4-H members take charge of planning an event in this activity. Rather than having the adults plan an activity, the kids make all the arrangements. They might opt to have a fun, competition-free event like a group hike or picnic, or a talent show. They should decide whether to invite people from all the 4-H groups in the county, or just their own group. Learning to communicate as a group, handling responsibilities the group has delegated to them, and contacting adults to make the arrangements will improve leadership skills and give them a sense of accomplishment.
The 4-H group could hold a teaching and learning day in which each member models a skill she has become especially good at. Any member can sign up to teach a skill, though new and young members can come just to learn. Teachers should use clear directions to describe how they accomplish what they're demonstrating, and show other members exactly how they do it. If necessary, they should bring an animal to demonstrate with if circumstances allow, or find a creative way to demonstrate the skill without one.
In a leadership activity that Mariam G. MacGregor describes in her book "Teambuilding with Teens," teens create a poster explaining how they would like to change the world. Using markers, colored pencils, or crayons, they create a picture of how the world would look. Afterward, they all talk about what they drew. Finally, they should discuss how they can really change the world on a local level, and take on a volunteering project in their area of interest. A sewing group, for example, could make blankets for those in need.
In many states, 4-H members have the opportunity to become a spokesperson for 4-H, according to the Ohio 4-H website. Members can become a 4-H ambassador at the state or county level, speaking at 4-H or related events. 4-H leadership training programs and conferences exist in many states and counties too.
Teenage 4-H members shadow a professional in their area of interest during a workday for this activity. To learn more about the field, they should shadow the person several times or shadow several different people. 4-H adult leaders might help place teens with professionals, and should approve all partnerships. However, they might encourage teens to find the professionals themselves by networking, asking a school guidance counselor for leads, or cold-calling. They should give a presentation on what they've learned to the 4-H.