National 4-H

2023 National 4-H Conference

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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.

Today:

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 

National 4-H Service Project – WWI Memorial

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The National Junior Master Gardener 4-H program has partnered with the WW1 Memorial Commission on a national service project for 4-H youth to be involved with building the WW1 Memorial. The Junior Master Gardener program is proud to promote because it ties to gardening!

Groups can make a donation of $64.99 and receive 60 poppy seed packets from the WW1 Memorial Commission. They can then sell the seeds to support their program. The recommended selling price is $2 per seed packet which would generate $120. Basically the first dollar goes to fund the National WW1 memorial and the second dollar stays local for the 4-H club, school group, etc. to support their activities/programs.

We are promoting through all of our JMG groups and state partners, but this is open for any and all 4-H groups. It is a great opportunity for youth to learn more about WW1, while also being a part of a national service project. Many resources, learning experiences and details on how to participate in the poppy project can be found at the website:  http://jmgkids.us/poppy/

Groups can start now, but the big push is between Sept. 5 and October 20th. Representatives from 4 winning groups will be invited to experience an expense paid trip to the groundbreaking of the National WW1 Memorial in Washington DC in November.