Character of Leadership

  Day two of 4-H Congress started off a little rough for our Robeson County delegation as they were still trying to recover from a long fun day of of Congress.  Of course all of that went by the wayside when we arrived at the McKimmon center for the awards program.  Youth were recognized for everything from district presentation and project record awards to 2016 national trip winners, and ambassador.  We are pleased to announce that Alex Evans received her bronze level 4-H Ambassador certification today.  That certification is a result of taking a variety of workshops, documenting what she learned, and completing another 15 hours of leadership and community service activities.
  After the awards our youth split into groups to work on a character scavenger hunt.  Each member of the group represented a different pillar of character and worked on a variety of activities.  Some were required to watch a video, others had to work on a drawing of a leader while some listed the qualities of a leader.  It was an exercise full of activity.
  After a brief break it was time to for  district meetings.  We discussed district business, were introduced to our incoming officers, and grilled our candidates for state office.  Of course during a little down time our honor club and incoming officers got a chance to lead camp songs, which they may not say was their favorite part of this experience.
After a demanding and grueling morning it was finally time for lunch from a favorite of Moe's.  Everyone made their own lunch from a variety of southwestern favorites and should have gotten plenty to eat.  After stuffing ourselves it was time to head out to our leadership workshops.
  Youth were split up by age and Congress Experience to take part in workshops lead by members of the Shelton Leadership Institute.  Our youth learned about respect, listening, stress, and are working to define their strengths and weaknesses as a part of these activities.
  We had a mid evening break to get a quick nap and a little something to eat.  Our delegation worked with the Cumberland County delegation to make a dinner plan and we all met back at our home away from home to eat together.  A little downtime was greatly appreciated by the entire crowd before heading back to McKimmon to continue on with our night.
  When we got back to campus the State 4-H President finished the last of the spotlight speeches.  We were then regaled with 4-H talent.  It has been years since a 4-H talent showcase has happened and tonight we viewed 5 out of 15 acts that will preform at Congress.
Tonight we had the opportunity to witness incredible singers, cloggers, and something that is best described as an interactive light dance.  It was really neat.
  After all of that it was time to visit the candidates booths and determine who our delegations wants to vote for.  Then it was time for the glow dance.  It sounds a little odd but basically it is like any dance but with black lights and glow sticks providing the lighting.  Our youth had a really good time and made lots of new friends on the dance floor.
  Then it was time for the delegation to meet and determine how our 19 electoral votes would be cast.  the group split a couple of votes and were unanimous on others.  They were respectful and listened to each voice and we will cast our votes today.  After a long night our youth will get to sleep in just a little in the morning before heading back out for a who new set of activities.  Stay tuned for all the fun.