South Dakota 4-H’ers can apply for 4-H trips

South Dakota 4-H'ers can apply for 4-H trips South Dakota 4-H members ages 16-19 can apply for four national 4-H trips planned for 2003.

South Dakota State University Extension Youth Development/4-H Specialist Carolyn Clague said applications are being taken now through Jan. 15, 2003, at local County Extension offices from youth interested in attending the 2003 National 4-H Conference, 2003 National 4-H Youth Directions Council, 2003 National 4-H Dairy Conference, and/or 2003 National 4-H Congress.

County Extension educators will forward the applications to the State 4-H Office in Brookings by Jan. 15, 2003. Final candidates considered for the trips will be interviewed by a statewide committee of youth development/4-H educators and specialists, volunteer 4-H leaders, past trip participants, and other qualified persons in late January or early February.

Delegates are awarded one national 4-H trip in a given year to represent the South Dakota 4-H program. Delegates of eligible age may choose to reapply the following years for an additional trip to attend.

The trips planned for 2003 are:

* National 4-H Conference, March 30-April 5, 2003, National 4-H Center, Chevy Chase, MD. Four delegates will attend.

* National 4-H Youth Directions Council, March 30-April 5, 2003, National 4-H Center, Chevy Chase, MD. One delegate will go.

* National 4-H Dairy Conference, Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2003, in Madison, WI. One delegate will go.

* National 4-H Congress, Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2003, in Atlanta, GA. Twelve delegates will attend.

Clague said each delegate selected for these four national 4-H trips will pay a $125 trip cost fee. The remaining costs, except for incidentals, will be paid by the South Dakota Livestock Industry 4-H Trust Fund and South Dakota 4-H Foundation.

To apply, the 4-H member needs to submit:

* A cover letter of one typewritten page (8" x 11") with one inch margins using 12 font size. List reasons for wanting to attend the event, a plan of action

for informing 50 youth or adults about the trip afterward, and signatures of the 4-H member, a parent or guardian, local 4-H club leader, and county Extension educator.

* A non-confidential, one-page letter of recommendation from someone such as a school teacher, coach, guidance counselor, Extension educator, 4-H club leader, employer, or pastor.

* A resume of three or less pages typewritten (8 1/2" x 11") with one inch margins using 12 font size. The resume should include:

The 4-H member's name, complete address, county, home phone number;

Size and scope of one, two, or three 4-H projects;

Significant 4-H awards, medals, or recognition received and year;

Learning experiences and participation in 4-H Youth-In-Action and number of people informed;

Knowledge and skills learned in 4-H project(s);

Accomplishments in 4-H Achievement, Citizenship/Community Service, and Leadership Projects;

Volunteering and participating in 4-H and non-4-H experiences such as school, church, community;

Three or less pages of photos showing 4-H project work and

accomplishments.

4-H members having questions about applying should contact their local county Extension office.