County youth attend National 4-H Ignite Conference in Washington D.C.

Six members of the Lincoln County 4-H Youth were awarded scholarships to attend the National 4-H Ignite Conference in Washington D.C.

According to local 4-H leader Kara Matthews, youth spent March 12-16 in high level education sessions geared towards Agriscience, STEM, Healthy Living and Community Accelerators. Their breakout sessions included courses in vet science, leadership skill building, cowboy code, mental health changemakers, and forensic anthropology that were all geared toward helping them find their voice and ignite a spark in learning.

"The 4-H group from Lincoln County was able to engage in an offsite experience at the University of Maryland’s research farm to learn more about agricultural advancements and how technology has improved their daily operations," Matthews said. "During the 4-H conference our youth were also challenged to present a lead to change project to their peers. Lincoln County Youth selected to focus on way to prevent tobacco use and vaping in their communities. 

"They plan to write a grant application to host a “cowboy camp” that will be fun-filled day for youth and will give them to opportunity to educate youth on the power of being healthy for themselves and their community."

Matthews said her personal goal as a 4-H club leader is to continue to provide 4-H youth with opportunities, so they are beyond ready for whatever life path they chose after high school.  

"A clear message that these 4-H youth are consistently hearing at the national level is that they have to the skills and knowledge to be some of the hardest working, self-motivated and most successful amongst their peers," Matthews said. "Data driven studies like Tufts University longitudinal study of positive youth shows that 4-Hers are succeeding and that compared to their peers they are twice as likely to have the goal of being a leader, three times more likely to participate in community service and two times more likely to report living life intentionality and with purpose.  

Local residents are invited to visit 4-H members at the Lincoln County Junior Fair in Libby on Aug. 2 and/or the Lincoln County Fair in Eureka Aug. 20-24.

    Part of the Lincoln County 4-H group's trip to our nation's capitol was a side trip at the University of Maryland’s research farm to learn more about agricultural advancements and how technology has improved their daily operations. (Courtesy photo)