{"id":30309,"date":"2026-01-30T15:31:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T20:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/?p=30309"},"modified":"2026-01-30T15:31:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T20:31:34","slug":"maine-4-hers-trip-to-national-4-h-congress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/2026\/01\/30\/maine-4-hers-trip-to-national-4-h-congress\/","title":{"rendered":"Maine 4-H\u2019ers Trip to National 4-H Congress"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"mailto:emily.pigeon@maine.edu\">Emily Bishop<\/a>, 4-H Community Education Assistant for Penobscot County, shares her experience:<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-30310\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Welcome-Sign-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Four 4-H youth stand with a large sign that says Welcome 4-H National Congress\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Welcome-Sign-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Welcome-Sign-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Welcome-Sign-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Welcome-Sign-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Welcome-Sign-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Welcome-Sign-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Welcome-Sign-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Welcome-Sign.jpg 836w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Each fall, teens from across the country get selected as state delegates to gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for <em>National 4\u2011H Congress.<\/em> This year, I had the privilege of chaperoning four Maine delegates, and I\u2019d like to share what the experience was like for myself and our four Maine youth who attended.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What Makes National 4\u2011H Congress Special<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Congress brings together hundreds of motivated teens for 5 days of leadership development, community service, cultural exploration, and connection\u2011building. It\u2019s fast\u2011paced, energizing, and full of opportunities for youth to stretch themselves.<\/p>\n<p>By the end of day one, two delegates reported:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>\u201cI loved getting to listen to the teen performances today. They picked great songs and are really talented.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u201cEven though I am exhausted from traveling, I had an absolute blast!\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What Youth Experience During the Trip<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-30311\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Community-Service-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Three youth raking leaves \" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Community-Service-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Community-Service-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Community-Service-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Community-Service-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Community-Service-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Community-Service-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Community-Service-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Community-Service.jpg 836w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Throughout the week, delegates participate in workshops, service projects, keynote sessions, and cultural events. Some of the highlights for our group included:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hands\u2011on workshops, one of which was led by Georgia College and State University, where youth explored activities that depended on communication skills<\/li>\n<li>Inspiring keynote speakers like Dr. Layman Hicks and John Beede<\/li>\n<li>Community service project at Sandy Springs Parks<\/li>\n<li>Cultural events: International Dinner, Atlanta History Center, and Gala<\/li>\n<li>Opportunities to meet teens from across the country<\/li>\n<li>Field trips to Truist Park, Georgia Aquarium, and Zoo Atlanta<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>One youth shared:\u00a0<em>\u201cIt was so nice to get outside today. Doing clean-up at the park made me feel like I was back home.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Another said:\u00a0<em>\u201cI got to talk to someone about lamb projects today! She gave me some ideas that I am going to take back to my club.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>What the Experience was Like for Emily<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-30312\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"A large room full of youth sitting in chairs while a speaker stands with a screen that says Stay Motivated\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-634x845.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-846x1128.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-951x1268.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-1268x1691.jpg 1268w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Guest-Speaker-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As a chaperone, I had the joy of watching our delegates grow more confident each day. As they all opened up, I got to know them as individuals both within and outside of 4-H. As I encouraged them to take advantage of every opportunity, I got to see them as team players and leaders. By the end of the trip, we all gained some new close friends.<\/p>\n<p>From my perspective: <em>\u201cThere were some really great keynote speakers that I wish I had gotten to hear when I was a teenager. They were inspiring and motivational to all, young and old.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Who Should Consider Applying<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Congress is a great fit for youth who are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Interested in leadership or service<\/li>\n<li>Excited to meet new people<\/li>\n<li>Ready for a structured, fast\u2011paced environment<\/li>\n<li>Curious about new ideas and cultures<\/li>\n<li>Looking to deepen their 4\u2011H involvement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>One delegate put it simply:\u00a0<em>\u201cAs Dr. Hicks said, \u2018Get off you but!\u2019 The one with one t, not two.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>How Families Can Prepare<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-30313\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Yoga-Workshop-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Youth sitting on the floor with yoga mats\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Yoga-Workshop-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Yoga-Workshop-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Yoga-Workshop-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Yoga-Workshop-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Yoga-Workshop-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Yoga-Workshop-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Yoga-Workshop-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Yoga-Workshop.jpg 836w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If your child is considering applying, it can help to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Connect with 4-H staff and previous attendees<\/li>\n<li>Review application materials together<\/li>\n<li>Talk about goals and interests<\/li>\n<li>Practice interview skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Even the application process itself helps youth grow.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>National 4\u2011H Congress is more than a trip; it\u2019s an experience that stays with youth long after they return home. They come back inspired, connected, and ready to take on new challenges with a newfound \u201c<em>Courage to Grow and Heart to Serve\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-30314\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Gala-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Group of youth and chaperones dressed up for the formal gala.\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Gala-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Gala-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Gala-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Gala-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Gala-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Gala-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Gala-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/Congress-Gala.jpg 836w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Emily Bishop, 4-H Community Education Assistant for Penobscot County, shares her experience: Each fall, teens from across the country get selected as state delegates to gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for National 4\u2011H Congress. This year, I had the privilege of chaperoning four Maine delegates, and I\u2019d like to share what the experience was like for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":112,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30309","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Maine 4-H\u2019ers Trip to National 4-H Congress - Cooperative Extension: 4-H - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/2026\/01\/30\/maine-4-hers-trip-to-national-4-h-congress\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Maine 4-H\u2019ers Trip to National 4-H Congress - Cooperative Extension: 4-H - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Emily Bishop, 4-H Community Education Assistant for Penobscot County, shares her experience: Each fall, teens from across the country get selected as state delegates to gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for National 4\u2011H Congress. 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