S.C.’s oldest youth program convenes 50th annual 4-H State Congress at Clemson

Published: July 25, 2012

CLEMSON — Nearly 100 young people, along with 4-H county agents and advisers, from across South Carolina are gathered at Clemson University to attend the 50th annual State 4-H Congress, which runs through Saturday.

The annual event, which includes activities centered on leadership, citizenship, community service and workforce/career preparation, is a highlight for 4-Hers and the chance to be recognized for a year of hard work and achievement. High-school delegates ages 14-19 represent over 20 counties across the state and more than 73,000 4-H participants statewide.

This year’s theme, “Join the Revolution: Using History to Plan Our Future,” emphasizes the strength of the Clemson brand and the legacy of leadership the 4-H program has strived to instill in young people throughout the program’s 104-year existence.

State 4-H Director Pam Ardern said, “Many people understand 4-H to be a youth organization in which members participate in county fairs to show off livestock or produce. While these are important traditional programs of 4-H, we want to expand public perspective about our program. For 50 years, State Congress has showcased the true value of 4-H and demonstrated the major 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.
 

4-H STATE CONGRESS HIGHLIGHTS:

Thursday
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: 4-H leadership workshops focused on branding, diversity and marketing

Friday
8:30 a.m.: Citizenship Awards & Recognition assembly, Poole Agriculture Center auditorium
Keynote speaker: Sen. Larry Martin

Special Funding Announcement
1-2 p.m.: Service projects

• Operation Military Kids
• Clemson Cemetery Clean Up
• Horse Farm
• Botanical Gardens
• Healthy Lifestyles

6:30-10:30 p.m.: Clover Awards Banquet & Ball, Madren Center

Saturday
9:30 a.m.: Closing assembly; introduction of 2012-13 4-H Teen Council

The Clover Awards Banquet, 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 recipient receives a silver Presidential Tray and a $1,500 educational scholarship presented by Clemson University President James 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.

END

4-H
4-H is one of the oldest and largest youth development programs in the nation. This year marks the program’s 104th anniversary. The four “H’s” 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 and provide information in a range of topics including 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.