Roots to Success Summit
Share this
What Is The Roots to Success Summit?
The Roots to Success Summit aims to provide time to meet others from around the state and learn more about all the wonders of the 4-H program. This is an excellent opportunity for teens and adult volunteers to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to be leaders in their local 4-H programs.
This weekend can also be used as a family "get-away" due to the location and opportunities provided for Kindergarten through 5th grade youth to learn and have fun simultaneously while their parents are attending workshops.
When
Friday, April 12, 2024 - Sunday, April 14, 2024
Where
Euro-Suites Morgantown, WV
Who Can Attend?
- 4-H Members ages 12 to 17 (as of 9/30/2024)
- Must be chaperoned by a parent/caregiver; or
- Must be chaperoned in an organized group with 4-H professionals and vetted volunteers.
- 4-H Members ages 18 to 21 (as of 9/30/2024)
- Can participate individually, being responsible for themselves for the weekend; or
- With a parent/caregiver; or
- With an organized group, chaperoned by 4-H professionals and vetted volunteers.
- Adults (4-H Volunteers, Parents/Caregivers, Professionals)
- Can participate individually; or
- With their family; or
- As a chaperone for an organized group of 4-H teen leaders.
- 4-H Members in K - 5th Grade (birthdates between 10/1/12 to 6/30/18)
- Must attend with a parent/caregiver who is registered for the Summit and participating in the Saturday workshops.
Event Details
Registration
Registration will open in the coming weeks and will close on March 20, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Each participant (volunteer, teen, and/or youth) must register separately. Registrations will be reviewed and you will be notified on the approval of your registration.
Fee
$30 (Includes Saturday lunch, program materials, and activities).
The registration fee does not include lodging.
Registration will be handled through the 4-H ZSuite Online System.
External Registration (No ZSuite Account)
Lodging
Attendees must make their own lodging reservations. A block of rooms has been held for the Summit at the Euro-Suites Hotel located at 501 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown, WV 26505. Their phone number is 304-598-1000.
The room block is under "WV 4-H” and is available until Monday, April 1, 2024. Rooms have been held for attendees for Friday, April 12th, and Saturday, April 13th, evenings.
The rooms are suites that include kitchenettes with a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker. There is a comfortable full-size sofa with a pull-out bed in the living area. In the bedroom area, there is either a single king-size bed or two queen-size beds based on the type of suite you reserve.
Amenities & Complimentary Services
- Continental Breakfast
- 24 Hour Coffee Service
- Wireless and Wired High-Speed Internet Access (In-Room and Public Areas)
- On-Site Fitness Center Open 24 hours
Room Rates
- 2 Queen Bed Suite | $109/night
- 1 King Bed Suite | $109/night
Hotel check-in time is after 3:00 p.m. on the day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00 a.m. on the day of departure.
PLEASE NOTE: Hotel reservations are separate from the Summit registration. If you cancel your Summit registration, please be sure to cancel your hotel reservation.
Tentative Schedule
Friday, April 12
-
6:00 - 9:30 p.m.
- Registration Opens
*Dinner is on your own.
-
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
- Leisure Activities & Social Time
-
9:30 p.m.
- Check-In With Chaperones
Saturday, April 13
-
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
- Registration Check-In
-
8:30 a.m.
- Welcome & Get Started
-
9:00 a.m.
- Break Into Groups & Travel Time
-
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Workshops, Contests, Youth Activities
-
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Lunch (Included)
-
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Workshops & Youth Activities
-
3:00 p.m.
- Travel Back To Hotel
-
4:00 p.m.
- WVU 4-H Baseball game, Bowling Alley, or Explore Morgantown On Your Own
*Dinner is on your own.
-
8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Leisure Activities & Social Time
-
9:30 p.m.
- Check-In With Chaperones
Sunday, April 14
-
9:00 a.m.
- Closing Event
-
11:00 a.m.
- Safe Travels Home
Workshop Information
The summit provides professional development workshop sessions and hands-on, educational evening activities on Saturday and connection opportunities for youth and adult leaders on Sunday.
This year’s workshop topics include a focus on:
- Leadership Development
- Animal Science
- Communication
- Service
- College Awareness
Sessions are designed for teens, volunteers, professionals, and parents/caregivers.
Activities for youth in K - 5th grade (birthdates between 10/1/12 to 6/30/18)
- Will be offered on Saturday during the workshop sessions for parents/caregivers attending the Summit.
- The parent/caregiver of these youth will be responsible for their child during all parts of the Summit aside from the two session periods on Saturday.
- The youth’s parent/caregiver must be enrolled in Saturday workshops.
- Parents/caregivers will be expected to sign their child in and out of each Saturday session.
- Parents/caregivers will pick their child up for the lunch break from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
We will conclude the weekend with a closing event on Sunday morning to bring everything together.
Morning Workshops
The morning workshops will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with the choice of a 2-hour session or two 50-minute sessions.
