Posted: December 18, 2023
Pennsylvania 4-H made an impact at the National 4-H Congress, held recently in Atlanta, Georgia, sending 32 4-H youth members and seven adults. This five-day event hosted more than 800 youth and adults representing 4-H programs across the country.
National Congress Delegation
National 4-H Congress is aimed at immersing high school 4-H members in leadership, civic engagement, global awareness, and inclusion. Participants engaged in educational workshops, heard from distinguished speakers, and networked with peers from across the country. Delegates also contributed to service-learning projects in Atlanta.
“I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity to attend National 4-H Congress and visit Atlanta," said Chrisalyn Mitchell, a 4-H'er from York County. "I feel honored that I was selected to attend this event, engage in many exciting opportunities, and meet so many wonderful people."
Helping to coordinate the Pennsylvania 4-H'ers presence at the event was Karley Mishler, 4-H youth development educator with Penn State Extension. Karen Hack, assistant 4-H program leader, and Alaina Leasure, a Penn State student who works part time in the state 4-H office, also worked to organize and register the delegation.
"National 4-H Congress is a unique experience from other national 4-H events as it not only helps state 4-H members become better leaders, but it inspires them to expand their knowledge of what 4-H looks like," Mishler said. "They are able to connect with other 4-H'ers across the country to learn more about how different state 4-H programs work."
Mitchell said that she made more friends than she expected, both from Pennsylvania and other states. "I loved hearing about other members' projects, hobbies and home states," she said.
The conference offered hands-on workshops such as "Habits of Highly Successful Teens," "Speed Meeting," "Team Building" and "Be the Change."
"By participating in a number of workshops, I learned more about leadership, problem-solving, working together in groups, and how to improve my community," Mitchell said.
Something that sets this event apart from others is the opportunity to participate in community service, Mishler noted. "Having more than 800 4-H'ers work together to help the community of Atlanta is incredibly impactful not only to the community members, but also the 4-H'ers who work side-by-side with peers they may not know to help others."
Delegates engaged in a variety of community service projects in the Atlanta metro area, including at the Piedmont Park Conservancy, Atlanta History Center, elementary schools, Camp Fortson and other locations.
"Visiting the Atlanta History Center taught me more than I expected to learn about various cultures, including African singing and dancing, Victorian dancing, and the history and culture of Atlanta," Mitchell said.
Garrett Franck, a 4-H'er from Union County, said the community service component was one of event's highlights.
"I really enjoyed my community service opportunity," he said. "After we completed our jobs, the class taught us how to sing 'Jingle Bells' in Spanish."
The conference also featured prominent speakers. "One of my favorite speakers was John Beede," Franck said. "He has an incredible story about conquering Mount Everest and the Sherpas who were with him on his journey."
Mitchell explained that one of the most important things she learned came from rodeo star Amberley Snyder. "Paralyzed from the waist down after a truck accident, she spoke to the 4-H'ers about never giving up no matter the circumstances," she said. "You can do anything you put your mind to. After hearing from Amberley Snyder, I was encouraged to do things that I had always dreamed of doing but hesitated because I thought it would be too hard or even impossible."
Franck found Snyder inspiring as well: "Ms. Snyder's honesty about her accident and fight to get back to riding was uplifting and a true testament to her grit and determination," he said.
The 4-H'ers also chose an educational tour to attend, with options including the Zoo Atlanta, the College Football Hall of Fame, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium. On the last night of the conference, participants dressed up for a formal dinner and dance.
Mishler pointed out that youth who attend the National 4-H Congress reap the benefits long after the event is over. "Our delegates gain friendships and connections from across the nation and are part of a learning experience that they can bring back to their own communities to continue to have a positive impact."
Mitchell expressed gratitude to those who organized and oversaw the event, as well as the chaperones who gave up their weekend to accompany the 4-H'ers. "National 4-H Congress 2023 was an extraordinary experience — one that I will never forget," she said.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring, and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website.
