Wrapping it Up From the Mountains to the Coast....

It was a little bittersweet as we packed the van this morning knowing that at the end of the event we are headed home.  However before we can hit the road we had a few more things to accomplish before NC 4-H Congress is officially over.  As we headed back to our official work home in Raleigh, the McKimmon Center, buses were in front of the building loading the members who took part in the Citizenship track of Congress this year.  They were headed to the legislature to meet with our law makers and talk with them about 4-H.  In the meantime our leadership track participants were in a workshop polishing the skills they hope to use when they get back.
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.
At the end of the event our newly installed 4-H President came on stage and formally adjourned the 2014 4-H Congress.  We had just enough time to hug our friends, text cell phone numbers, friend each other on facebook, and then load up in the van for the long ride home.  As our delegates said on the way home...they can't wait to see what the next year has in store.