Wednesday, March 26, 2008

2008 PA 4-H Leadership Conference Offers a First for Clearfield County


Three teens recently took part in the PA State 4-H Leadership Conference, which was held Friday, February 15 – Sunday, February 17, 2008 at the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference in State College. This year’s theme was “Groovin’ into Leadership”

Yvonne Bush of DuBois, Abby Dressler of Rockton, & Katie McAndrew of Brockway all took part in this conference. Yvonne and Katie are with the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club and Abby is with the Open Range 4-H Club.

Youth between the ages of 13 and 18 were eligible to take part in this 3-day event that enhanced leadership skills through a variety of workshops in the area of public relations, responsibility, stress management, positive attitude, public speaking, team building, time management, finding your strengths, goal setting, and running effective meetings. I had the opportunity to present the Public Relations workshop, which focused on Putting your Best Foot Forward and also co-presented the 4-H Ambassador Training with Kathy Weller, Extension Educator from Snyder County. Keynote Speakers on Friday and Saturday evening also helped get the teens motivated about leadership and looking at leadership in a different way!

Youth had the opportunity to choose a general leadership track or ambassador track, which was specifically geared to being a 4-H county ambassador.

All youth took part in a statewide service learning project titled “Checkout the Silver,” which partnered with the PA Farm Bureau’s Food Checkout Day. Youth were asked to bring pop tops and silver coins with them to the event and on Sunday, February 17 a donation was made to the PA Farm Bureau, which will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Danville, PA. This will continue to be the statewide service learning project each year, so please keep collection coins and pop tops!!!

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