AMES, Iowa-- Iowa youth can register now for the 2006 4-H Conference set for June 24 to 26 on the ISU campus. This year's theme is "Ignite the Flame" and is open to all Iowa youth, grade 8 - 12.
Brenda Allen, 4-H youth specialist at ISU Extension, said, "We really hope that young people will have experiences at the conference that tap into their passion and possibly lead them in a career path as well as teach them how they can make a difference in their community."
More than 1,000 youth are expected to participate in innovative workshops, motivating speakers and nightly entertainment including bowling, dances, swimming and a casino night. Those participating will experience college life and meet people from across Iowa while staying in the Iowa State residence halls.
"This conference was planned by teens," Allen said. "They also planned the entertainment and activities included in the conference."
The cost for each delegate is $120 that includes all meals, housing and conference events. A $20 late registration fee is added after May 15. Those interested may want to inquire about financial support from local groups and businesses. Partial scholarships also are available from the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Two programs special to the conference this year are CSI: Crops and the Animal Science ROUNDUP.
CSI: Crops is a three-day investigative look into crop diseases, weeds and insects. In each crime scene, delegates will determine what happened using their investigation skills, training and a crime laboratory. Delegates will learn to identify common weeds, insects and crop diseases as well as gain experience with GPS units and learn about corn and soybean growth and development.
Animal Science ROUNDUP includes specialized workshops on beef, swine, sheep, dairy, dairy goat and horse and will introduce delegates to career opportunities in animal science. New animal science technologies also will be highlighted in the workshops.
Allen said, "The workshops in the conference will be led by Iowa State staff who are all experts in their fields."
For more information, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/StateConference/ or contact the Cass County Extension Office at 243-1132.