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National 4-H Congress

National 4-H Congress

National 4-H Congress is a mix of educational, service, and recreational opportunities held in the City of Atlanta. Youth attending will participate in the following:

  • Workshops designed to develop and enhance your leadership skills
  • Plenary sessions with outstanding speakers and entertainers
  • A Service-Learning Experience during which you will participate in hands-on service projects
  • Tours and recreational opportunities throughout the city.

WHO:

Youth delegates must be between 14 and 19 years old at the time of the event and current West Virginia 4-H'er.

WHEN:

Held annually each November.

WHERE:

Atlanta, Georgia

WV delegates are selected to attend Congress through a resume and interview process.

Learn How To Apply

4-H’ers represent West Virginia in Atlanta during National 4-H Congress

Last November, thirteen 4-H’ers earned the right to attend the annual 4-H National Congress in Atlanta. The National Congress provides 4-H’ers with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in strong educational programming and represent something bigger than themselves while networking and experiencing a real-life conference.

Denis Scott played a part in the application process, which teaches applicants the skills required to get a job and shine in interviews. The applicants completed a 10-page application, complete with a personal statement and a resume that highlights their achievements within 4-H. Then, candidates put the leader development skills learned at Old Members Conference to the test in interviews that ask resume-based application questions.

“The application process taught me how to write a resume and showed me that I have a lot to be proud of and many contributions as 9-year member of 4-H,” said Shamberger, who was chosen to be the flag bearer for the mountain state during the 2015 event.

During the five-day event, participants attended workshops on topics ranging from the power of service learning to social media, completed community service through Habitat for Humanity, attended an international-themed dinner and spent a bit of time exploring Atlanta.

Each year, 4-H Faculty asks West Virginia’s participants if the experience was worth the work of the application process. However, he says the answer is always the same and this year is no different.

“It was absolutely worth the time I invested in applying and attending Congress. I gained confidence while learning the importance of pursuing my goals and always aiming higher,” said Shamberger. “I think all 4-H’ers should apply and take advantage of all the opportunities that 4-H offers.”

For more information on 4-H programs in West Virginia, visit our website.