In the past, the conferences were held on separate days, but participants told organizers that combining the two would be more convenient, said organizer Allen Auck, Ohio 4-H program manager for events and activities. In all, about 730 teenage 4-H members and 975 adult volunteers registered to attend.
"As far as we can tell, this is shaping up to be the largest 4-H event of its kind in the nation," Auck said. "It is the largest 4-H conference we've ever had in the state."
In addition to the hundreds of sessions being offered, two community service projects are planned:
- Participants will be able to purchase Best in Show Pet Treats (http://www.pettreats4youth.com/) and donate them to the Clark County Humane Society for the 367 dogs recently rescued from an over-crowded, infested shelter, which are now being housed and cared for at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Ohio 4-H had previously arranged to have Best in Show Pet Treats at the conference as a fund-raiser, Auck said -- half of the proceeds will go to 4-H to help plan next year's Teen Conference. Now, participants will be able to donate dog treats they purchase to help care for the needy animals.
- Participants are also being asked to bring toiletries to help fill ditty bags made by 4-H volunteers from throughout the state, to donate to veterans' hospitals.
Contact: Allen Auck, 614-247-8148 (office) or 614-371-9241 (cell)
What: Ohio 4-H Teen Conference and Ohio 4-H Volunteer Conference
When: Saturday, March 12, 2011, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus
Why: Largest gathering of 4-H members in Ohio, possibly in nation
More than 330,000 Ohio youths, including more than 46,000 high schoolers (grades 9-12), are involved in Ohio 4-H clubs and programs, with more than 20,000 adult volunteers assisting. Ohio 4-H is the youth development program of Ohio State University Extension, cooperatively supported by federal, state and county funds