Our planning committee worked hard to plan the best National 4-H Conference possible. It began with a weekend-long planning retreat many months ago. Since then, after many conference calls and emails, the 77th National 4-H Conference – “Our Changing World” – began to take shape.

During all of the work though, the planning committee continued to grow closer and show their passion and dedication for 4-H. Finally, on Saturday afternoon our vision became real as we welcomed delegations to the 77th National 4-H Conference. The week was non-stop, with down time consisting of eating and sleeping, but every minute was exciting.

While delegates were in sessions, workshops, and roundtables, the work of the planning committee continued behind the scenes to prepare for upcoming assemblies and events. In the spot light, we led the assemblies, organized inflatable in-house entertainment, prepped workshop room-hosts, worked with the variety show committee, and helped delegates and chaperones.

The participants also share a large role in the success of this event; it was with their participation in the Town Hall Meeting on citizenship, creation of recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture, and meetings with elected officials that we see the true results of this event in action.

We took many risks this year with a special concert, inflatable entertainment, state’s night out at Medieval Times, offsite service learning through Citizenship Excursions, and several adjustments to the schedule, but this has taught me that large risks can lead to great things. Every new idea we implemented was a huge success with delegates and chaperones. This experience also taught me what a motivated and dedicated group of youth and adults can accomplish.

I have never worked with such a high caliber group as this year’s planning committee. This conference would not have been a success if it weren’t for each of our unique talents and abilities. We worked together as an equal team from the moment we met, building on each others’ strengths to create this event. This experience was more than I ever imagined it would be and I truly hope every single delegate and chaperone benefited from conference, as they were the reason the planning committee worked so hard.

National 4-H Conference Planning Committee members take a break from their busy week (photo taken by Edwin Remsburg, University of Maryland).