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Apply for the National 4-H Trips to
Nat’l 4-H Congress and Nat’l 4-H Conference 

Nat’l 4-H Congress and Nat’l 4-H Conference are excellent opportunities to meet 4-H members from across the nation.  Participants learn about many career options, and learn through educational workshops at Congress or become a part of a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at Conference. 

“National 4-H Congress was the best educational conference I have ever attended.”
Daniel, 4-H Teen 

Who can apply:           All Maine 4-H Youth ages 14 & older 

When to apply:           Deadline is April 15, 2008 

When are the trips:    National 4-H Congress is November 28 to December 2, 2008 in Atlanta, GA

                                    National 4-H Conference is March 28 to April 2, 2009 in Washington DC 

How to apply:             Prepare your 4-H Story

Prepare  you 4-H Resume

                                    Submit the application page

                                    Attend the face-to-face interview in Orono on Sunday May 4, 2008. 
                                    We have learned that May 3 is a statewide SAT day.  We have changed the interview date to Sunday, May 4.
 

To apply -

Step 1 – Submit your 4-H Story and Resume along with the application page

Step 2 – Mail your application to:

  Michaele Bailey, State 4-H Office, 5741 Libby Hall, University of Maine Orono, ME 04469

Step 3 – Our screening committee will review your application and invite 4-H members to an interview.  An in-person interview will be held on Saturday May 3 at the University of Maine in Orono.

         Deadline April 15, 2008      Submit Early!

Decisions Announced – May 23, 2008

            Decisions will be announced by the following methods:

§         By e-mail to all Extension Offices

§         By mail to all applicants

§         By newsletter in the following month 

Funding for this trip is generously provided by the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation but  there is a program contribution expected of 4-H members of $200 due two months before the trip. 

What will the judges be looking for? 

1. 4-H Story – Is the story well written, does it clearly demonstrate a commitment made to   4-H? To find out how to write your 4-H Story go to http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/youth/forms.htm#5 and click on the 4-H Story Link.
    
2. Resume – Is the resume complete, thorough, and carefully created to demonstrate all aspects of the member’s life?
   There are sample resumes in the same place as the 4-H Story.
   Look for Resume #1 and #2.
    

3.      Interview Judging

           Judges will look for the following characteristics:

1.      Mature and articulate applicant, good manners

2.      Ability to speak clearly and shows the ability to listen

3.      Can describe the value of community service

4.      Demonstrates leadership in 4-H

5.      Understanding of the value of the 4-H experience

Sample Interview Questions

·         Tell us how 4-H has helped you to develop leadership skills.

·         What do you think you will learn from the experience of National 4-H
Congress or Conference?

·         What are the key life skills you have mastered as a result of your 4-H work?

·         How has 4-H helped you to participate in service to your club, school and or community? 

·         Identify a problem or an issue where you wanted to see something changed. What strategies did you come up with to address the issue?  How satisfied were you with the outcome?

·         How have the experiences and learning you’ve had in 4-H helped you in other areas, perhaps academically, in career plans, or in other organizations.

For more information about these trips, check out these websites

 National 4-H Congress 

National 4-H Conference  

For more information on educational programs in your area, contact your county Extension office.