4-H Teen Leadership Retreat Jan. 6-8

4-H members in grades 8-12 as well as adult leaders can hone their leadership skills during the 2017 Teen Leadership Retreat Jan. 6-8 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center near Brownwood, said program coordinators.
The weekend retreat will provide state-level leadership experience for 4-H youth ages 14-18, said Jenny Wilder, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 4-H program coordinator for the center.
The 2017 4-H Teen Leadership Retreat will be held Jan. 6-8 at the 78-acre Texas 4-H Conference Center located on the shore of Lake Brownwood.
“Participants learn leadership skills through workshops and hands-on learning experiences,” she said.  
Wilder said the retreat allows participating youth to explore new or revised projects and curricula they can implement in their respective counties.
4-H specialists, volunteers and staff will lead program sessions.
“This year’s program will focus on increasing knowledge in veterinary science, gardening, leadership and managing a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “We’ll also have a 4-H dance on Saturday night.”
The 78-acre center is geographically located in the center of Texas on the western side of Lake Brownwood.
“The environment in and around the center, as well as its variety of indoor and outdoor facilities, make this a perfect venue in which to build friendships and learn new skills that will serve for a lifetime,” Wilder said. 
Registration is $120 for youth and $90 for adults, which includes two nights lodging, four meals, snacks and all program supplies. Each county is requested to provide adult chaperones for the weekend. If there is no chaperone, one will be provided for an additional $90 fee. Adults attending must enroll as a volunteer in 4-H Connect, complete the online child protection training and submit to a background check. Registration is through Dec. 31 at the center’s website, http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu. For 4-H Connect, go to http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/4-h-connect-resources/. “While this is a learning retreat, the main objective for the weekend will be to have fun,” Wilder said.