Abi Steffens - back row fourth from left

 

Logan 4-H member attends National 4-H Congress

 

[December 13, 2018]    Thirteen teens from Illinois attended a five-day national conference in Atlanta, Ga. Nov. 23 – 27 including Logan County 4-H member, Abi Steffens of Lincoln, daughter of Jason & Beth Steffens and a member of the Chester 4-H Club.

Abi received a trip in the Project Mastery Award area. Illinois delegates to National 4-H Congress are selected on their outstanding 4-H accomplishments, said Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H.

If 4-H club meetings are the training grounds for leadership development, National 4-H Congress is the pep rally that inspires the members to excel. In addition to trainings and nationally recognized speakers, members network with 4-H members across the United States.

“It is amazing what you can do when you say yes to a cause that is bigger than you,” said speaker Manny Ohonme, founder of Samaritan’s Feet, a worldwide organization which provides shoes for impoverished children.

John Beede, who has climbed some of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, challenged the delegates. “The mountains will never lower themselves to your level; you must rise up to the demands presented to you by the climb.”

After returning from her trip to National 4-H Congress, Abi stated “National 4-H Congress was an unforgettable experience. I made many new friends from all over the country and got to listen to many amazing speakers. My favorite speaker was John Beede, an inspirational speaker who talked about how he reached his goal of climbing the tallest mountain on every continent. He encouraged us to work to achieve our dreams, instead of expecting them to come true easily without effort. I also got the chance to attend many workshops. One workshop was a service learning workshop which prepared me to offer better service to our community. Volunteering at an Atlanta school alongside other 4-Hers was especially rewarding.

In addition, there were a lot of fun events too. One night we enjoyed an International Dinner/dance. We dined on food from all over the world and were entertained by Hawaiian and Puerto Rican dancers. I was able to tour the World of Coca-Cola and several famous Atlanta landmarks. The last evening everyone dressed up & were honored at a gala offering a wonderful meal & an evening of more dancing.

This trip will forever be one of my most memorable experiences. I am thankful for the support I’ve received from my parents, my club and my community. I appreciate this opportunity and would encourage other 4-Hers to strive to attend National 4-H Congress.”

The Illinois 4-H Foundation and its donors provide support for the award-recognition trip. “Through gifts from our generous donors, we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the hard work and commitment these young people have put forth,” said Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive director.

For more information on local University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development programs visit the Logan County 4-H website at go.illinois.edu/ logan4h

About 4-H: Illinois 4-H empowers and prepares Illinois youth for success. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois, affecting the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs, groups and short-term programming.

[Patty Huffer
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension]