John Lawrence’s message from June 24, 2019
If you’re going to explore “A Universe of Possibilities,” you’d better be wearing comfortable shoes. This advice is included in the orientation materials for the 2019 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference at Iowa State this week and proves the State 4-H Council members know what they’re doing. The council is comprised of teen 4-H members from throughout Iowa who planned and organized every aspect of this conference, working in cooperation with our 4-H Youth Development staff. Did you know?
- About 600 youth delegates are expected to participate in the conference. They’ll hear from keynote speakers, attend workshops and participate in service learning opportunities such as a culture fair, a mock caucus and service work at Reiman Gardens. They also will experience life at Iowa State’s 1,900-acre campus from morning light to lights out for most of three days – thus the need for comfortable shoes. (The orientation materials note that blisters are the biggest health problem delegates tend to have.)
- With more than 30 workshops to choose from, delegates can try something new that may help them decide on their future education and careers. For example, they might work with virtual and augmented reality or do CSI with crops. They might study entrepreneurship and innovation or food science and technology. They might practice mindfulness or serve on the Camera Corps. They even might consider a career with ISU Extension and Outreach.
- Also, 85 of these youth will be participating in Animal Science Roundup, with hands-on learning from top scientists in the youth’s choice of seven projects: beef, dairy, swine, sheep, horse, poultry or meat goat.
Research shows that youth who participate in the 4-H conference increase their leadership, citizenship, communication and learning skills whether they are new to 4-H or longer-term members. What these young Iowans learn during the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference will help them take on whatever challenges the future will bring. We hope their explorations are blister free.
More notes
- The roll-out and feedback plan from Structured for Success will be announced after the Iowa State Fair with discussion and feedback due in October. You can review the June 17 summary notes and video from the committee.
- There will be a retirement reception for Bob Dodds June 27, 2:30-4 p.m. in 3150 Beardshear Hall. Please join us to wish Bob well in his next adventure.
— John D. Lawrence
Iowa State University Vice President for Extension and Outreach