Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for National 4-H Conference? 

Each state/land-grant university has their own processes for identifying and selecting delegates. To learn more about becoming a delegate, contact your State 4-H Program Office. Need help? Find your State 4-H Program Office.

How old do I need to be to attend the National 4-H Conference? 

Youth delegates must between 15 (by January 1 of the conference year) and 19 years old. Adult Chaperones must be at least 24 years old (with the exception of Extension staff members) and must meet their state’s requirement for a chaperone.

How many delegates can a land-grant university send to the conference? 

There is no limit on the number of delegates a land-grant university can send to the conference. However, the only stipulation is that delegations cannot exceed 8 youth:1 chaperone.

Can I exhibit at National 4-H Conference? 

The National 4-H Conference is a working conference for the youth and adult delegates selected to attend. The program does not include exhibit space for vendors.

What is the dress code? 

In general, delegates wear “business casual” attire for daytime events such as assemblies, workshops, and roundtable discussions. Delegates wear business attire for Capitol Hill Day. It’s especially important to wear or bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for Capitol Hill Day. Delegates typically dress in casual clothes for evening entertainment and activities. More information to help delegates prepare for the Conference – including a dress guide can be found on the “Youth Delegate” page.

Where is the National 4-H Conference? 

The conference takes place at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The 12-acre campus-like setting in Maryland, one mile from the nation's capital, is operated by 4-H's private partner—National 4-H Council.

What is a round table? 

A round table consists of 15-17 youth and one collegiate facilitator.  Round tables will discuss issues effecting youth on a national scale.  By the end of the conference youth will have discussed a specific issue tied to a specific federal agency, found the gaps and successes in the current approach of that agency, and presented to key decision makers in that agency about their findings and suggestions.

Can youth choose their round table topic? 

Yes.  There will be seven to eight topics to choose from.  Youth will be assigned to a topic by their preference ranking of the topics and availability.