4-H teen delegate McKayla Tyrrell of Freehold recently represented Monmouth County at the 2013 Citizenship Washington Focus Conference.
“The conference provides opportunities for young people to identify individual citizenship rights and responsibilities,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to Monmouth County’s Cooperative Extension Service that includes the 4-H program. “Youths who attend this longstanding conference work to identify issues facing youths while exploring causes and possible solutions. They also meet with lawmakers, witness government in action and develop a personal citizenship action plan.”
During the week, Tyrrell and other delegates had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., landmarks, according to a press release.
Citizenship Washington Focus is a 4-H leadership program for high school youths. Delegates from across the country attend the six-day program just outside Washington, D.C. The program is aimed at enriching young people’s lives by broadening their appreciation and respect for themselves and others in the world, according to the press release.
Participants attend workshops, committee meetings, field trips and social events, giving them hands-on opportunities to learn and grow. They learn and practice skills that will make them better citizens and more successful individuals.
The 54th annual conference was held July 7-13 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md.
Financial assistance for travel and tuition costs is provided by the Monmouth County 4-H Association and the State 4-H Association.