The National 4-H Conference is the premier civic engagement opportunity for 4-H members (15-19 years old) who are actively engaged in 4-H programs across the U.S. and its territories. The conference is administered by 4-H National Headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This experience upholds a tradition dating back to 1927. Known then as the “National 4-H Club Camp,” delegates slept in tents on the grounds of the National Mall in front of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Washington, D.C. Held annually, except for several years during World War II, the camp served to develop the next generation of leaders. Delegates attended training workshops, became acquainted with government, and had the opportunity to meet with state leaders. In 1958, the event name was changed to National 4-H Conference and, in 1959, the meeting moved from the National Mall to the newly founded National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD (right outside of Washington, D.C.). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, National 4-H Conference was cancelled in 2020 and held virtually in 2021. In 2022, National 4-H Conference resumed in-person programming as a hybrid format, also offering a virtual attendance option to delegates.
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National 4-H Conference is specifically focused on civic engagement, civic education, and personal development. Delegates arrive ready to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, their nation, and their world. In 2023, National 4-H Conference returns for youth delegates to attend in-person in Washington, D.C. or participate virtually through an online conference platform during April 14-19, 2023. Ohio delegates are expected to attend in-person for this conference even though there is a virtual option.
For more information please visit: 2023 National 4-H Conference Delegate Application or visit: https://go.osu.edu/N4HC