National 4-H Congress

“Accept the Challenge”

National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. For over 83 years, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. The Congress provides youth with a quality educational and cross-cultural experience that exceeds what any state independently provides. It is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent, and caring citizens.

Nearly 90 youth representing University of Wisconsin Extension-4-H Youth Development attend this annual event. Delegates are selected at the county level, usually through an application and interview process. Applicants must be in 10th-12th grade at the time of application; maximum age for attendance is 18 on January 1 of the year of travel.

Approximately 1300 members of 4-H Youth Development Programs from around the country and Puerto Rico gather to learn new skills in leadership, community service and multi-cultural integration. In addition to attending assemblies and workshops, they participate in discussion groups on issues facing our country today and moderate a town hall meeting at which they share the results of those discussions.

Also, delegates participate in hands-on projects during a day of community service as they learn how to work with others to help individuals and organizations in a community improve themselves. The networking skills that youth gain during the event will help them in their after-conference work in addressing youth needs in their community and state through reporting back and coordination of educational and service programs.

Where: Atlanta, Georgia

When: Nov. 28 - Dec 2, 2008; Nov. 27 - Dec 1, 2009 (Tenative)

Qualifications:

Be in 10th-12th grade at time of selection. Maximum age 18 as of January 1, 2008;
be selected at the county level;
carry county approval through time of award trip.

Costs:

The total cost of the National 4 H Congress is approximately $950.
The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation sponsors a portion of the cost.
The remaining amount is the responsibility of the delegate and his/her family.

Applications:

Contact your County 4-H Youth Development Agent about county selection procedures.
Youth delegates are selected by their counties in the late fall or early winter.
Selected county delegates can obtain application materials from their County 4-H Youth Development Agent in June or connect to the link below:

2008 National 4-H Congress Application/Information Packet (19 pages, 424 KB)