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Trips, Scholarships and More
Unit 4: Awards and Recognition
Lesson 4: Trips, Scholarships and More
Portfolio Trips – Maryland 4-H provides many opportunities for older 4-Hers including five out-of-state trips. Delegates to National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, VA Congress, WV Older Members Conference and Camp Miniwanca are selected by a portfolio process (resume, essay and interview). National Conference portfolios are due in October with the interviews in November. All other portfolios are due in mid January with interviews in February. Trips are limited to one per year and a 4-H career total of two. For more awards information go to www.maryland4h.org/awards .
National 4-H Conference is held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD in late March. The National 4-H Conference is the Secretary of Agriculture's premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program. Maryland sends up to nine teens from the state, one (1) teen from the Korea/Europe 4-H Military Partnership and two adults to Conference.
Virginia 4-H Congress is held on the VPI campus (Blacksburg, VA) in late June. This is a large (700 delegates) event and Virginia’s version of National 4-H Congress. Maryland sends two delegates to VA Congress. Participants are expected to participate on the Maryland 4-H Teen Council the year following their trip to Virginia 4-H Congress.
WV Older Members Conference is a state camp for teens and young adults held in late June at historic Jackson’s Mill (Central WV). OMC draws 300-400 campers and features a typical camping program with a wide range of classes, recreational options and campfires. Maryland sends two delegates to OMC.
Camp Miniwanca is considered one of the nation’s premier leadership camps. Sponsored by the American Youth Foundation and held at Shelby, Michigan this summer camp features “rustic” accommodations and life changing experiences. Maryland sends two delegates and several 4-H units also send delegates.
National 4-H Congress is the largest (1200 delegates) of the 4-H trips. Congress is held at a hotel in a major southern city. Each 4-H unit may send a delegate to Congress. Six “at large” delegates are also selected. Congress is held the week after Thanksgiving.
Judging Teams, Quiz Bowls and More – Older 4-Hers (14-18) have many opportunities to participate. Team members are usually selected at state events. Teams typically include three members and an alternate. National trips: Livestock Judging and Skill-a-Thon; Dairy Judging and Bowl (cattle and goats); Poultry Judging; Horse Judging, Communications, Hippology and Bowl; Horticulture Judging and Demonstrations; Engineering Events: Automotive, Bicycle, Small Engines, Learn and Earn (lawn tractor), Computer, Electricity and Tractor; Forestry and Wildlife Judging; LifeSmarts and Consumer Judging; Egg Preparation and Demonstrations; and Shooting Sports (Ambassador, Archery and Shotgun).
Scholarships – Nine college scholarships, ranging in size from $500 to $2500, are available. Applications are due May 1st and available at www.maryland4h.org/scholarships . The Mid-East Dairy Herd Improvement Council provides scholarships and the Maryland 4-H All Stars offer college loans.
If you have a question or comment please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Dan Tabler at dtabler@umd.edu , or by calling 302 856-4513.
Click Portfolios and Resumes to go to the next lesson.
dht 01/12/07
For more information, contact Lisa Dennis
Last updated: 06/13/2009