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July 30, 2008
CWF Finishes Strong
By Craig Alameda - CWF Intern
It was a fun and exciting summer for Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF). The program ended on July 12 and left every 4-H'er with an unforgettable experience. Delegates from California to New Jersey, New Mexico to Michigan came to National
4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD, to show off their 4-H spirit while learning citizenship, leadership, and civic engagement in Washington DC.
This year, CWF incorporated a more in-depth curriculum, which focused on the development of being a citizen and what citizenship means to youth. Each 4-H'er experienced the "Citizenship Toolbox workshop" where they defined what citizenship means to them as an individual. Comparing the many definitions of citizenship helped youth gain a broader understanding of what citizenship meant to them. 4-H'ers also discussed issues such as high school drop out rates and gun control with youth from across the nation, allowing them to hear diverse opinions and perspectives and to brainstorm solutions.
In Washington DC, delegates learned about monuments and memorials erected for historic figures and events in history-- such as the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument (the tallest standing structure in DC). Delegates also visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay respect to the fallen soldiers of America. Later, they had the chance to speak with representatives from Congress on Capitol Hill to see how America's legislative branch works and to discuss important issues in their district. Visiting these sites helps make history come alive for the CWF participants.
To find out how you and your state can get involved with CWF, log onto CWF Website where you can find information about the CWF program, testimonials from past delegates, and pictures and videos of the conference itself.
CWF is a six-week summer youth conference for 4-H'ers ages 14 to 18 who are interested in citizenship and leadership while learning in the living classroom of Washington DC. Delegates from across the nation stay at the National 4-H Conference Center for a one-week period to immerse themselves in history, diversity, and culture, and to experience the Nation's Capital like never before.
Posted in category Citizenship at 11:08 AM