4-H State Congress convenes at Clemson University

Published: July 14, 2011

CLEMSON — The state's oldest youth program convenes at Clemson University when more than 100 young people, along with adult advisers, gather this week for the 49th annual State 4-H Congress.

Activities focus on leadership, citizenship, community service and work force/career preparation. The event also recognizes 4-Hers for a year of hard work and achievement in their home counties. High-school delegates, ages 14-19, represent more than 73,000 4-H participants from across South Carolina.

This year’s theme, “Paw Power,” emphasizes the strength of the Clemson brand and the legacy of leadership the 4-H program has worked to instill in young people throughout its 103-year existence.

“Many people understand 4-H is a youth organization in which members participate in county fairs to show off livestock or produce,” said South Carolina 4-H Director Pam Ardern. “While these are important traditional programs, we want to expand public perspective about 4-H. State Congress is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the impact we are making on youth across South Carolina: preparing them to lead our state forward in the future.”

Ardern added that 4-H is a globally recognized organization that is effectively teaching youth leadership skills, community service and citizenship as well as public speaking skills, in an atmosphere of support and camaraderie.

The Clover Awards Banquet and Ball, held Friday, includes presentation of 4-H’s highest honor, The Presidential Tray, which recognizes the top four Senior 4-H members who are National 4-H Congress and/or National 4-H Conference alumni and have outstanding accomplishments in 4-H leadership, citizenship and project work. Each award winner receives a silver Presidential Tray and a $1,500 educational scholarship presented by Clemson University President James F. Barker.

Other state winners receive a $500 educational scholarship and either a trip to the National 4-H Congress in November or to the National 4-H Conference in the Washington, D.C., next spring.

4-H STATE CONGRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday, July 14
1:30-3:30 p.m. — 4-H Team Projects focused on engineering, foods, shooting sports, livestock and horses

4 p.m. Clover Assembly and Awards — Newman Auditorium
Speaker: Hugh Weathers, S.C. commissioner of agriculture

Friday, July 15
8:30 a.m. Citizenship Awards and Recognition Assembly — Newman Auditorium

1-2 p.m. Service Projects

• Operation Military Kids — McAdams Hall, room 230
• Clemson Cemetery Hill — Clemson Cemetery
• Gratitude — Poole Agriculture Center (P&A building), room B211
• Boy Scout Troop Training — Shooting Range
• Clemson Community Cares

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Clover Awards Banquet and Ball — Madren Center, Clemson University

Saturday, July 16
9 a.m. — Closing assembly; introduction of 2011 4-H Teen Council

END

MEDIA: Contact 4-H State Director Pam Ardern for photo and interview opportunities, 864-650-0295.

South Carolina 4-H
4-H is one of the oldest and largest youth development programs in the nation. This year marks the program’s 103rd anniversary. The four “Hs” stand for head, heart, hands and health — the key areas 4-H strives to develop in young people.

In South Carolina, 4-H operates through Clemson Extension, employing county agents who work closely with state extension specialists and researchers at the various research and education centers located statewide. Agents facilitate youth programs in animal agriculture and veterinary science; natural resources and the environment; gardening; leadership and citizenship; personal growth and development; and science, engineering and technology.

The program uses a learn-by-doing approach, involves caring adult volunteers and draws on the knowledge and resources of Clemson University and the land-grant university system to empower youth to become healthy, productive, and contributing members of society.