Day 10: Returing from Washington DC and Reflections

CWF delegates leaving Washington D.C. to return home.

Reflections   

     Thirteen 4-H delegates from the Frontier Extension District participated in the 2012 Citizenship Washington Focus workshop in Washington DC with 4-H delegates from seven other states.  The week long workshop held at the National 4-H Center was about understanding the democratic process and civic responsibilities.  Rather than learning about citizenship, leadership, and community involvement from a textbook, the 4-Hers had an experiential classroom in Washington DC.  Time was spent visiting legislators on Capitol Hill, as well as studying history by visiting monuments, memorials, and government buildings.  About half of the workshop time was spent at the National 4-H Center, where each 4-Her served on a committee for the week.  The committees focused on healthy living, communication, government, open-mindedness, talent, and responsibility.  They also learned about how a bill becomes a law, debated four current issues in a mock congressional session, and developed an action plan for back home.

     The trip was the result of several months of fundraising and preparation.  When asked to share some of their experiences on the flight back home, the delegates had many things to say:
 
     "We went through a lot to get to go on this trip, but it really was worth it!  We learned from all the fundraising that if you work hard enough, and you set your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.  We can especially appreciate the hard work when we can get something out of it in return."

     "The two years that I fundraised were definitely worth it once we got to New York and got to go see the Broadway play, and when we got to Washington D.C. and saw all the monuments and the Capitol Building."

     "I learned from this trip that you can do anything and go anywhere.  It may just take time for things you want to do."

     "We didn't just learn about all the great people before us, we learned leadership and other skills when we were there.  We will take these skills back home and put them to use."

     "We have learned a lot over the past 10 days.  Before we came, we had nooo idea how to even begin writing a bill or do an action plan.  We also got to do a lot of things that people usually don't get to do."

     "The reason I absolutely loved this trip was because I love meeting new people and getting out of my shell."

     "I learned a lot during this trip like becoming a leader, standing up for what is right, and being a good citizen."

     "I went on this trip to learn and explore the history of our country.  I feel this trip was definitely worth all the work it took to be able to go."

     "Every second of this trip I treasured and learned something.  I learned a lot about our government and was able to meet our Senator and Representative.  I learned more about bills and action plans and about the history of our country.  The other thing that I was able to learn from is to be even more open-minded and have a more worldly view."

     "We learned how to write and pass a bill.  We made an action plan to take back home and put into place in our community, and many more things."

     "I really enjoyed this trip.  These last two years really made up because of all the fun we had.  I wish we could do it again."

     "We got to see so much and experience a lot too!  We got to interact and meet people from all across the United States, not to mention see monuments and meet some of our state's legislators."

     "The trip has been absolutely amazing.  I loved getting to see all the historical sites and meeting people from different states."
     
     "On this trip I learned how to be a better citizen and how a congressional session works.  Touring the Capital was the best."

     "In the end I think that the time we put in was worth the whole trip."

     "My favorite part was the Holocaust Museum.  It was breathtaking.  There was so much I didn't even know went on."

     "I think anyone that has the opportunity to go on the CWF trip should go, because it's a once in a lifetime trip!"

     It was my pleasure to work with this outstanding group of young people as they worked together to raise the funds to finance the CWF trip, and then to serve as one of the chaperones.  I loved seeing the 4-Hers grow, experience new things, and develop the life skills that the 4-H program promotes.  I was honored to get to know each of the delegates a little better as we traveled, and as they each contributed to this blog.  I wish them the very best in the future and hope that their experiences these past ten days will inspire them to do great things in their club, community, country, and world.
-Fran

     Well, another successful CWF trip has come to its conclusion.  I think I can speak for everyone and say that when we parted at the airport, we were sorry to go our separate ways.  We started out two years ago as delegates and chaperones from Osage County.  We gained some members and lost members and after one year added three friends from Franklin County and became the Frontier District CWF delegates.  What started out as a loose bunch of 4-Hers became a close little family.  And like most families, we had our ups and downs, but became close friends as time went by.  Everyone learned something and became better 4-Hers and citizens because of the experience.  I’m glad I had a part in this and am already planning for CWF 2014.
-Ken