4-H Junior Leadership Retreat slated for Nov. 7-9 near Brownwood

BROWNWOOD – 4-H members ages 9-14 accompanied by adult chaperones will have an opportunity to hone their skills in several program areas during the Junior Leadership Retreat Nov. 7-9 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center near Lake Brownwood.

“The Junior Leadership Retreat features Texas 4-H Council members conducting hands-on educational workshops with younger 4-H members,” said Mark Carroll, center program director.

He said this year’s program will focus on increasing knowledge and skills in five 4-H project areas — healthy lifestyles, photography judging, agricultural issues, parliamentary procedure/Leaders 4 Life and public speaking.

Retreat registration begins at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, followed by general orientation at 9 p.m. and adult chaperone orientation at 9:30 p.m.

Each county sending 4-H youth to the retreat must provide adult chaperones for the weekend.

Nov. 8 activities start at 7:30 a.m., followed by a flag ceremony and breakfast, with the first of the day’s three general assemblies beginning at 8:30 a.m. The remainder of the day will have concurrent sessions on the five programming areas.

Evening activities will start at 6:15 p.m. with a flag lowering ceremony and dinner, followed by a 7:30 p.m. presentation on state and national opportunities for 4-H youth and a costumed theme dance.

Adjournment is set for 11 a.m. Nov. 9.

“While this is a learning retreat, the main ingredient for the whole weekend is a sense of fun,” Carroll said. “The State 4-H Council members take pride in showcasing their creativity, which will become apparent at the Saturday Night Theme Dance. This year’s theme is ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go,’ where attendees will come dressed up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character. All the council members plan to be in costume, so it should be fun for everyone.”

After the Saturday evening dance, campers will gather for the closing ceremony and to reflect on the day’s activities.

Individual registration is $115 for youth and $80 for adult chaperones. The fees include two nights lodging, four meals, snacks and program fees. Online registration is currently available through Nov. 3 at the 4-H center website, http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu. The site also provides a property tour and directions.

For more information, contact Carroll at 325-784-5482 or jmcarroll@ag.tamu.edu.

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