State 4-H Conference Develops Local Young Leaders

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Caleb Aufdenberg, Zach Aufdenberg, Faith Boettcher, Charlie Carlton, Morgan Crutsinger, Amelia George, Katelyn George, Maggie Howe, Rachel Howey, Adam Koenig, Samuel Koenig, Michaela Lee, Dylan Muench, Steven Peters, Brent Seyer, Taylor Seyer, Andrea Slinkard, and Hailey Yates of Cape Girardeau County 4-H, were among the 350 people attending the 2014 State 4-H Teen Conference, March 22-23, at the Holiday Inn Executive Center and the University of Missouri campus. The delegates, ages 11-13, attended workshops to develop belonging, generosity and mastery of new skills, three of the 4-H program's four "essential elements." The fourth is independence, and for many delegates Teen Conference is the first big overnight trip away from home. "The beds were comfy," said one 13 year-old delegate of her hotel room, "and I felt so grown up!"

Teen Conference is led by the State 4-H Council, a group of older teens elected annually by their peers, who work for months to plan this annual event and represent 4-H. "Planners and attendees both develop leadership skills through this experience," said Lesley Meier, Cape Girardeau County 4-H Youth Specialist for MU Extension. "The older teens planning this event build as many leadership skills as the younger ones who attend."

Delegates learned about ecology, engineering, robotics, leadership, tips for making friends, and the importance of accepting oneself. Missouri 4-H is open to all children ages 8-18. For more information, visit http://4h.missouri.edu or contact your local MU Extension Center at 573-243-3581.