2 Hour Sessions
- 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
- Beyond the Barn: Exploring the World of Animal Science - Participants will engage with college students rotating through four 30-minute sessions of animal science-based learning. The college students leading these 30-minute sessions have been guided by industry professionals and have curated quality instruction for the participants. This workshop would be perfect for youth and volunteers wanting to get started in animal agriculture, learn more about the animal agriculture industry, or have a general interest in animals/ livestock.
- WV 4-H Presentation Contest - The State 4-H Presentation Contest is designed to provide 4-H members with an opportunity to communicate creatively and showcase their development of skills that are essential to communicating productively while nurturing the spark inside that drives them to share information and stories in meaningful ways. There are three (3) different types of presentations: Visual Presentations, PowerPoint/Digital Presentations, and Public Speaking. Any current 4-H youth (age 8 by June 30, 2023, up to age 21 by September 30, 2024) may enter regardless of his/her project enrollment.
50-Minute Sessions
- 9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
- Anyone Can Be a Leader! - In this session, participants will explore various definitions of leadership and will examine their own personal leadership characteristics, as well as learn ways to apply their unique talents and skills to everyday life!
- Growing Together: Garden Strategies to Fit Any Space - In this session, we will discuss "intensive" gardening methods to increase yield in small spaces, including square-foot gardening and container gardening. Participants will leave with the knowledge and a few materials to start growing within their communities.
- Watch the WV 4-H Presentation Contest- Cheer on the youth participating in the WV 4-H Presentation Contest! You should be able to watch three to four presentations during the 50-minute period before moving to your next workshop.
- 10:40 - 11:30 a.m.
- A Guide to Choosing A College Major - Are you unsure of how to choose a college major? Are you interested in learning about different types of career paths? Join this workshop and learn how to navigate this process and discover new opportunities.
- Empowering Every Body: The Intersection of Physical Activity, Disability, and Inclusive Wellness - Empowering Every Body will explore how to break down barriers for inclusion that may exist for 4-H games and activities. Discover why physical activity is so important for every body - abled or disabled - and how 4-H can foster positive strategies to promote physical activities utilizing universal design. Come to learn and experience inclusive activities that can be incorporated into your 4-H meetings.
- Hands-On History: 4-H in West Virginia - Explore the history of 4-H in West Virginia through the West Virginia and Regional History Center's 4-H collections.
Afternoon Workshops
The afternoon workshops will run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the choice of a 2-hour session or two 50-minute sessions.
2 Hour Sessions
- 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- Raising the BAR(N): Discovering Operations on the Farm - Youth will travel to the Animal Sciences Farm located on Stewartstown Road to engage with industry professionals about topics relating to animal handling, feed systems, service dog training, and soil science. This is an opportunity for students to interact with professionals here at WVU and inquire about job opportunities or careers relating to farm operations.
- Wildflower Wonders: Exploring Nature's Canvas in the WVU Core Arboretum - In this session, participants will embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of spring wildflowers at the WVU Core Arboretum. While enjoying the Arboretum, we will discuss the connection between spending time in nature and how it benefits both physical and emotional well-being.
- Starry Skies Adventure: Exploring the Universe at the WVU Planetarium - Participants will have an opportunity to ride the PRT from the Evansdale Campus to the Downtown Campus to visit the WVU Planetarium. Following a brief introduction, participants will engage in a full-dome feature film. Planetarium staff are available to answer your questions.
- Youth Innovators: Growing Your Ideas - Are you a young innovator with big ideas? Join us for an exciting workshop designed to help you bring your imagination to life! Whether you're passionate about technology, sustainability, art, or anything in between, this workshop is for you.
50-Minute Sessions
- 1:00 - 1:50 p.m.
- The ABCs of Accessing College - So many choices; so many options. The process of accessing and affording college can be daunting. This workshop will walk students through the process, highlight various scholarship opportunities, and teach how to budget for college.
- Mastering Presentations: I can do that! - Join us for a dynamic workshop where you will engage in interactive games and activities to boost confidence in speaking in front of others. Learn more about the key components of a presentation and practice skills for future presentations.
- 2:10 - 3:00 p.m.
- Fun, Games, and Teamwork - A workshop designed to help teens and volunteers work together, building relationships to assist in cohesive club and camp settings. Participants will learn and participate in teambuilding activities that they can take back to their own clubs or groups and use to promote strong relationships. This will be an opportunity for participants to make connections, learn new activities, and most of all - Have Fun!
- National 4-H Experiences: Where to Start? - Unlock the doors to exciting opportunities for older 4-H youth with our workshop, delving into prestigious National 4-H experiences such as National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, Ignite by 4-H, Citizenship Washington Focus, and the True Leaders in Equity Summit. Gain invaluable insights into the application and interview process and discover compelling reasons why you should seize the chance to participate.
Event Directors
Jenny Murray
Associate Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development & WVU Extension Specialist – Positive Youth Development