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| Krista Carter |
Missouri 4-H’ers joined 4-H’ers from across the nation at Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), June 25 through July 5, 2011. 4-H’ers stayed at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center near Washington, D.C. Citizenship Washington Focus is a 4-H leadership program for 4-H members ages 14-19. Youth attending from Bates County included Krista Carter (Peru Star 4-H), the daughter of Dorothy and Robin Carter; and Alex Jenkins (Summit 4-H), the son of Marcia and Hugh Jenkins.
CWF provides opportunities for young people to strengthen communication, leadership and other citizenship skills on a national level; understand the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders; exchange ideas, practice respect and form friendships with other youth from diverse backgrounds across the United States. Participants participate in forums, workshops, mock elections and congressional sessions. 4-H’ers met with Missouri Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill and, because of the House of Representatives was on recess, met with staffers from their District offices. Additionally, 4-H members created an action plan to help their communities.
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| Alex Jenkins |
4-H’ers also toured historic and national sites in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. The sites included all of the national monuments, the Kennedy Center to see the musical “Wicked,” Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the Liberty Bell, Independence Square, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial.
Trip organizer, Jeremy Elliott-Engel, 4-H youth development specialist with the University of Missouri Extension said, “Young people were able to see government in action and were able to immerse themselves in three of our nation’s capitals, all at the same time learning about the government process.” Elliott-Engel continued, “I know that these young people learned so much and gained an appreciation for our government system.”
For more information about 4-H in Bates and St. Clair counties, please contact 4-H Youth Specialist Alan J. Mundey at the Bates County Extension Office (660-679-4167).
