Junior Conference is a recreational and educational opportunity planned for 4-H’ers in the 6th through 8th grades. The weekend includes workshops and education sessions, along with opportunities for community service and exhibits planned by and led by the Junior Board of Directors. Recreational programs for 4-H’ers are included to allow 4-H’ers to interact with youth from all over Georgia. Educational workshops, community service, and recreation are led by high school-aged Teen Leaders.
The Junior District Board of Directors did an excellent job laying the groundwork to make this a very memorable event. They chose a music-inspired theme for this year’s event, with the slogan “Rockin’ and Rollin’ at the Rock!”
11/11/2023 — Junior Conference (6th-8th grade)
Full-time registration is $90.00/participant and includes Saturday lunch and dinner, lodging, and Sunday breakfast.
- Participants registered after the close of registration (Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 12:00 PM) will be charged a $5.00 late fee. Drops after this day will incur a $30.00 cancelation fee.
- Registration is first come, first serve, and space is limited.
- Register through the local Extension Office
| DATES AT A GLANCE: Wednesday, October 25, 2023: All Teen Leader applications due by 5:00 PM (Workshop Instructor; Service Leader; Recreation Leader) Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 12:00 PM: Registration closes, and you will need to contact Jade Andrews Haston by e-mail (bjand626@uga.edu) after this day for edits, drops, and additions. Exhibitors are on a first-come first-serve basis. The first 100 exhibitors checked in Event registration will be allowed. Last day to “Replace” for Junior Conference with no additional charge, meaning: Any additions after this day will incur a $5.00 late fee Drops after this day will incur a $30.00 cancelation fee Friday, November 3, 2023: Postmark Junior Conference payment to State 4-H Office. |
Pop Tabs: We will continue to collect aluminum pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Georgia. Although there are several options for turning in pop tabs listed in the event letter, I did want to highlight our preferred method for this year: Sell your pop tabs locally and bring a check with you to Junior Conference. A receipt from the recycling center with the total weight must be attached.
Teen Leaders: We are seeking certified teen leaders to serve in various leadership roles, such as workshop instructors, community service leaders, or recreation leaders. Not only are they key to help make Junior Conference a success, but they are also an excellent portfolio opportunity for high school aged 4-H’ers! Teen leaders must commit to the entire weekend because they will have other duties in addition to their selected role; there are no exceptions to this. Selected teens must be certified teen leaders. No other teen leaders are allowed to attend Junior Conference. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, teen leaders may only apply for one teen leader opportunity. Additionally, with scheduling conflicting with rehearsals, Clovers & Co. members are not able to apply.
- Teen leader registration is $45.00/participant and includes Saturday lunch and dinner, lodging, and Sunday breakfast.
- Workshop Instructor: Based on their application, selected teen leaders will teach a prepared workshop on one of the three Georgia 4- H content areas: Agriculture & STEM, Civic Engagement, or Healthy Living. Workshop instructors will teach their assigned lesson four times throughout the weekend.
- Recreation Leader: Based on their experience and hobbies listed on the application, selected teen leaders will be assigned to lead participants in various recreation options.
- Community Service Leader: Selected community service projects should be easy to do in a short time frame and provide something for a group in need. Examples are letters to military families or 4-H donors, decorations for a senior center, caps for cancer patients, etc. Selected teen leaders must supply materials and may submit receipts for reimbursement of supplies up to $25.00.
- Teen Leader Application: https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8IWD6vz2CejG3vo
Why Promote this Event:
Through the 4-H Miltiary Conference Teen Panel, we learned that teens want to participate in new activities, connect with each other, and do activities that are engaging. Junior Conference fits the former perfectly. The event is all about connection as it allows teens from all over to come together for hands-on workshops and fun. Youth enjoy events that are away from their homes and that are overnight. For military staff, this is an opportunity to promote an engaging event for middle schoolers without having to fund it, plan it, or manage staff time for it. Lastly, both 4-H and our military partners have seen a drop in middle school retention in activities. Let’s focus on our middle schoolers by bringing them together and showing them just how fun 4-H can be!
Local Connection:
If you plan to promote this event please connect with your local UGA Extension Office to receive the local flyer and any additional details you need to know to support military youth registration.