Local teen to attend 4-H congress in Atlanta

HAMPTON — One Sussex County 4-H member has been selected to attend National 4-H Congress scheduled for November 24-28 in Atlanta, Georgia. The youth will be part of the New Jersey delegation of 18 teen 4-H members from nine counties (Bergen, Burlington, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, and Sussex).
National 4-H Congress is the premiere educational and recognition event for the 4-H youth development program. For more than 95 years, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. Congress provides youth, ages 14-19, a quality educational and cross-cultural experience. The program combines a variety of sessions, seminars, discussion groups and a service learning experience for the delegates. The nation’s most outstanding community leaders, speakers and educators present current and timely information.
Madeline Teitsma, of Hampton, but currently attending Lebanon Valley College, who has been an active member of Sussex County 4-H Teen Council, Shelton’s Shooters, and Allons-Y Geocaching Club.
“The 4-H members selected to attend this leadership and recognition event have demonstrated outstanding achievement as a 4-H member in the areas of leadership, citizenship and personal development. National 4-H Congress provides a life-changing experience for youth to meet 4-H members from across America, as they participate in educational workshops focusing on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership, team building and personal development” says Jeannette Rea-Keywood, State 4-H Agent and National 4-H Events Coordinator.
The theme for 2017 event is “Be True, Be You.” The conference will focus on the Cooperative Extension System’s belief that young people can be significant partners in addressing the issues that face our nation, especially those affecting youth. The educational programs were developed for National Congress by a design team of youth and adults from around the country. Exciting recreational and networking opportunities for the teens will be included in the itinerary as well as a cultural evening where they engage in a variety of forms of the arts at the Atlanta History Center. Other wonderful venues in Atlanta will also available to the youth such as Centennial Olympic Park, The World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta Zoo, CNN Center, the College Football Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Aquarium and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center.
Community service is an important part of National 4-H Congress. During the “Day of Service”, the National 4-H Congress delegates will be assigned a variety of community service projects in the Atlanta metro area. On Monday morning, each 4-H member will have the opportunity to help others in a variety of ways and experience really what it is like to be a catalyst for positive change.
The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13(one year out of high school), on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status and any other category protected by law.
For more information about the Sussex County 4-H Program call the 4-H office at (973) 948-3040 or visit the 4-H website at nj4h.rutgers.edu/.