Wyoming 4-H and You!

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is held each June.  Delegates will learn about the democratic process, meet new people, see the sights of Washington D.C., meet Wyoming’s U.S. Congressional Representatives, and experience our national government from a new perspective.  This trip features tours and several nighttime events.  Be ready to have a good time!  There is not an application process – simply contact your local County 4-H Educator and let him/her know you would like to attend.  The cost of the trip is approximately $1,400-$1,600 and some donor funds are available through the Wyoming State 4-H Foundation depending on the year. In 2019, delegates will attend the conference June 15-22.

Leadership Washington Focus (LWF) is a 4-H leadership program for youth entering grades 7 through 9. The program will take place at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, just 1 mile from the Washington, D.C. border. For more than 50 years, thousands of 4-H’ers have participated in our high school program, Citizenship Washington Focus and now we are happy to introduce its precursor for middle school 4-H'ers, LWF. Middle school 4-H delegates will:

• Build confidence in their ability to motivate and direct others in meaningful action
• Practice effective communication with others through group discussion and public speaking
• Work with others to create and accomplish goals
• Develop an understanding of their own personal leadership style
• Exchange ideas, practice respect, and form friendships with other 4-H'ersfrom across the nation.
• Experience hands-on learning using the historical backdrop of Washington, D.C.

Participants will enjoy:

• Motivational speakers and educational workshops that increase individual leadership capability and build lifetime skills for success
• Activities that encourage and form new lasting friendships with other 4-H youth An enthusiastic staff of young adults that work directly with them
• Participants are immersed in the culture and history of our nation through on-site workshops at D.C.’s most spectacular sights.

Destinations include, but are not limited to:

• White House and Lafayette Park
• Ford's Theatre
• National Archives
• Presidential and war monuments and memorials
• Smithsonian museums
• and more!

One of the week’s signature events, called “Nightview,” is a spectacular evening tour where delegates will reflect on the different types of leadership conveyed through the symbolism of our national monuments and memorials.

In between tours, youth can relax at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, Washington, D.C.’s premier youth and leadership hotel . The hotel is situated on a 12-acre campus, minutes from downtown D.C., featuring a hotel café all-you-can eat buffet, 24-hour uniformed security, a fitness center, full-court basketball and volleyball court, recreation room with pool tables and arcade games, free parking, and more. (all adult chaperones will be selected by the State 4-H Office)

National 4-H Congress is held just after Thanksgiving Day each November in Atlanta, GA. Delegates will have the opportunity to meet 4-H members from around the country to discuss current youth-related issues as well as participate in a hands-on community service project. Youth will also attend workshops, hear inspirational speakers, and tour Atlanta.

Youth delegates selected to represent Wyoming 4-H are selected through an application and interview process. Members selected to attend may be awarded funding through the Wyoming State 4-H Foundation. Click the links below for more information.

Adult chaperones will be selected by the Wyoming State 4-H Office.

For more information, visit the National 4-H Congress website.

National 4-H Conference is held in Washington D.C. and because it is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s premiere youth development opportunity, young people assist in the development of recommendations to help guide 4-H Youth Development programs nationally and in their communities. This is a working conference and delegates prepare in advance, attend workshops and develop recommendations during the conference, and, afterwards report accomplishments to the USDA they have achieved as a result of the conference. Conference 2019 will be held from April 6-11, 2019.

Youth delegates selected to represent Wyoming 4-H are selected through an application and interview process. Members selected to attend may be awarded funding through the Wyoming State 4-H Foundation. Click the links below for more information.

Adult chaperones will be selected by the Wyoming State 4-H Office.

For more information, visit the National 4-H Conference website.

 The cost of the trip will be approximately $2,000 per person. The cost covers the following expenses for participants: roundtrip airfare, meals, lodging, cultural activities, in-country transportation, and accident and sickness protection. A $500 deposit will be required upon selection, the remaining balance can be made in monthly payments.

There will be some additional out-of-pocket expenses for participants which include: passport & passport photos, immunization fees (if required), transportation to and from outbound/inbound airport, spending money for souvenirs, some in-country site seeing excursions, and a modest host family gift.

Students will be selected on the following criteria:

• Personal leadership skills
• Involvement in the community as demonstrated through community service activities
• Social skills - Openness and flexibility
• Interest in learning about cultural differences and global issues

Exploring 4-H Around the World: Wyoming 4-H Exchange Programs are sponsored by the University of Wyoming 4-H Youth Development Program, Mongolia 4-H, 4-H Ghana, and the Vieremän Finland 4-H Association. Contact Warren Crawford, crawford@uwyo.edu, for more information.

To share this opportunity with those in your community, check out this flier!

The application period for 2019 is now closed, please check back this winter for the 2020 trips.