4-H Congress

4-H members gathered for a group photo at the annual North Carolina 4-H Congress.

4-H Congress is an annual statewide event sponsored by North Carolina 4-H and planned by the State 4-H Council and the Congress Advisory Committee. For more than a century, this experience has brought together young people from across the state to learn, lead, and serve.

Youth ages 13 to 18 from across North Carolina are invited to participate in this multi-day experience focused on leadership development, civic engagement, and connection.

The Goals of 4-H Congress are:

  • Strengthening the reputation of 4-H as a statewide educational youth program
  • Expanding knowledge of current issues through speakers, workshops, and group discussions
  • Building leadership skills through committee work and active participation
  • Engaging youth in the democratic process through campaigning for and electing State 4-H Officers
  • Providing meaningful social and recreational experiences
  • Recognizing excellence through state contests, project awards, and scholarships

Highlights

Each year, Congress builds on a legacy that dates back to the early 1900s while offering experiences that continue to evolve for today’s youth.

Networking and Connection

4-H Congress brings members together from across North Carolina, giving youth the chance to meet new people, share experiences, and learn from one another. Through activities, discussions, and time spent together, participants build friendships and connections that often continue beyond the event.

Three 4-H'ers with their arms around each other at 4-H Congress

Honor Club Tapping Ceremony

The Honor Club Tapping Ceremony recognizes outstanding 4-H members for their leadership, service, and involvement in the program. During this long-standing Congress tradition, selected members are formally “tapped” and welcomed into the North Carolina 4-H Honor Club in front of their peers.

Three 4-H members stand side by side holding lit candles during the annual Honor Club tapping ceremony at 4-H Congress.

Workshops

Workshops provide interactive learning sessions led by staff, volunteers, and partners. Members can explore new topics, develop skills, and learn more about leadership, teamwork, and real-world applications beyond their regular projects.

Three 4-H members smile and reach up as confetti falls, as part of a workshop at 4-H Congress.

State Presentation Finals

District presentation winners compete at the state level, sharing their projects and knowledge with judges and an audience. State winners are announced during Congress.

4-H member doing a presentation on how solar energy works to an audience.

Recognition & Awards

Congress celebrates the accomplishments of 4-H members across North Carolina. Participants are recognized for presentations, leadership, and other achievements throughout the program year.

4-H member being honored with an award at 4-H Congress.

Silent Disco

Introduced in 2024, the Silent Disco is a unique dance experience where participants listen to music through wireless headphones while dancing together. With multiple music channels to choose from, members can enjoy different songs at the same time and have fun in a relaxed, interactive setting.

Two 4-H members wearing LED headphones point toward the camera while participating the silent disco at 4-H Congress.

State Officer Elections

Delegates participate in the election of the State 4-H Officer team. Candidates share their goals and ideas, and youth vote to select the members who will represent North Carolina 4-H and help lead the State 4-H Council during the coming year.

Five 4-H'ers who are running for the position of State 4-H Council President stand next to each other on stage at North Carolina 4-H Congress.

Talent Showcase

The Talent Showcase is an opportunity for 4-H members to share their talents through music, dance, drama, and other performances. Selected acts from across the state perform for delegates and guests in a fun, supportive environment.

A 4-H member playing an acoustic guitar and singing during the annual Talent Showcase at 4-H Congress.

Candlelighting Ceremony

The Candlelighting Ceremony, also known as the “Candlelight Clover,” is one of the most meaningful traditions of 4-H Congress and serves as the program’s closing event. Coordinated by the NC 4-H Honor Club, the ceremony reflects the values of service, leadership, and community that have shaped Congress for generations.

Hundreds of 4-H'ers hold candles to form the shape of the 4-H emblem, as part of the candlelighting ceremony of 4-H Congress.

2026 State 4-H Congress

July 20–24, 2026 - