delegates from 44 states and Puerto Rico attending the 2018 National 4-H Congress, November 23-27 in Atlanta, Georgia. The National 4-H Congress experience allows 4-H members from the across the country to learn new skills through workshops, hear from nationally recognized speakers and experience Southern culture.

Selection for this trip combines scores from a written recognition form and interview. Attendance at National 4-H Congress is a culminating event for many 4-H’ers and a highly sought after award. Only twenty 4-H members from Missouri were selected to attend.

During National 4-H Congress, youth participated in a wide range of educational workshops and heard from speakers such as the current Miss America. Delegates also participated in a morning of service around Atlanta. Activities included, working in classrooms, cleaning up parks and much more. Youth had the opportunity to tour some of Atlanta’s landmarks such as Coca-Cola, CNN, the Martin Luther King, Jr, visitor center and others. Hannah Aufdenberg served as a flag bearer for the ceremonies.

Hannah Aufdenberg stated “My experience at National 4-H Congress allowed me to be exposed to many different cultures. My community service project of working with Georgia children at a local school really made an impact on me.”

Adam Koenig recapped his experience “My National 4-H Congress experience was mind blowing. It blew my mind seeing and being in the presence of so many 4-Hers from across the United States. I have to meet people from across my state as we traveled to Atlanta, Georgia and different 4-H members from 44 different states and Puerto Rico. Learning about different 4-Hers and their culture was one of the most interesting things about Congress. At National Congress, I participated in many different workshops learning about different things from Drones to baking. For community service at Congress we went to teach kids about the process of chicken farms and how they are grown from egg to chicken in the store. One of my Favorite parts of Congress was the tour I got to take to the World of Coca-Cola. Overall, National 4-H Congress was an amazing trip where I got to make connections with 4-Hers from all around the country. I hope that all 4-Hers have the chance to experience this amazing trip!”

Morgan Crutsinger stated “It was an honor to be selected to attend National 4-H Congress. Attending the National 4-H Congress was an eye opening and life changing experience as I learned so much about leadership, culture, and networking. I made many new lifelong friendships with other 4-H delegates. I would definitely recommend to any 4-H individual to strive to attend National 4-H Congress.”