Events

Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference

Photo from Junior Leadership Conference

Description

The Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference (JLC) is a weekend event that provides junior high delegates with a look into leadership development and opportunities within the 4-H program. This conference is totally planned, implemented, and evaluated by the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team. Description of the 2010 workshops that are being offered can be seen in the promotional brochure.

Purpose

This opportunity offers youth delegates in 7th and 8th grade a chance to develop their leadership skills, meet and interact with youth across the state, and view state leadership opportunities in action while networking with the State 4-H Youth Leadership Team.

Objectives

Delegates who attend will:

  • Learn about opportunities available to youth leaders in Illinois, including regional and state leadership teams, state committees, events, etc.
  • Explore various 4-H projects in depth and with hands-on activities, so they may take information and activities back to their local clubs and start using the leadership skills learned.
  • Participate in active games and mixers that they may take back to their local clubs and use to build their (and other members’) leadership skills.
  • Interact with 4-H members from across the state to learn about 4-H programming in other counties and form new friendships.

Target Audience

JLC is open to 7th and 8th grade 4-H members and Operation Military Kids (OMK) Extension participants. At the 2010 event, these members will also be allowed to bring along one non-4-H friend. Adult Chaperones must be age 21 and must have been approved by the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Screening procedures. They must also have completed the on-line Overnight Chaperone Orientation Certification at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/4hchaperone/. Chaperones will be expected to be responsible for a maximum of 10 youth of the same gender – those youth may be from other Extension Units.

Dates and Location

JLC is scheduled for Saturday/Sunday, February 20-21, 2010. The event will be held at Lake Williamson Camp and Conference Center, Carlinville, IL.

Cost

The 2010 conference will cost $98 for an individual registration. A group rate is offered at $93 per person if 4 or more 4-H members attend from the same Extension unit. The fee covers JLC programming; lodge room (w/ 3 other delegates); and 3 meals. Adult chaperones are expected to pay the full $98 fee. (Discounts will consist of refunds after the youth have attended the conference.)

The Illinois 4-H Foundation will offer a limited number of $25 scholarships that must be applied for. Some local Extension offices may offer scholarships for delegates and chaperones; individuals should check with their local University of Illinois Extension staff about that possibility.

Requirements of Participants

Delegates must register/apply on-line and pay the $98 fee. The registration deadline is Monday, January 25, 2010. (Specific instructions regarding payment are provided on the registration site.)

Delegates are also required to complete and mail in advance the following pieces:

These pieces must be postmarked by Tuesday, January 26, 2010.

Chaperones must register on-line at the same website and are required to complete the same three pieces of paperwork mentioned above.

Contacts

State 4-H Office & YLT Advisor Contact (for questions regarding program and payments): Debra Stocker, dstocker@illinois.edu
           
YLT Advisor Contacts (for questions regarding program) – Judy Schmidt, schmid7@illinois.edu or Steve Wagoner, wagoners@illinois.edu