Red Carpet Ready Teens!

4-H teens from across the Florida Panhandle convened at Camp Timpoochee February 17-19 for our Northwest Teen Retreat. This event is planned for teens by a committee of teens and adult advisors. The youth selected the theme of “Lights, Camera. Action”. This leadership event is a time for youth to participate in workshops and explore sparks related to different 4-H project areas.

The event kicked off with a pep rally and district games. This was followed by open recreation and camp tours. On Saturday, the youth participated in a Mindfulness workshop, as well as a workshop to learn about 4-H awards and scholarships. All youth took part in a service project, Boggy Bears. Teens cut out and sewed cloth teddy bears to donate to disabled youth attending Camp Boggy Creek next summer.

The youth had a choice of several fun shops to learn about 4-H projects, contests, and opportunities. Fishing, Tailgating, Dance, Cake Decorating, and Forensic Entomology workshops were offered to help youth explore their sparks. The event ended with a Red Carpet Dance and slideshow developed by Jefferson County teens. One youth shared:

My favorite part of Teen Retreat is getting to meet other 4-Hers from across the panhandle of Florida.

For more information about the 4-H Northwest Florida District Teen Retreat, or to join the committee to plan next year’s event, contact your local UF IFAS Extension Office. Additional events for Teens to explore careers and sparks include iLead, 4-H University, and 3rd Executive Board.