Roman Gaul, Murray County 4-H youth member attended the first Ignite 4-H Conference as part of a team of 23 Minnesota 4H teens is in Washington, DC this week, joining more than 1,800 youth from across the country at the Ignite by 4H Conference hosted by National 4H.
Throughout the week, delegates dove into handson workshops, hear from inspiring speakers, explore DC’s iconic sites, and build new connections as they develop plans to strengthen their communities back home.
This year’s conference featured subject tracks in AgriScience, Animal Science, Community Accelerators, Healthy Living, and STEM. It also includes a special track for Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), a longrunning and beloved 4H summer experience familiar to many alumni.
In the afternoon, the delegation kicked off the trip with early morning travel, navigating minor delays but arriving in Washington, D.C. safely and in good spirits. After settling into two nearby hotels and adjusting dinner plans, the group visited Ford’s Theatre for a performance of 1776, wrapping up a long but successful first day.
Day two split the group into different experiences. The Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) participants began their program on Capitol Hill, hearing from national leaders and touring the U.S. Capitol.
Meanwhile, the remaining delegates explored the National Mall, visited the Washington Monument, toured Smithsonian museums, and stopped at the National 4-H Council headquarters. The full group reunited that evening for the Ignite conference, despite some late hotel check-in delays.
On day three, the entire Minnesota delegation came together for a meaningful visit to Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard and a stop at President Kennedy’s Eternal Flame.
The afternoon featured conference sessions, a keynote on leadership and personal growth, and hands-on track activities. The evening concluded with “Lead to Change” project work, where youth began developing creative and impactful community action ideas.
