• By April Bowman
• Posted Wednesday, December 7, 2011

4-H’ers Attend National 4-H Congress

A delegation of 14 North Carolina 4-H youth and 2 adults representing 13 counties including Forsyth County, attended the ninetieth annual National 4-H Congress, which was held in Atlanta, Georgia. The North Carolina delegation returned home from five days in which more than eight hundred and eighty youth and adults representing 4-H programs across the country gathered to participate in educational, service and recreational opportunities.

Nathan Barrick, 17, the son of Michael and Melinda Barrick of Walkertown and Brandon Joyce, 17, the son of Michael and Mae Lynn Joyce of Kernersville, represented Forsyth county at the November 25 -29, 2011 conference. This year’s theme “Become a Catalyst of Change” focused on ways for 4-H’ers to accept the challenge of global awareness, exploration, service and action. Workshops, speakers and group activities encouraged National 4-H Congress delegates to think broadly and to become a catalyst of change to make their club, community, country and world a better place.

Barrick, an avid piano player and instructor, was selected to perform a variety of Christmas music before the opening ceremony to entertain the delegates. He also served as the State’s flag bearer.

During workshops participants had a chance to participate in sessions ranging from service learning to robotics. National 4-H Congress speakers challenged participants to reach out and to make a difference in the world. One way participants reached out to help others was by donating money to help build the third 4-H Clover Habitat for Humanity house. In a morning set aside for community service, 4-H participants traveled to different parts of Atlanta and surrounding areas to participate in community service activities. This years Congress delegation also participated in the dedication of the second 4-H Clover Habitat for Humanity House. The closing banquet featured Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan as the speaker.

The history of the National 4-H Congress goes back ninety years. An educational tour to Chicago was the forerunner to what would eventually become known as National 4-H Congress. Today National 4-H Congress provides a great opportunity for 4-H members from the across the country to come together and learn about community involvement, culture diversity, and service to others while meeting new friends.

For more information on this event or other 4-H programs, please email April Bowman, 4-H Agent in Forsyth County. North Carolina 4-H has over 218,000 youth enrolled in the program as well as over 21,000 youth and adult volunteers. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.