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 Apply for the National 4-H Trips to

Nat’l 4-H Congress and Nat’l 4-H Conference

Nat’l 4-H Congress and Nat’l 4-H Conference are excellent opportunities to meet 4-H members from across the nation.  Participants learn about many career options, and learn through educational workshops at Congress or become a part of a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at Conference.

 “National 4-H Congress was the best educational conference I have ever attended.”

Daniel, 4-H Teen

Who can apply:           All Maine 4-H Youth ages 14 to 18

When to apply:           Applications postmarked by March 13, 2009 

When are the trips:    National 4-H Congress is November 27 to December 1, 2009 in Atlanta, GA

                                    National 4-H Conference is March 20 to 25, 2010 in Washington DC 

How to apply:             Prepare your 4-H Story

Prepare your 4-H Resume 

                                    Submit the application page

                                    Participate in an interview in mid-April. 

To apply

Step 1 – Submit your 4-H Story and Resume along with the application page

Step 2 – Mail your application to:

  Michaele Bailey, State 4-H Office, 5741 Libby Hall, University of Maine Orono, ME 04469

Step 3 – Our screening committee will review your application and invite 4-H members to an interview

         Deadline postmarked by March 13, 2009      Submit Early! 

Decisions Announced – Mid-May 2009

            Decisions will be announced by the following methods:

§         By e-mail to all Extension Offices

§         By mail to all applicants

§         By newsletter in the following month

What will the judges be looking for? 

1. 4-H Story – Is the story well written, does it clearly demonstrate a commitment made to   4-H? To find out how to write your 4-H Story go to www.umext.maine.edu/4h and click on Youth and Forms and scroll down to Conference and Congress forms. If you cannot get this information on-line, it is available at your County Extension Office.
    
2. Resume – Is the resume complete, thorough, and carefully created to demonstrate all aspects of the member’s life?
   There are sample resumes in the same place as the 4-H Story.
   Look for Resume #1 and #2.
    

3.      Interview Judging

           Judges will look for the following characteristics:

1.      Mature and articulate applicant, good manners

2.      Ability to speak clearly and shows the ability to listen

3.      Can describe the value of community service

4.      Demonstrates leadership in 4-H

5.      Understanding of the value of the 4-H experience 

Sample Interview Questions

·         Tell us how 4-H has helped you to develop leadership skills.

·         What do you think you will learn from the experience of National 4-H
Congress or Conference?

·         What are the key life skills you have mastered as a result of your 4-H work?

·         How has 4-H helped you to participate in service to your club, school and or community? 

·         Identify a problem or an issue where you wanted to see something changed. What strategies did you come up with to address the issue?  How satisfied were you with the outcome?

·         How have the experiences and learning you’ve had in 4-H helped you in other areas, perhaps academically, in career plans, or in other organizations?

For more information about these trips, check out these websites

National 4-H Congress 

National 4-H Conference  

Interview Scorecard and Sample Questions

For more information on educational programs in your area, contact your county Extension office.