4-H Teen Conference helps youths grow as leaders

COLUMBIA, Mo. — More than 200 Missouri 4-H members gathered on the University of Missouri campus May 26-27 for Missouri 4-H Teen Conference, an annual event for 4-H members ages 11-13. This year’s conference welcomed 218 youths and 24 chaperones from across the state.

With the theme “The More You Know, The More You Grow!” participants explored leadership, service and personal growth while building friendships with fellow 4-H’ers from communities throughout Missouri.

At the two-day conference, youths participated in leadership-focused workshops, completed a community service project, experienced campus life at the University of Missouri and enjoyed games, activities and a dance.

As part of the conference’s service-learning focus, participants collected books and created tie blankets to donate to MU Children’s Hospital. The project gave youths an opportunity to put 4-H values into action while helping bring comfort and encouragement to children receiving care and their families, said Megan Kershner, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H leadership and civic engagement educator.

The conference keynote speaker, Zoe Engelbrecht, a Missouri 4-H alumna and current nursing student, talked about how her experiences in 4-H helped her discover her passion for healthcare. Engelbrecht said her interest in nursing began through participation in the 4-H first aid project, demonstrating how 4-H experiences can help young people explore future educational and career paths.

The event was planned by Missouri 4-H civic engagement ambassadors, youth leaders who promote community involvement and leadership within 4-H.

“Planning Teen Conference has been an incredible opportunity that has allowed us as a group to determine what 4-H means to us while encouraging the next generation of 4-H’ers to seek new opportunities,” said Missouri 4-H civic engagement ambassador Alana Kimmons.

Another civic engagement ambassador, Chloe Turner, said, “Helping to plan Teen Conference not only allowed me to teach kids but enhanced my voice for the better.”

Teen Conference is designed to help young people develop leadership skills, gain confidence, build meaningful friendships and discover ways they can make positive differences in their communities, Kershner said.

Support for Missouri 4-H Teen Conference is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Miller Family Foundation, Missouri Corn Growers Association and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.

Missouri 4-H, the youth development program of University of Missouri Extension, helps young people build confidence, leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to be Beyond Ready for college, careers and life.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.

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Missouri 4-H Teen Conference. This year’s conference welcomed 218 youths and 24 chaperones from across the state.