Wren Tolen of Gallatin was one of about 215 members of 4-H, ages 12 and 13, from across the state who participated in the annual Teen Conference, Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, at the Ramada Inn.
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Wren Tolen of Gallatin was one of about 215 members of 4-H, ages 12 and 13, from across the state who participated in the annual Teen Conference, Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, at the Ramada Inn.
Jo Turner, director of the Missouri 4-H Youth Development Program at the University of Missouri, spoke to the teens during an assembly on Jan. 31 abut 4-H experiences, benefits and how the organization helped her.
Turner said 4-H prepares youths for a variety of events in their lives and for the future. The organization helps youths develop decision-making skills and gain experience in leadership roles. She said experiences in 4-H helped her to get to where she is today.
Alison Copeland, state 4-H youth development specialist at the University of Missouri, said the conference’s goal was getting younger members involved beyond their local communities and clubs. For many of the teens, she said, it was their first regional meeting and overnight event away from home.
“Teen Conference is the best opportunity to show young teens how exciting and beneficial 4-H is to their lives,” said Copeland. “It helps them transition into greater experiences and roles at state and national levels.”
During the conference, members participated in educational workshops, learned about opportunities in 4-H and interacted with other teens from all over Missouri. Workshop topics included etiquette and state 4-H program opportunities.
Alumni from International Foreign Youth Exchange (IFYE) presented a workshop about experiences on international exchange programs.
In 1983, the first Teen Conference included 4-H teens of all ages. The event drew about 1,000 members statewide. Today, the program’s focus has narrowed to include younger teens.