Unlimited Opportunities!
Deadlines vary. Information on all events available from county Extension Offices or from the State 4-H office (515-294-1519) Learn more about applying for project awards, National 4-H Conference, National 4-H Congress, and State Council. Check out the videos of the application and interview process as well!
National 4-H Conference is a chance for 4-H'ers to have meaningful involvement in program development. Through discussions and sharing of ideas, delegates develop recommendations on pre-selected topics. It is held during the spring at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. From Iowa, 4 youth and 2 adults are chosen to attend each year. They are selected from an area application and interview process held in March. Anyone in grades 9-11 may apply, and a person may attend only once.
National 4-H Congress is an opportunity for juniors and seniors to meet other 4-H'ers from across the U.S. Participants from across the country get together to experience the area they are visiting, develop leadership skills, learn about other people, and have a lot of fun! Recreational, social, and cultural activities add to the fun trip; 22-26 Iowa delegates are selected from an area application and interview process held in march. Anyone in grades 10-11 at the time of application may participate, but a person may only attend once.
Iowa 4-H Youth Conference Every June over 1000 teenagers converge on the campus of Iowa State University for 3 days full of speakers, workshops, mixers, dances, a banquet, and community service activities. If you have completed 8th grade, you are eligible to attend. You don't even have to bein 4-H! You will get to experience campus life, and meet new people from across the state! You will be having fun while learning by doing, dancing the nights away, and serving the community. You will get to learn new things to take back to your community and school, and in the process you might even discover something new about yourself! There are even opportunities for you to share your talents with the rest of the delegation through small group discussion, the Conference Chorus, and even a Talent Show! If you have a specific interest in animal science issues, you might want to look into becoming part of the ROUND-UP track.
Please join us in June for the most incredible three days of your life at the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference! For more information on this year's conference, or to register, contact your local extension office.
Want to be a veterinarian? Interested in learning more about animal science? Then you need to attend the Iowa Animal Science Round-up! You can make sausage, sample new foods, explore rumens, and meet new friends all while taking part in some of the Iowa Youth Conference activities such as speakers, a banquet and great dances.
Iowa 4-H Technology Team Do you like working with computers and technology? If so, the Iowa Youth Technology Team is the thing for you. They are a fun group of high school students who meet to gain leadership skills, learn marketable technology skills, and develop a community service project using technology. Some of the more recent projects of the Tech Team have been to help the elderly become oriented with technology, and they also recycle old computers. Tech team members also get to experience cutting edge technology at Iowa State University including virtual reality, and they help develop technology training. Tech Team members are also delegates to the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference. The members are selected at the same time as State Council, and cannot serve on both at the same time. Learn more about the Technology Team
The National Dairy Conference gives 4-Hers the opportunity to meet youth with the same interests in the dairy industry. Delegates have the opportunity to see some
of the best quality dairy animals the country has. Youth also participate in workshops, giving them an insight on the future of the dairy industry, and what it takes to promote the dairy industry. “Dairy Conference was a great experience. I had the opportunity to meet youth from across the country with the same interests as me,” says an Iowa 4-Her. “Attending The World Dairy Expo during this conference was a highlight event!” 4-H dairy members age 15 or older as of September 15 are encouraged to apply if they are interested in learning about the dairy industry in the U.S. and Canada. Applications are due to the State office by July 1 and consist of questions about the delegate's 4-H activities, dairy production knowledge and herd involvement.
Livestock Contests Test your knowledge in judging, verbal communication, and production by participating in judging contests and dairy and horse quiz bowls. Learn decision-making and communication skills. Participate in your county during the summer for opportunities at state events. Top 4-H teams will represent Iowa at national contests.
Volunteer your time helping others in the 4-H Exhibit Building or with the 4-H livestock shows while taking part in the pure fun of the Iowa State Fair. Tasks include being an exhibit assistant, answering visitors' questions, helping coordinate communications projects, entering data for exhibits and livestock shows, and assisting at livestock shows and check-ins. In your free time, grab a corn dog and go down the big rug slide with the new friends you will meet. Take in a show at the free stage and then head to bed in the Youth Inn or Cultural Center after a fun and busy day. The whole volunteering experience allows you to meet new people, have fun, and also gives you the chance to help the state 4-H program fair activities. (Applications due June 1.)
International Opportunities Say "hello" to the world through an International Four-H Youth Exchange (IFYE). Take a trip to another country to experience life and expand your horizons. You
can spend six months, three months, or six weeks with a host family in almost
any country. Or, you can travel abroad in your home by hosting an IFYE exchangee
and sharing in their culture. This
trip can be your chance to explore the world and share your 4-H story with the
world. Past IFYE travelers say it is the chance of a lifetime and that they
loved every minute. Contact your local Extension office for more details. Apply
by January 1.
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) "This summer I went on the trip of a life time! The CWF trip taught me how to be a better citizen and gave me a better understanding of how our government works. I got to spend a week at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. I enjoyed seeing all the sites of Washington DC as well as learning the history behind them. One day I even got to meet with our Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill. The trip also included a stop at Gettysburg. I made many new friendships on this trip and met many people from all over the nation. I have great memories of this trip that will stay with me for a long time. I would strongly recommend going on the Citizenship-Washington Focus trip!" -Alyssa, 2001 CWF Delegate Learn more about CWF
A wide variety of camps, including horse camp and outdoor adventures, are offered at the Iowa 4-H Camp near Madrid. Camps are held throughout the year and are open to every age level. Paid counselor positions are also available during summer months for 17 year olds and up. Learn more at the 4-H Center website. Join in the fun of a camping experience by contacting your county or area extension office!
Youth Wilderness Trips Have you ever wanted to spend some time exploring the outdoors? If so, the Youth Wilderness Trips might be for you. You can experience the outdoors- by food, canoe, or kayak- on an out-of-state wilderness trek. These trips are available to youth ages 14-18, and destinations include the Boundary Waters, Isle Royale, Rocky Mountains, Apostle Islands, and Alaska. Learn about minimum impact camping skills, teamwork, and the environment. You will be rewarded with beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and a real adventure. Not to mention all of the new friends that you will meet! 4-H supplies tents, backpacks, cooking gear, food, transportation, and adult leadership.
College scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors and former 4-Hers--from $500 to full tuition! Scholarships range from Alumni scholarships to project-based scholarships. Check with your county extension office to find out how many scholarships you are eligible for, and check out the web page. Applications are due at the State 4-H office February 1.
Project Awards 4-H allows young people to set and achieve goals. In return, awards are presented to those who have shown citizenship, leadership and have a basic knowledge of the project area. Maybe, that's you! Every year high school students are encouraged to apply for State Project Awards in recognition of their hard work. $100 savings bonds are awarded annually to 50 recipients from across the state. The awards process begins in March with your local level, advancing to area and finally to state. This is a wonderful chance for you to be credited for your successes! Give your county extension office a call and check out the webpage or videos to find out how to start your application!
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