Posted: February 15, 2023
More than 280 Pennsylvania 4-H youth gathered to network and enhance their leadership skills during the Pennsylvania 4-H State Leadership Conference, Feb. 3-5. The conference took place at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College. The theme was "Explore your path."
County 4-H members from across the state participated in workshops designed and delivered by Penn State Extension 4-H educators, Penn State faculty and staff, alumni, and industry leaders. The workshops included topics that encouraged youth to build their skills in public speaking, teamwork, mentoring, interviewing, social justice, stress management, networking, email etiquette and advocacy. The 4-H youth who attended the conference are current and future leaders in their communities, schools, and 4-H pursuits.
The keynote speaker was John Beede, who has climbed mountains on all seven continents, including Mount Everest. He encouraged participants to have courage to risk the unknown.
On the last day of the conference, 21 4-H'ers received Diamond Clover Awards, the highest achievement possible in the Pennsylvania 4-H program. The Clover Award Program encourages 4-H members to explore new projects and activities that will help them acquire the seven leadership life skills: communicating; decision making and problem solving; getting along with others; learning to learn; managing; understanding self; and working in groups. Engagement with the Clover Award Program is generally a multi-year process and consists of planning and implementing a service-learning project in the community.
At the close of the conference, the new Pennsylvania 4-H State Council team was announced. The council is a premier group of young people selected from around the state to be the official spokespeople for the Pennsylvania 4-H program.
Colby Carreon, of Lawrence County, was announced as the new council president. Kera Bentz, of Juniata County, will serve as secretary. Avah Burke, of Clarion County, will chair the events committee. Garrett Franck, of Union County, will chair the communications committee.
In addition, the County Council award winners were announced. This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of Pennsylvania 4-H teens who take part in their local County Council, a stepping stone to serving on the State Council. Groups from Lycoming County, Bradford County, and Crawford County were recognized as the top three councils.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring, and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension 4-H website.
