CARTHAGE, Mo. — Two youths and one chaperone from Jasper County participated in Missouri 4-H Teen Conference, held May 26-27 on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia.
More than 200 Missouri 4-H members attended the annual event for youth ages 11-13. This year’s conference welcomed 218 youth and 24 chaperones from across the state.
With the theme, “The More You Know, The More You Grow!” participants explored leadership, service and personal growth while building friendships with fellow 4-H’ers from communities throughout Missouri.
Planned by the Missouri 4-H Civic Engagement Ambassadors, the two-day conference gave youth the opportunity to participate in leadership-focused workshops, complete a community service project, experience campus life at the University of Missouri, and enjoy games, activities and a dance.
As part of the conference’s service-learning focus, participants collected books and created tie blankets to donate to MU Children’s Hospital. The project gave youth an opportunity to put 4-H values into action while helping bring comfort and encouragement to children receiving care and their families.
The conference keynote speaker, Zoe Engelbrecht, a Missouri 4-H alumna and current nursing student, shared how her experiences in 4-H helped her discover her passion for healthcare. Engelbrecht explained that her interest in nursing began through participation in the 4-H first aid project, demonstrating how 4-H experiences can help young people explore future educational and career paths.
“For some youth, this is their first experience away from home. They have the opportunity to experience dorm life, build independence, and make new friends from across the state. One of the most rewarding parts of the experience is watching them step out of their comfort zones, get involved in activities, and create memories while having fun,” said Janie Garner, 4-H Youth Program Associate.
Teen Conference is designed to help young people develop leadership skills, gain confidence, build meaningful friendships and discover ways they can make a positive difference in their communities.
Support for Missouri 4-H Teen Conference is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Miller Family Foundation, Missouri Corn Growers Association and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.
Missouri 4-H, the youth development program of University of Missouri Extension, helps young people build confidence, leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to be Beyond Ready for college, careers and life.
To learn more about 4-H opportunities in Jasper County, contact Janie Garner at sjgarner@missouri.edu.
About Missouri 4-H
Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning experiences, ranging from agriculture to aerospace, and career development to wildlife conservation, Missouri youth explore and find their spark. Through 4-H clubs, programs, camps, in-school and afterschool experiences, the dedicated University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff, and thousands of engaged volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence, and fostering meaningful connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference and become responsible adults in their communities, their country, and their world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.
