4-H Teen Retreat Recap

What a weekend! With close to 50 4-H teens, chaperones, and extension educators representing the Central Region, the 2008 Central Region 4-H Teen Retreat was a huge success! Morgan Turner, Yvonne Bush, Laken Delaney, Lark Delaney, Chelsea Folmar, and Marissa Douthit (all pictured above) represented Clearfield County at this event held at Krislund Camp & Conference Center located near Lamar. Abby Dressler, representing the 2008 PA State 4-H Council, also took part in the retreat helping with the program.

You may be asking yourself – what goes on at a 4-H Teen Retreat??? I like to think of it as a mix of fellowship and leadership through hands-on educational workshops. This year’s program consisted of the following presenters and workshop topics:

· Get acquainted and ice breaker activities opened the program and were led by Justine Bush, PA State 4-H Council Vice President of Operations, and Abby Dressler, PA State 4-H Council News Reporter. Abby & Justine (pictured bottom right) also led a roundtable discussion on exploring state 4-H opportunities.
· Doug Little of State College was our opening motivational speaker and shared with the teens his struggle of losing his sight at the age of 27. Mr. Little’s story was very touching, inspiring, and taught a true lesson that no obstacle is too big to overcome. After being told he could never hunt again, which was his favorite activity, Doug has proved everyone wrong thanks to the help of his supportive family and is still an avid hunter to this day!
· Our first education workshop was led by Robin Kuleck and was on “Financial Planning for College & Beyond”.
· Team Building 101 had Ed Horning and Mary Beth Rader-Allegar leading the teens in numerous activities to strengthen trust.
· Amy Murphy gave the teens tips on “How to Get a Job,” and also helped the teens identify their strengths in personality profiling.
· Bobbie Jo Simcox’s “Focusing on the Negative” workshop did just the opposite and helped the teens see the big picture with a positive outlook.
· The final workshop on Saturday was on “Working with Groups” and was led by Christine Corl & myself. After giving the teens tips for working in groups, they were given a bag of props and asked to use all of them in a skit based on encouraging someone to attend 4-H camp. Thank goodness Christine brought her video camera – this was hilarious!
· Before giving the teens free time for the evening, they participated in the community service component of the program, which focused on volunteer appreciation. I can’t say right now what they did, but our dedicated leaders will find out soon enough!
· We wrapped up the retreat on Sunday with a hands-on workshop focused on exploring wildlife & forestry projects led by Dave Jackson & Susan Alexander. This had the teens participating in activities such as leaf identification and tree measuring.

As you can see, it was a very busy, yet fun filled weekend! All I can say is what a great group of teens we have in 4-H! Mark your calendars, as plans are underway for the 2009 Central Region 4-H Teen Retreat, which will take place Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29 at the Hartman Center in Milroy, PA. Okay 4-H volunteers, we are trying to implement a leader’s component as well, so you don’t feel left out!