Colorado

4-H youth may participate in several exciting opportunities to learn more about themselves. Youth can gain skills in working with others to accomplish goals.

Youth Fest is one of these experiences. It is a camp for 9 to 13 year old 4-H members, across Colorado, sponsored by the State 4-H Senate Members. The date is Feb. 17 to 19, 2006, over President's Day Weekend. The camp fills on a first come, first serve basis and spaces go fast. Cost is approximately $90 per camper. Youth participate in teamwork, leadership and citizenship building activities. Workshops are taught and coordinated by older 4-H teens. Call if you are interested in attending, registration will be available before Thanksgiving. There are only 175 spaces available.

Leadership Development Conference is a state 4-H event designed to develop leadership and citizenship within 4-H members. The dates are Jan. 28 to 30, 2006. The Conference will end on Colorado 4-H Day with a trip to the State Capitol. Youth must be 14 as of Dec. 31, 2005 to participate in LDC. For more information, call the Extension Office at 542-3545.

For the older youth, 18 to 25, they may want to look at the Japanese Intern program. It is an excellent opportunity for young adults to explore the Japanese culture in depth while gaining valuable experience in the workplace. This program is being offered by two Japanese exchange partner organizations: Labo and Lex.

Those accepted will spend one year living with host families and working in the Japanese exchange organization office. Interns work closely with the staff of the sponsoring organization, leading youth and family group activities, assisting with debriefings for delegates departing from Japan, planning orientations for delegates arriving in Japan, performing office duties, and giving presentations on American life and culture. Applicants must have completed high school. One year of college, experience as a host sibling or delegate with the 4-H International Exchange Programs, and Japanese language skills are helpful, although not required.