The 2026 North Carolina 4-H Congress brought nearly 500 4-H youth, volunteers and Extension professionals to Raleigh July 20–24 for one of the largest annual events of the state 4-H program.

Held annually, North Carolina 4-H Congress serves as the program's premier statewide leadership event, providing youth ages 13–18 with opportunities to learn, lead, serve and celebrate the accomplishments of their peers, all while helping shape the future of 4-H.

The theme of the 2025-2026 State 4-H Council, "Lights. Camera. Action.,” set the stage for the week, encouraging delegates to step into the spotlight and take meaningful action as leaders in their communities.

A Week of Leadership

Throughout Congress, delegates participated in educational workshops, service projects, state competitions, networking activities and leadership experiences designed to introduce them to new ideas while strengthening skills they can carry back to their clubs, schools and communities.

Congress also gives youth an opportunity that can be difficult to find at the local level: connecting with other 4-H members from across North Carolina.

For many delegates, the week is one of their first opportunities to meet 4-H'ers with different backgrounds, interests and experiences from outside their own counties. Whether collaborating during workshops, participating in activities or spending time together between scheduled events, youth build relationships and expand their networks across the state.

New to Congress in 2026 was the SPARK Exchange, which provided another opportunity for delegates to connect and engage with one another during the week.

Celebrating Achievement

Congress also marks the culmination of a year of work for many 4-H members, with several of the statewide 4-H Awards & Incentives programs concluding or being recognized during the event.

Youth who advanced through district competition competed in the State 4-H Presentation Finals, demonstrating their knowledge and communication skills in subject areas ranging from agriculture and environmental science to family and consumer sciences, technology and the arts.

Congress also recognized youth receiving scholarships and portfolio honors, as well as delegates selected through the Application, Interview, Resume and Essay (AIRE) process. Through AIRE, 4-H members develop application and interview skills while competing for the opportunity to represent North Carolina at national leadership experiences.

Recognition during the week extended beyond Awards & Incentives opportunities. Graduating seniors celebrated their path forward in higher education, technical training and the workforce during the inaugural 4-H Signing Season celebration, while outstanding alumni were recognized through the 4-H Adult and Alumni Awards.

Exploring New Perspectives

While recognition is an important part of Congress, what participants might not realize is that much of the experience happens outside of awards and ceremonies.

Educational sessions, guest speakers and conversations with peers expose delegates to perspectives and opportunities they may not encounter in their local communities. Throughout the week, youth are encouraged to explore new possibilities, consider their own leadership potential and think about how their interests can translate into future education, careers and service.

These experiences often ignite a spark, inspiring youth to think beyond their counties, discover new passions and return home with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.

Connecting Generations

Although Congress continues to evolve, many of its traditions connect today's delegates with generations of North Carolina 4-H members who came before them.

The Honor Club tapping ceremony recognizes youth selected for one of the highest honors in the program. During Congress, the newest class is formally welcomed by Honor Club members inducted before them, continuing a tradition that has remained an important part of the event for decades.

Other traditions throughout the week include the election of state 4-H officers, the Clover Gala and the signature candlelighting ceremony. Together, these experiences reflect the values of leadership, service and citizenship that have defined 4-H Congress for over a century.

Dr. Daniel Collins, Extension specialist and Congress coordinator, reflected on the continued growth of Congress and this year's event.

“Overall, I feel like the state 4-H team came together through planning, implementing, and evaluating the entire week of Congress,” Collins said. “We brought in seven new specialty programs to Congress this year, some of which were Lead to Change, Senior Signing, Kids Voting and Alumni Awards. We also expanded the number of guest speakers, which gave our teen participants more opportunities to learn how they can continue to be active and see how North Carolina 4-H is moving Beyond Ready.”

Those additions came as Congress also continued to see growth in participation. Youth registration increased from 307 in 2024 to 320 in 2025 and 398 in 2026, which included 15 Future Delegates. An additional 86 adults also attended this year's event.

“The State Council and state officer team were instrumental in bringing more to the event by getting information out via social media, talking with 4-H members across the state at events and really creating a level of buy-in that we have not had from youth or adults for the past few years,” Collins said. “By increasing our youth participation over the last few years, I feel like our event is gaining even more momentum to break some records in the next few years. We just have to rely on the feedback our participants share about their wants and needs for Congress.”

The Next Chapter

Congress not only brings together many aspects of the North Carolina 4-H experience—it also marks the beginning of a new year for the State 4-H Council.

During Congress, five members are elected to serve as the state 4-H officers. The officers represent North Carolina 4-H throughout the coming year, provide leadership at statewide programs and help represent the perspectives of youth from across the state.

The 2026-2027 North Carolina 4-H Council will be led by President Natalia Estrada of Wayne County, Vice President Leah Frick of Davie County, Secretary-Treasurer Promise McCoy of Durham County, Member Engagement Kendal Thornburg of Franklin County, and Reporter Galyce Ham of Nash County.

Looking back on her year of service, 2025-2026 State 4-H Council President Aubrey Mekus shared her hopes for 4-H members as they returned home from Congress.

“Serving as the North Carolina 4-H State President and closing out my year at Congress has been an incredible honor,” Mekus said. “This year's theme reminds us that growth begins when we're willing to step into the spotlight, embrace new opportunities, and take action. I hope every delegate left Congress with the confidence to lead, the courage to try something new, and the motivation to make a positive impact in their clubs, communities, country, and world.”

Congress concluded with one of its most recognizable traditions: the candlelighting ceremony. Delegates gathered to reflect on the week and formally mark the transition from one State 4-H Council to the next.

While these moments highlight some of what took place during the week, they only scratch the surface of everything that North Carolina 4-H Congress has to offer. From leadership development and educational opportunities to service, statewide recognition and new friendships, the event gives 4-H members opportunities to grow individually while becoming part of a statewide network of young leaders.

For delegates, the end of Congress is less an ending than an opportunity to take what they learned, experienced and accomplished during the week back to their counties and communities.