COLUMBIA, Mo. – Following Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of 4-H members gathered for Missouri 4-H Week, an annual event held on the University of Missouri campus. This weeklong celebration features two major events for the 4-H program: 4-H Teen Conference and State 4-H Congress.

The 2025 4-H Teen Conference, designed for 4-H’ers ages 11-13, kicked off the week with 250 youth delegates from across the state. Organized by the 4-H Civic Engagement Ambassadors, the event featured a variety of workshops, including secret messages and fingerprinting, all centered around the theme “CSI: Communicate, Serve, Inspire.” The event also featured a service project in which youths made stuffed bears to be distributed to children by first responders. A regional spirit contest added to the excitement, with the Northeast Region emerging victorious against stiff competition, said Megan Kershner, MU Extension state 4-H leadership and civic engagement educator.

When asked what they enjoyed most about 4-H Teen Conference, delegates mentioned meeting new people, line dancing, staying in the dorms and, of course, being with their friends, Kershner said.

Immediately following 4-H Teen Conference was the State 4-H Congress, a three-day, two-night event for high school 4-H’ers. This year, 200 youth delegates gathered on Mizzou’s campus for college tours, educational sessions and a service project. The State 4-H Council played a crucial role in planning the event and led workshops on Public Speaking, Line Dancing, Team Building, First Impressions, and States’ 4-H International Exchange programs, Kershner said.

The annual spirit competition was won by the Urban Region, which received the traveling State 4-H Congress Spirit Competition Trophy.

Missouri 4-H Week continues to be a vital opportunity for youths across the state to develop leadership skills, connect with peers and gain new experiences that will benefit them in their future endeavors, Kershner said.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Leadership programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Invenergy, Miller Family Foundation, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Mary Davis, the Hertzog Family, the Martz Family, Dr. Marla J. Tobin and the Turner Family.

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. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.