"The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program
Engages Youth in Reaching Their Fullest Potential while
Advancing the Field of Youth Development."
4-H State Leadership Conference
The 4-H State Leadership Conference brings together high school youth from across California in a four-day leadership training, networking, and learning experience. The Conference provides advanced leadership training for high school 4-H members. The Conference is an opportunity for 4-H members to network and share ideas with other 4-Hers from across the state. The Conference focuses on providing high school youth with experiential education on leadership development, civic engagement, college admissions and other 4-H project areas.
Youth delegates gain exposure to the campus by living in the residence halls, eating in the dining commons, and participating in educational sessions, many of which are taught by UC faculty and staff.
The conference is planned by a team of high school 4-H members and adult advisors. Working in strong youth-adult partnership, the team designs the educational, recreational and logistical components of the conference.
History of the State Leadership Conference
In 1914, 143 4-Hers traveled to the University Farm in Davis to attend the first State 4-H Convention honoring 4-H contest winners. The 4-H members stayed for three days in canvas tents. The Conference changed in 1960 to the current 4-H State Leadership Conference to help to improve leadership skills... In 1951, over 1,100 4-H Club members attended the Annual 4-H State Convention at UC Davis. Members saw demonstrations presented by prominent scientists and teachers, the selection of the State Dress Revue winner, and Talent Show winner. Read more about the 1951 Convention.
2009 California 4-H State Leadership Conference
August 6 - 9, 2009
UC Merced "SLC: It's a Big DEAL"
For high school 4-H members, 4-H volunteer leaders and 4-H staff
$375.00 per person
Registration Packet (with Forms A, B, C, D) (Word) (PDF)
Financial Aid Forms (Word) (PDF)
Educational Session Descriptions (Word) (PDF)
County Office Instructions (Word) (PDF)
May 15, 2009 - Financial Aid Applications Due
May 29, 2009 - Financial Aid Selection Notifications
June 12, 2009 – Public Registration Deadline
June 30, 2009 – County 4-H Office Registration Deadline
Last Day for a Refund
Paperwork, Fees, and Chaperone Sharing Forms Due (from County Offices)
4-H Information System (WRP) closes for County 4-H Offices
Maximum Registration: 550
Current Registration: 457 as of Saturday, November 07, 2009 at 3:52:15 PM
County in the lead with the most registrations:
Butte with 30 registrations
Runner-Up: Los Angeles with 28 registrations
Current Registration Statistics (HTML)
Count of Delegates from Counties (HTML)
Current Workshop Sign-ups (HTML)
Motivational Speakers
Thursday Opening Speaker: Keith Davis
Keith Davis is a Rose Bowl Champion, professional football player, academic scholar student, and a motivational speaker. You may have seen him on ESPN, ABC, USA Today or Sports Illustrated. With his over-the-top performances at many assemblies across the globe, Keith motives, inspires and teaches the youth of today just how important it is to be yourself and do the best you can at whatever you do. He uses every muscle he has to encourage his crowds and “wow” his audience!!
Saturday Keynote Speaker: Joyce Ester, Ph.D.
Joyce Ester is an outgoing, competitive, and caring person. She enjoys reading, traveling, and is currently training to run a marathon. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she now resides in Clovis, California and is the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at California State University, Fresno. Joyce’s love for student development and student learning began at Northern Illinois University. When asked why she does the work that she does, Joyce's response is simple, "Someone was there for me and it is my responsibility to do the same for others." Joyce has spoken to both large and small groups as a motivational speaker. In her programs, she discusses her research passions including generational differences, racial identity, social identity, and group cohesion.
Sunday: Cary Trivanovich
Cary Trivanovich is a lecturer/speaker, theatre director and performance artist, noted for his revolutionary pantomime. Cary inspired delegates to the 2005 Conference and is making a reappearance at this year's 4-H State Leadership Conference! Cary’s world-class comedian-style performances will be some of the funniest moments that you will ever see in a live show. But it is Cary's finale that draws youth audiences everywhere to their feet. Get ready for an inspiring and comical show!
Recreation
Ongoing Spirit Challenge
Who will this year’s spirit challenge be awarded to? Will it be the North, North Central, South Central or South section? Arrive early to each assembly and evening recreation to earn points for your section!
NEW! Thursday Opening Assembly SWAP and MEET!
