To get everyone up and moving there was a rousing game of Simon Says in which our world champion workshop leader maintained his title. Then the youth broke into groups and worked on some team building skills. As a group they had to follow instructions and try to build the tallest free standing structure using straws, and tape. To make it a little more interesting the structure had to cradle a golf ball. Each group had different dynamics and different ways of accomplishing their tasks, some groups gave up, some pushed forward and when time was up the competition was looming over each table. With just inches separating the top structures it wasn't so much who won, but what they all learned. 
After our morning workshop the citizenship track delegates joined the group for a wonderful lunch. Kyle Scheele, gave a humorous speech that hit home for our delegates this year. He told the audience of almost 500 that they have the ability to change the world. Maybe not the entire world at one time, but they can make a difference starting in their corner of the world and maybe make that impression or that change in others who will help them spread their change to the rest of the world. After an enjoyable presentation, Laura Willis, NC 4-H President, gave her farewell address and moved the audience, fellow officers, as well as family and friends to a standing ovation. There was a slide show/video showing highlights of the 2014 Congress as well.
Monday at 4-H Congress kicked off with quite a start as we headed back into leadership workshops. Lead by the leadershape group, our youth took hold of leadership, tried to define it, and once again learned how 4-H offers our youth the chance to be leaders and make an imprint on the world. Our youth took time to define leadership and share it with the world via instagram. Then they had the chance to see leadership in a variety of forms via video. Our youth also took the time to say thank you to the leaders in their lives writing notes that they would give to those who meant a great deal to them. Lots of discussion was offered and opinions went around the room to help them form what would ultimately be their leadership goal.
After lunch it was time for more workshops before taking a break to get ready for the biggest night of 4-H Congress. This year they did things a little different with an awards dinner which honored our 4-H Scholarship winners, Hall of Fame inductees, and State 4-H Officers. After the expedited event it was time to get down to what everyone was waiting for; the election and dance. Our delegates turned in our official county ballot and watched on televisions in the dance while the results were tabulated. It did not take long to decide the positions of reporter and secretary but Vice President and President were too close, with a simple majority of votes not being received by any candidate so the it was time for a run off in both races. The top two candidates (those with the highest number of votes) were voted on again by each county. The race for Vice President was more defined but the race for President came down to the wire with a slim number of votes separating the two front runners. When all was said and done the officers were announced by our current state officers and they are: O'She Pittman, President; Drue Stinnett, Vice President; Brandon Hatman, Secretary/Tresurer; and Madaline Jones, Reporter. The announcement is just the beginning of what happens after the election as you will see.
As we left the McKinnon center it was time to head to Dorton Arena for the most traditional part of North Carolina 4-H Congress, the candle light clover ceremony. As we headed in there was a chalk outline of the 4-H clover on the floor. The newly elected officers were announced and then the limo with the current state officers drove in. As each was announced they got out of the car and waved one last time to the 4-H members and then took their seats at the top of the arena to watch what comes next. The members in attendance were lead out on the floor to stand in a formation that would make up the clover. As the lights were turned out the only light came from a barrel fire in the center of the clover. Each officer took the oath of office after lighting their candle from the barrel. After the state officer was inducted they passed the flame to their district counterparts and in turn they passed the flame to the members. At the end of the ceremony the 4-H clover was outlined in candlelight as each member held their candle high and sang the words to the "Gleen." 
It was time to hit the road running this Sunday morning of Congress. Literally hit the road running as part of the 4K for 4-H. Each county delegate was asked to get sponsors for the run/walk. The 4K had two main focuses: the first to raise awareness of health and fitness needs in our state; the second was to raise money for a non profit back in our county. Our 4-H Delegates were ready and raring to go at the start line, stretching and prepared to finish this challenge. When the signal sounded they were off and walking really fast. Two of our delegation jogged the entire course and were the first two across the finish line at just over 40 minutes. The next member of our delegation came across the line about five minutes later and the last two made it in at just over 50 minutes. By finishing the course they raised $250 dollars for United Way of Robeson County. 
After the informative workshops it was time for a quick dinner before heading back and helping one of the Southeast district candidates for state office with their booth. After a brief assembly it was time to meet the candidates for state office. This year there were three candidates for reporter, three for Sectary, four running for Vice President, and three vying for the top leadership position of President. After having the opportunity to meet the candidates it was time to let their haird down Ann dance the night away. 
You might think after an evening of politics and dancing we would be exhausted, but our work was not done. Once we returned to the dorm it was time for a county huddle and for our youth to cast our 15 electoral votes for the candidates they felt would serve 4-H the best. We can't let the cat out of the bag in terms of who we voted for but we will let you know how excited are tomorrow night when the votes have been cast and counted. Stay tuned for all the excitement.
First up was Promise Thorton with the Voices in Praise 4-H club. She was competing in the 9-10 year old division of public speaking. After wowing the judges on why they should use 911 she was rewarded with a silver medal. Imagine going all the way to state and placing second your first year out. Way to go Promise!
