State 4-H Conference Develops Local Young Leaders

For 11-13 year olds, a big trip away from home can involve bravery from youth and parents alike. Tyler Alsdorf, Lanson Cox, Lauren Crutsinger, Levi Jansen, Savannah Rolfing, Riley Russell, Alex Seyer, and Charli Jo Sparks of Cape Girardeau county were among the 333 people attending the annual Missouri 4-H Teen Conference, March 12-13, at the University of Missouri in Columbia. The delegates, hailing from 58 Missouri counties, attended workshops on the MU Campus to connect with other youth, build service learning experience, and master innovative new skills.

Activities included creating musical instruments from recycled materials, learning about other cultures, and assembling hygiene packages for homeless citizens. Delegates also learned about honey bees and their importance to Missouri agriculture, through a hands-on 4-H Ag Innovators Experience created by a collaboration of National 4-H Council and the Monsanto Company.

Teen Conference is planned and led by the State 4-H Council, a group of older teens elected annually by their peers, working in partnership with MU Extension faculty advisors. “4-H offers young people a positive life trajectory that includes role models, citizenship, and lifelong learning,” said Lesley Meier, Cape Girardeau county 4-H Youth Specialist for MU Extension, “and Teen Conference delegates often find themselves wanting to become role models as well.”

Missouri 4-H is open to all children ages 5-18. For more information, visit http://4h.missouri.edu/capegirardeau or contact your local MU Extension Center at 573-243-3581.