4-H Citizenship Washington Focus

Sixteen youth and two adults were in this year's southern Nebraska panhandle delegation to the 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) at the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, in late June.

Trip sponsor and Extension Educator in Cheyenne, Kimball-Banner Counties, Cynthia Gill said, the group began meeting in November to plan their nine-day trip that began in New York City.

Flying out of Denver International Airport on June 16, the delegates landed in Newark, New Jersey before boarding a bus that would take them on their week long journey.

In New York, the group visited Time Square, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the site of the World Trait Center.

Gill said while in New York the group also visited Broadway where, they discovered a love for the theater after attending the Broadway production of "Wicked"

"The Broadway show was amazing, I also enjoyed the little time that we spent in Times Square," said 4-H student, Riley Christensen. "I'm glad that I came and made so many new friends."

After New York, the group traveled to Philadelphia visiting Liberty Bell, riding the Philly Duck Boats, touring Gettysburg, and watching a Juneteenth parade before heading to the conference site in Chevy Chase, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC.

"My favorite part was running up the steps in Philadelphia just like Rocky did in the movie," said Noah Lake, Oshkosh.

According to Gill, every summer, thousands of young people participate in the 4-H CWF program to strengthen their communication, leadership, and citizenship skills on a national level.

At the conference, youth learnd to "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; and experience hands-on learning using the historical backdrop of Washington, DC," Gill said.

"Our delegation was at the conference center with delegations from Montana, Oklahoma, Kansas and Minnesota," said Gill. "It was a great opportunity for our youth to interact with people from other parts of the country."

As part of the conference, the group had breakfast at the Dirksen Senate Office Building with Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse, in addition to Nebraska Representatives Adrian Smith, Brad Ashford and Jeff Fortenberry.

"The Nebraska breakfast was a blast. I loved meeting the people who represent our state," said 4-H'er, Jaren Winstrom.

While in DC the panhandle delegates visited various memorials, the Smithsonian, and the Holocaust museum, said Gill.

"CWF is more than just another DC field trip – 4-H'ers learn essential civic leadership skills and leave with the tools that will allow them to bring about real change in their communities," Gill said.

"Participants enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at our nation's capital and the chance to meet Members of Congress, motivational speakers, educational workshops, and assemblies that increase individual commitment to citizen involvement and build lifetime skills for success," Gill said.

"My favorite part of the trip was visiting the monument in our nation's capital city. The Holocaust Museum, Iwo Jima Memorial and World War II Memorial were my favorites," said Panhandle delegate, Noah Nelson, "The trip was an eye-opening experience."