Medford 4-H’er Attends National 4-H Congress

There were no leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches or Black Friday shopping for a group of Oklahoma 4-H’ers. Instead, they represented the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program at the 103rd National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kaylee Junghanns, Grant County 4-H’er from Medford, served as a delegate to this year’s National 4-H Congress. Oklahoma’s delegation of 14 club members, along with Oklahoma State University Extension 4-H educator Liz Taylor and McClain County volunteer Janet Triplitt, joined more than 1,000 other club members from across the country Nov. 24-28 for educational workshops, community service activities and recreational learning opportunities. 

Karla Knoepfli, Oklahoma State University Extension state volunteer specialist in the State 4-H Office, said National 4-H Congress is a wonderful experience in which 4-H members use many of the life skills they’ve learned.

“Oklahoma 4-H has always provided opportunities for our club members to travel outside of the state and meet 4-H’ers from other parts of the country,” Knoepfli said. “National 4-H Congress is a great place for youth to network, participate in community service projects and engage in leadership, global awareness and inclusion activities.”

Junghanns said she learned a lot while serving as a National Congress delegate.

“This trip was such an amazing experience. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be a delegate.” said Junghanns. “I learned so much about being a leader in and out of 4-H and met so many new people from across the country. I was honored to be selected as a Teen Entertainer for the week. I was also selected to sing the National Anthem at the National 4-H Congress Gala. It was such a great time.”

All of the National 4-H Congress delegates had an opportunity to participate in a variety of educational workshops on topics including team building, habits of successful teens, speed meeting and being the change.

Community service has long been a part of the 4-H program. Delegates were able to spend time and help at various places. The group sorted and packed books for children in Africa; helped organize the warehouse at Hosea Helps; helped with landscaping at the Atlanta History Center, Sandy Springs Parks and Decatur Parks; cleared brush and painted at Camp Fortson; and read books and helped with holiday preparations at various schools in the area.

Knoepfli said two of Oklahoma’s delegates were highlighted during National Congress. Bridger Arrington of Logan County was selected as a member of the national Youth Leadership Team and as a teen entertainer. His violin instrumental was performed at two functions. Grant County 4-H’er Kaylee Junghanns was also selected as a teen entertainer.  Her two performances showcased both guitar instrumental and vocal talents.

For many of Oklahoma’s delegates, it was their first visit to Atlanta. They were able to take part in several tours to learn more about the city, including Zoo Atlanta, College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium.

“I was amazed at the scenery of downtown Atlanta. It was truly breathtaking. My favorite part of the Aquarium tour was seeing the animals that I wouldn’t be able to see back home. My favorite was the Whale Shark. The Atlanta History Museum was awesome as well. Getting to see the older styles of ballroom dancing was so much fun.”

“National 4-H Congress is a time-honored tradition for many Oklahoma 4-H’ers. It’s a time to experience a different part of the country, meet new friends and learn new things,” Knoepfli said. “The experiences these club members had throughout their 4-H careers helped prepare this for this opportunity.”

Opportunities such as National 4-H Congress are made possible through generous donations to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, as well as valuable county donors. Delegates were selected through an application process.

Visit the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development website to learn more about the opportunities available to youth or contact the local county 4-H educator.  local 4-H educator.