Conferences
4-H offers a variety of conferences focusing on citizenship, leadership, and teamwork skills. Conferences allow youth members to form new friendships, gain new skills, broaden their perspective of the 4-H program, and explore new parts of the nation, as these conferences are held across the United States.
Explore the following conferences that 4-H has to offer:
- 4-H Youth Summits
- Civic Engagement Academy (California Focus)
- Citizenship Washington Focus
- National 4-H Conference
- State Leadership Conference
What is it?
This is a three day weekend leadership conference with educational workshops, a motivational speaker, and fun activities to strengthen communication and teamwork skills.
Who can attend?
The Southern Youth Summit participants are intermediate 4-H'ers aged 11-13 and the conference is planned by a team of senior 4-H members aged 14-19.
Where is it held?
The Southern Youth Summit is held at Pathfinder Ranch in Mountain Center, CA.
How much does it cost?
Prices may vary from year to year, but as of 2023:
- In Person - $175.00
- Virtual - $40.00
- Virtual AND In Person - $210 ($5.00 discount)
How can I register or learn more?
Want to register or learn more? Click here.
How can I be a staff member?
Apply to be a staffer today! Contact the references listed on the current application form above for more information.
Civic Engagement Academy (California Focus)
What is it?
Civic Engagement Academy (California Focus) brings together 4-H members from across California to experience California's government in action with participation in the legislative, political, and judicial processes in our State Capitol, Sacramento.
What will I learn? What will I do as a participant?
- The election process: Register to vote, conduct a primary election, and develop a political campaign through a two party system
- Analyze the needs and issues of your district and enact legislation for the "governor" to sign into law
- Learn about the components of a bill; write and propose one of your own
- Create a plan of action (service learning project) for your community
- Meet California law makers
- Tour the State Capitol, Governor's office and 3rd District Court of Appeals
- Participate in fun activities, tours and cultural events
- Make new friends
Who can attend?
Youth ages 14-19 may attend. Youth must be at least 14 years old by the time of the conference. If you are not a current 4-H member, please contact Jenna Colburn.
Where is it?
California Focus is set in Sacramento, California's capital, participants will tour the State Capitol building. Governor's Office, and 3rd District Court of Appeals. Workshops and lodging TBD.
How much does it cost?
Prices may vary from year to year.
- 5 days and 4 nights of hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner for entire conference, plus snacks. Note: one lunch is on your own.
- Conference polo shirt
- Conference material
How can I register?
Check California's 4-H events page here for registration details.
What is it?
Citizenship Washington Focus is 4-H's premier week-long leadership and citizenship program for high school students. CWF brings together 4-H delegations from across the country to engage in civic discussions and problem solving, giving participants the chance to learn about different experiences and perspectives.
CWF participants:
- Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at our nation's capital and the chance to meet members of Congress
- Develop communication, leadership and citizenship skills through hands-on learning and group activities
- Build new and lasting friendships
CWF is more than a Washington, D.C. field trip - it's an opportunity for 4-H'ers to learn how to be citizen leaders and make a difference in their communities.
Who can attend?
Citizenship Washington Focus is a week-long 4-H citizenship program for youth ages 15-19.
How much does it cost?
Prices may vary.
(Conference Only)
This 8-day trip is packed with educational adventure as participants tour our nation's Capitol and learn how our national government works. Trip includes a pre-conference day of sightseeing plus attendance at National 4-H's Citizenship Washington Focus Conference which includes touring many of the major sites in the National Mall. Cost includes transportation (air & ground), housing, and most meals plus access to the tour sites.
(Conference & Extended Trip to Gettysburg, Philadelphia & Baltimore)
This 11-day trip includes the above "conference only" package plus 4 extra days of educational tours of Gettysburg, PA, Philadelphia, PA and Baltimore, MD. Cost includes transportation (air & ground), housing, and most meals plus access to the tour sites.
Check back at California 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus here for pricing details.
How can I apply?
Imperial County 4-H will be hosting interviews TBA for all those interested in attending Citizenship Washington Focus. Check the "Calendar" tab for information specific to this year.
What is it?
The National 4-H Conference is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture's premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program.
This event brings together youth, volunteer leaders, and state and county extension staff members from across the United States, the U.S. territories, and the Canadian provinces.
This is a working conference in which delegates choose an important societal topic and prepare a briefing in round table groups. During the conference, the groups present their briefing to federal officials around the Washington, D.C. area.
Who can attend?
Delegates who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Have not represented California 4-H Youth Development at the National 4-H Conference before
- Will be at least 16 years of age on December 31st the program year.
Where is it held?
The National 4-H Conference is a working conference held at the TBD. Delegates will also travel around Washington, D.C. to visit historic monuments and to present to their federal official partners.
How much does it cost?
California 4-H typically sends a delegation of five 4-H members to the National 4-H Conference. After an application process, these five members are chosen and their expenses for the trip are covered by California 4-H.
How can I apply?
4-H members who are interested in attending the National 4-H Conference must submit an online application in early November.
Application requirements:
- Online application
- 4-H Resume - Include as an attachment on your online application. For more information on how to build a 4-H Resume, visit the 4-H Resumes page
- Reference Survey- The person serving as your reference will have to complete the online survey before the deadline.
Ready to apply? Complete the application here
What is it?
The California 4-H State Leadership Conference (SLC) is an annual summer event in which youth come together from across California to enrich their leadership skills, expand their networking system, gain insight from various projects areas, and have a memorable, fun learning experience.
At the conference, there are multiple educational sessions to attend, a motivational speaker, a County Ambassador workshop, a State Ambassador panel, and fun activities that all youth will enjoy!