UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — 4-H State Leadership Conference, or more commonly known as SLC takes, place every year on the first weekend of February in University Park, PA. The event starts off on Friday evening with a social and dinner to allow people to mingle and get to know others from across the state. After dinner, an opening ceremony is held welcoming everyone to the conference. This year’s Keynote Speaker was Dr. Julia Garcia, a nationally renowned speaker, spoken word poet and doctor of psychology. She helped to empower everyone in the room through her lively energy. Dr. Garcia was well received and provided a jump start to an action-packed weekend.
Following breakfast on Saturday morning, the participants began their first workshop of the day learning about different aspects of what makes a great leader and how to increase their leadership skills. The workshops included such topics as how to be a better mentor to younger 4-H members, how to resolve conflict, and how to create presentations to the best of your ability. The day continued with other workshops with time given for lunch and snacks. Following the workshops, participants began to prepare for the special evening festivities. The evening consisted of a dressy dinner and the choice of either the dance or a movie.
All too soon the weekend came to an end on Sunday morning. Everyone gathered to eat breakfast where the 2020 Pennsylvania 4-H State Council positions were announced for the first time. This Council is a premier group of young people selected from around the state to be the official spokespeople for the Pennsylvania 4-H program. Following the revealing of the State Council, the top three winners of the County Council award were announced. This award program was established to recognize outstanding achievement of PA 4-H teens who are taking part in their local County Council. The final prizes of the morning were given to the Diamond Clover award winners who achieved the highest level of recognition for their annual 4-H project.
Overall the weekend of SLC is a great way to meet new people from all over the great state of Pennsylvania. There are many opportunities to learn about leadership and how to better yourself as a person, as well.
The 4-H program is open to any youth ages 8-18. For more information, please contact the Penn State Extension office in Franklin County at 717-263-9226. Educators Jess Howe and John Taylor are willing to answer any questions.
–Shirit Bowman, Historian/Reporter
Franklin County 4-H Teen Leadership Club
Penn State Extension Franklin County
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