State 4-H Conference Develops Local Young Leaders

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Tyler Alsdorf, Caleb Aufdenberg, Zach Aufdenberg, Lauren Crutsinger, Morgan Crutsinger, Logan Rhodes, Riley Russell, Taylor Seyer, Andrea Slinkard, and Hailey Yates from Cape Girardeau County, were among the 342 people attending the 2015 state 4-H Teen Conference, March 28-29, at the University of Missouri and the Holiday Inn Executive Center. 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.

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 as representatives of 4-H. "The state council members develop leadership skills through this experience as well," said Lesley Meier, 4-H Youth Specialist for MU Extension, "and the younger delegates see them as role models while they grow their own leadership skills." Delegates learned about other cultures, robotics, an appreciation for our veterans, leadership, and the importance of being oneself.

Teen Conference delegates were surprised on the last morning by Marshall, the brave celebrity canine who inspired the film "Marshall the Miracle Dog." As the youth learned about bullying prevention, Marshall wandered through the audience to meet everyone himself. Missouri 4-H is open to all children ages 5-18.