Michigan 4-H youth learn about leadership and citizenship during Citizenship Washington Focus
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EmailForty-three Michigan 4-H youth traveled to Washington, D.C. area from June 26 to July 2 to participate in the Citizenship Washington Focus program.
Every summer, thousands of youth from across the country are drawn to Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), a week-long 4-H citizenship program for teens ages 14 to 19. This year, 43 Michigan 4-H youth and six adult chaperones stayed in the Washington, D.C. area from June 26 to July 2 to participate in the program.
During their stay at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md., youth explored what it meant to be a good citizen, acting as strong civic leaders in their communities. As explained by the organizers of CWF, youth used Washington, D.C. as a living classroom, learning about the history of the nation, the leaders who shaped it and the role they, as the youth of America, have in the civic affairs of their hometowns.
The goals of the program were to provide youth opportunities to:
- Strengthen their communication, leadership and citizenship skills on a national level.
- Understand the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders.
- Exchange ideas, practice respect and form friendships with other youth from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience hands-on learning using the historical backdrop of Washington, DC.
- Discover and develop their leadership styles through a series of speakers, interactive workshops, field trips and social events.
- Customize their experience through committee work, choosing to serve on health, communication, talen, government, open mindedness or responsibility committees.
Youth also toured D.C., visiting important landmarks such as the Capitol Building, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, presidential and war monuments and memorials, and the Smithsonian museum.
For information on next year’s Citizenship Washington Focus event, visit the Michigan 4-H events webpage.
