Written by Megan Cameron, 2016 National 4-H Congress Delegate and 2016-2017 State 4-H Cabinet Vice President
During the 2016 Virginia 4-H Congress, I was waiting outside of the interview room with my portfolios and laptop. Weeks in advance, I prepared a nine-page resume containing every detail about my 4-H experience along with a slide show. When it was my turn, I came into the room, set up my laptop, shared my 4-H story with everyone, and answered some questions from my interviewers. A day later I received a letter informing me that 11 other delegates and I had been selected to attend the 2016 National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia.
National 4-H Congress started the day after Thanksgiving. Everyone brought pins that represented their state and traded with one other, which encouraged us to meet new people. Each night we had amazing guest speakers who motivated and empowered everyone in the audience. Throughout the week we attended a variety of exciting workshops, from Junk Drawer Robotics, to Healthy Gourmet, to even Dancing with the Stars. Our second night we had an international dinner and dance. We ate food from around the world and danced the night away. We also visited the Atlanta History Center and learned the basics to ballroom dancing and African dance. Our fourth day we spent most of our afternoon volunteering at multiple locations. My group visited an elementary school and taught 5th graders about cotton production. I was also able to tour the Atlanta CNN Headquarters and visit the Centennial Olympic Park.
National 4-H Congress was one of the most exciting and memorable weeks of my life. I became very close friends with many on that trip. I was also pushed outside of my comfort zone and became more outgoing. I urge other 4-Hers to apply to attend this wonderful event, for it is truly an amazing experience.