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.
Over 70 teens from across the panhandle participated in last year’s retreat, sponsored by Farm Credit of NW FL.
Interested in meeting other 4-H teens across the district? Do you love camp? Would you like to be more prepared for state events like 4-H Legislature or 4-H U? What about scholarships for college? If any of these questions caught your attention, then Teen Retreat is tailor made for you! Last year, a committee of youth and adults put together a weekend event to help teens grow their leadership, communication and workforce skills. With lots of positive feedback from last year’s participants, we are planning another event for 2017.
WHO: Teens ages 13-18 in the Northwest District of Florida (4-H Districts I, II & III) WHAT: A fun weekend retreat with your peers WHEN: February 24-26, 2017 WHERE:Camp Timpoochee, Niceville, FL HOW: Workshops and fun shops will be planned and taught by youth committee members. Everyone will also participate in a service project. Participants will be expected to bring what they learn back to their county council and organize a similar service project April 28-30.
Youth participated in a Shoe Cutting Party to help Sole Hope, and organization that provides shoes to children in Africa. We were able to send nearly 200 pairs of shoes!
Registration will open Friday, December 9th via 4HOnline. The cost is only $75/person thanks to corporate donations from State Farm and Farm Credit of Northwest Florida. Participate in our Teen Retreat T-shirt Design Contest and you could win a $50.00 scholarship for this event! Check with your local UF IFAS Extension Office to inquire about any additional scholarships that may be available. Once you complete your registration online, submit your payment to your local UF IFAS Extension Office.
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.
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. 
