National 4-H Conference

WHAT IS NATIONAL 4‐H CONFERENCE?:
The National 4‐H Conference is the Secretary of Agriculture’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4‐H Youth Development Program.

The National 4‐H Conference is a working conference in which youth and adults‐‐at the invitation of the Secretary of Agriculture‐‐assist in the development of recommendations to help guide 4‐H Youth Development Programs nationally and in their communities. This event brings together
youth, volunteer leaders, and state and county Extension staff members from across the United States, the U.S. Territories, and the Canadian Provinces. As the sponsor for this conference, the National 4‐H Headquarters‐‐located within Families, 4‐H, and Nutrition at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES)‐‐is charged with sharing the recommendations that emerge from the conference with the Secretary of Agriculture, national Extension Program Leaders, and others who determine 4‐H programs. At the same time, ensuring that the conference is a meaningful experience for the youth and adult participants.

DATES AND LOCATION:
The 2010 National 4‐H Conference will be held at the National 4‐H Youth Conference Center. The National 4‐H Youth Conference Center is located in a quiet, 12‐acre campus‐like setting in Maryland, one mile from the nation’s capital, making it the perfect gateway to Washington, D.C.’s leaders, monuments and museums. The Conference Center is operated by the National 4‐H Council. To read more interesting history on the National 4‐H Youth Conference Center, visit http://www.4hcenter.org/center_history.html.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?:
The National 4‐H Conference requires youth who are focused and committed to working during the Conference and in their state. The Texas delegation will consist of 10 youth delegates, who need to engage in pre‐ and post conference work and participate in all scheduled conference activities. The minimum age requirement for a Texas youth delegate is 15 years old (must be by January 1, 2010). The maximum age for a youth delegate is 18.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications must be submitted online and certified through 4H CONNECT by November 15, 2009. Final selection of delegates will be made on the basis of the online application. The final selection of delegates will be announced on, or before, December 1, 2009. Please refer to the Application/Nomination for 4‐H Recognition Form (4‐H 3‐2.041) to help you complete the online application. This form is available from the
Publication page of the Texas 4‐H and Youth Development Program website (http://texas4‐h.tamu.edu).

COST:
The delegate’s share of registration, adult chaperone registration, lodging, airfare, meals, and transportation costs is $1500.00. This registration fee will be due on January 5, 2010.