Meet with youth from other counties while the adults are in their chaperone orientation! This is a great way for delegates to swap inexpensive items like a lapel pin, sticker, button, bookmark or small token and meet other delegates. Delegates should bring enough items to swap with approximately 200-300 other delegates. Delegates may want to bring a bag, scarf, or something in which to collect their souvenirs.
Thursday Evening - Colossal Carnival
Come clown around on the field with inflatable games and BIG carnival fun! Catch up with friends of the past and get to know some new fellow 4Hers. Keep your eyes open for our surprise guest performer!
Friday Evening - Gargantuan Games Galore
With life size chess, giant slip and slide, and intense spirit competitions, we’re going BIG with Friday night’s recreation. Make sure you wear cloths you won’t mind getting wet. Beat the heat by joining in on the awesome water recreation!
Saturday Evening - Marvelous Masquerade Ball
For one night and one night only… Get decked out in your formal wear and be ready to dance the night away! It’s a Masquerade Ball so… have a cool mask? Show it off! If not stop by and make one while you’re there. Whether you’re on the dance floor or not, you’ll be sure to have a blast with all the friends you’ve made at SLC 2009. Don’t forget to stop by and take a formal picture with your county!
Education
The Conference provides high school youth with experiential education on leadership, citizenship, healthy living, science, engineering and technology! Throughout the four day conference, delegates will participate in nine hours of sessions led by staff, adult volunteers, teen colleagues and others.
Delegates select the sessions they want to attend. Sessions have a maximum number cap and are on a first-come, first served basis. Register today to reserve your spot! Sessions cover a variety of topics so check-out the Education Booklet for a listing and description of sessions.
Friday Educational Tracks & Mini Tracks – On Friday, August 7, youth and adult delegates will participate in either one full day, 5-hour track OR two half day, 2.5 hour mini-tracks. Saturday Educational Workshops A, B, and C – On Saturday, August 8, youth and adult delegates will participate in three, 1.25 hour sessions.
Sunday Career and Community Service Fair – On Sunday, August 9, youth and adult delegates will have an hour and a half to view various community organizations, college admissions and do hands-on projects.
Recognition for All Stars
Thursday evening – All Star Afterhours
Hey All Stars! Come join us for the All Star After Hours. Get the chance to meet teams from across California. This event is offered exclusively to the All Stars and it’s a privilege you’ve definitely earned. The 4-H State Ambassador team will provide a night of high-energy competitions, interactive activities, and team building games that will get you pumped. You won’t be leaving empty handed so don’t miss out on this awesome event! Sign-up on the registration form by selecting the All Star/Advisor delegate type.
Saturday All Star Luncheon
Hey All Stars! We know you work so hard every year and do such a great job at representing the 4-H program on so many levels both within the organization and publicly that we want to thank you by inviting you to our All Star Luncheon. This is where All Stars from all over the state will meet to enjoy a great lunch and maybe even have some fun. We hope you will join us so we can thank you for all your hard work and so you can meet some other incredible 4-Her's. We are looking forward to seeing you there! Sign-up on the registration form by selecting the “All Star Luncheon” checkbox.
4-H Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Henry Brooks Adams once said, "A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops." Our 4-H volunteers are more than just chauffeurs and chaperones, they are the foundation that 4-H'ers stand upon. They are behind the scenes in every victory that we have as individuals and this year to recognize their efforts we will be having a Leaders Breakfast on Sunday morning. This is a great time for all you leaders to come eat a great breakfast and enjoy connecting with other adult leaders from around the state. We hope to see you there! Sign-up on the registration form by selecting the “Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast” checkbox.
4-H Alumni Reception
A new event! Being held at UC Merced and open to 4-H Alumni not attending the Conference.
4-H Alumni from around California are invited to the Conference on Friday, August 7, 2009 at UC Merced from 7-10pm. Join fellow 4-H Alumni for a night of fun, elegance and 4-H! To receive a formal invitation or to send an invitation to a
4-H alumni, please contact Morgan Lynch, Assistant Conference Director at adaisyforjoy@gmail.com or 707-360-7839.
4-H State Leadership Conference
Important Dates
Thursday Opening Speaker: Keith Davis 
Saturday Keynote Speaker: Joyce Ester, Ph.D.
Sunday: Cary Trivanovich
Friday Evening - Gargantuan Games Galore 
Education
Recognition for All Stars
