For Immediate Release
March 11, 2020
University of Illinois Extension- Stephenson County Welcomes International Visitor Leadership Program Participants
International Visitor Leadership Program through the U.S. Department of State participants representing numerous countries including Bulgaria, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Cuba visited University of Illinois Extension Stephenson County’s office on Highland Community College campus on Monday, March 9, 2020. County Extension Director Margaret Larson and Program Coordinator for 4-H and Youth Development Becky Gocken led a discussion on the promotion of youth leadership within the 4-H program. 4-H Camp Counselors Logan Tessendorf and Colton Thies presented their experiences growing up in 4-H and the positive impact it has given them. Additionally, Tessendorf and Thies shared examples of the knowledge they acquired through extensive camp counselor training by Extension Staff in Units 1 and 2. Following the meeting, Freeport High School senior Thies stated, “Having the opportunity to talk to people from so many different backgrounds, but with the common theme of youth development, was a wonderful experience. Everyone involved learned a lot and I’m happy I could be a part of it.”
About 4-H: Illinois 4-H strives to help youth learn skills for living. 4-H programs are offered in every Illinois County by University of Illinois Extension. Illinois 4-H aims to impact the lives of 250,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming. 4-H is a community of seven million young people around the world learning leadership, citizenship, & life skills. For more information, contact University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125.
