4-H Youth Development

Oklahoma 4-H’ers in third through seventh grades will have the chance to strengthen their leadership skills and explore hands-on project work during the Oklahoma 4-H Rising Leaders Conference, scheduled for March 7 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Oklahoma State University.

 

A one-day educational experience, the conference introduces youth to a variety of 4-H project areas through interactive workshops and peer-to-peer learning. The event was designed to help young 4-H’ers build confidence early in their 4-H journey while connecting with other members.

 

“4-H’ers will participate in a variety of workshops, get to know 4-H’ers from all across the state and develop leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their 4-H careers,” said Sara Randolph, OSU Extension Southeast District 4-H program specialist.

 

This year’s workshops include sessions such as Finding Balance with STEM and Yoga; Paws and Claws: Exploring Veterinary Science; Planning Your Project Club Stitch by Stitch; and Leaders in Action: Exploring Government and Decision Making.

 

“We had a great turnout at last year’s Rising Leaders’ Conference. As a result, we added additional workshops so that we could accommodate more youth,” Randolph said. “We also realized there was an opportunity to expose the older participants to all that 4-H has to offer them as they become teenagers.”

 

The conference builds on 4-H’s longstanding focus on leadership development, offering young members another structured setting to practice essential skills they will use throughout their 4-H careers and beyond.

 

“Just like any skill, leadership requires practice and repetition,” Randolph said. “By developing the building blocks of leadership with young 4-H’ers, we give them the opportunity to build confidence in their ability to lead over time.”

 

Parents and volunteers are welcome to attend. They may observe workshops as space allows, and a special session for adults will be offered during the final workshop rotation. That session will focus on balancing youth 4-H participation with their other activities and interests.

 

The registration fee is $20 and is due by Feb. 6 through ZSuite. For more information, contact the county OSU Extension office or Randolph at (580) 332-4100.

 

More information about the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program is available online.