Summit prepares 4-H, community betterment leaders to find the “magic” in themselves, their communities

Cape Girardeau and Perry county teens and adults were among 160 leaders of all ages who participated in the 2017 Missouri Youth Civic Leaders Summit, “More Than MAGIC!” at Windermere Conference Center, March 3-5, near Camdenton. The weekend summit brought together students and adult leaders representing 4-H clubs and community betterment programs from 24 Missouri counties. Two teams representing Tennessee 4-H also attended as guest presenters. Attending were Ashley Fritsche from Cape Girardeau County 4-H and Ethan Koenig and Rachel Bohnert from Perry County 4-H. Their chaperone was Derek Brucker.

Steve Henness (University of Missouri Extension 4-H) and Teresa Keller (Missouri Community Betterment), co-organizers of the summit, say the goal was to support leaders of all ages in discovering their strengths as individuals and teams, and to motivate action and growth in communities where the “magic” really happens.

Sarah Townley (Missouri State 4-H Council President) and Kylee Sexton (MCB Youth Advisory Board president) kicked off the weekend encouraging teens to grow their leadership skills and expand their networks. Teams displayed posters on a variety of community projects they completed in 2016.

MCB Youth Advisory Board and Livingston County 4-H teens served as host teams for the weekend, leading activities for attendees to meet, mix, and apply their leadership strengths.

Bill Cordes, “YOGOWYPI” speaker, led participants to see “you only get out what you put in,” and challenged attendees to lead with courage and to seize the opportunities right before their eyes.

Dr. Jim Spain, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and eLearning at the University of Missouri, led attendees in identifying their strengths, and drawing inspiration from famous Missourians and their contributions to the world through education, research, innovation, and public service.

Josh Sundquist, Paralympian, cancer survivor and motivational speaker, challenged attendees to confront life adversity with humor and adaptability, and to reach for lifelong goals with a “magical” spirit of passion and persistence.

Summiteers attended workshops on leadership, service-learning, civic education, and civic engagement. They completed on-site service projects, including painting, trails, and ground maintenance, contributing volunteer time valued at over $5,000. Participants strengthened teamwork and stretched their personal limits at the EDGE Challenge Course. Teams presented group skits at an evening talent showcase emceed by collegiate 4-H members. Students also learned about leadership trips and conferences at an opportunity fair, and cast votes in a mock election of legislative bills currently under debate by the Missouri General Assembly.

On Sunday, youth and adult teams planned community action projects and took first steps to apply for mini-seed grant funding to implement their ideas in 2017. At the end of the weekend, one student said, “It really came together – speakers, action planning, activities – all shared the same message. It was magical!”

Sponsors of the Summit include Monsanto Company, Cenex Harvest States Foundation, Missouri Community Betterment, and the Missouri 4-H Foundation.