New Jersey 4-H Members learned about government processes in the vibrant, living classroom of the nation's capital as part of Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), an intensive 4-H civic engagement program for high-school youth held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The New Jersey 4-H delegation of 30 youth and 3 adult chaperones attended week 6 of the conference from July 5-11.
Hunterdon County delegates attending this year's conference were: Ashlyne Bacorn, Teresa Coppola, Rachel Czerna, Isabella Razzano, Emily Szmul and Eva Rose Tillett.
For the past 57 years, the National 4-H Youth Conference Center has invited 4-H members from across the country to travel to Washington, D.C. and participate in civic workshops, committees, and field trips before returning home to make positive changes in their own communities. CWF not only strengthens young people's understanding of the government's civic process, but it also boosts their leadership skills, communication skills, and overall confidence.
Youth got a behind-the-scenes look at the nation's capital while meeting with Members of Congress to learn more about how their government works. At the end of the program, youth develop action plans to address important issues in their communities.
"CWF is a great opportunity for young people to come together, discuss the problems they see in their communities, and identify solutions to make their communities stronger. The experiences that young people gain during CWF gives them the proper tools and confidence to become successful, articulate leaders in the future." said Jeannette Rea-Keywood, State 4-H Agent, Department of 4-H Youth Development.
For more information about the New Jersey 4-H Program visit http://nj4h.rutgers.edu/.