Local Teen to Attend National 4-H Congress

COURT HOUSE – Cape May County 4-H member Margaret Barry has been selected to attend National 4-H Congress scheduled for Nov. 29-Dec. 3 in Atlanta, Georgia. She will be part of the New Jersey delegation of 20 teen 4-H members from nine counties (Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris and Somerset).
National 4-H Congress is the premiere educational and recognition event for the 4-H youth development program. For 92 years, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. Congress provides youth ages 14-19 a quality educational and cross-cultural experience. The program combines a variety of sessions, seminars, discussion groups and a service learning experience for the delegates. The nation’s most outstanding community leaders, speakers and educators present current and timely information.
An Eldora native, Margaret is a senior at Middle Township High School. She has been an active member of the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program since the age of five, when she joined the 4-H Cloverbud Club. Margaret is the president of the Teen Ambassadors 4-H Club as well as a member of Barnyard Buddies Horse & Livestock 4-H Club. This is Margaret’s second national 4-H trip. She attended Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington D.C. in 2012.
“The 4-H members selected to attend this leadership and recognition event have demonstrated outstanding achievement as a 4-H member in the areas of leadership, citizenship and personal development. National 4-H Congress provides a life-changing experience for youth to meet 4-H members from across America, as they participate in educational workshops focusing on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership, team building and personal development” says Jeannette Rea-Keywood, State 4-H Agent and National 4-H Events Coordinator.
The theme for 2013’s event is “Passport to Excellence.” The conference will focus on the Cooperative Extension System’s belief that young people can be significant partners in addressing the issues that face our nation, especially those affecting youth. The educational programs were developed for National Congress by a design team of youth and adults from around the country. Exciting recreational and networking opportunities for the teens will be included in the itinerary as well as a cultural evening where they engage in a variety of forms of the arts at the Atlanta History Museum. Other wonderful venues in Atlanta will also available to the youth such as Centennial Olympic Park, The World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, the Carter Presidential Library, the Atlanta Aquarium and the Martin Luther King Center.
The community service project during their stay will focus on the continuation of a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to build a house with a low income family in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. Since the project began in 2002, National 4-H Congress delegates have contributed funds to complete two houses. This year the delegates continue to collect funding to support the work on a third home.
For more information about the Cape May County 4-H Program, call the 4-H office at (609) 465-5115, ext. 605, or email capemay4h@NJAES.Rutgers.edu.
The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Learn more about 4-H in Cape May County at www.cmc4h.com