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| Teen Leadership
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District, State, National, and International
4-H Youth Leadership Programs
A variety of "high powered" leadership development
programs and opportunities are offered on the district,
state, national, and international levels. The specific
program opportunities vary from year to year. Consult the
State 4-H Opportunities and Events Handbook and the Buckeye
Cover Graham state 4-H newsletter for the most current
information. A few of the major statewide opportunities
which are offered on an annual basis are listed below:
a) One of the best state opportunities offered annually
is the State 4-H Leadership Camp which involves 176 youth
age 14 and older, 20 college age counselors, and 4 faculty.
Leadership Camp is the epitome of a successful "learn
by doing" approach to leadership development. The
only things that are planned before camp begins are the
meals, the daily two-hour leadership workshops, and the
camp objectives and theme. When campers arrive at camp
they divide into various committees and groups to plan,
conduct, and evaluate all of the other programs that happen
at camp. Each year's camp is very different but the program
is always a success which receives extraordinarily high
evaluations from participants and sponsors, as well as
significant achievement of program objectives.
b) A strong leadership dimension is also incorporated into
the Ohio 4-H Congress program. A variety of leadership
development workshops along with top-notch speakers and
hands-on experiences are provided for approximately 500
14 to 18 year olds who participate annually. A special
feature of the Congress program is the mock legislative
session that is conducted by participants at the Ohio House
of Representatives each year. Participants write, lobby,
debate, and vote on an actual bill currently being considered
by the Ohio House of Representatives.
c) The Buckeye 4-H Ambassadors are a select group of 4-H
teens who serve as 4-H spokespersons throughout the year.
A Buckeye 4-H Ambassadors training conference is held early
in the spring, with periodic follow up training provided
on the local level. Each Ambassador is expected to give
major presentations about the 4-H program.
d) The State 4-H Fashion Board is a group of 4-H clothing
members selected to represent each of Ohio's Extension
districts in strengthening the 4-H clothing program each
year. Participants receive training, and conduct a variety
of 4-H clothing programs.
e) Two outstanding 4-H teenagers are selected from each
district to represent the 4-H members through the State
4-H Advisory Committee each year. Teens participate in
the National 4-H Program Development Conference, and are
involved in collecting, synthesizing, and representing
reviews of young people in their district in advising 4-H
program direction across the state.
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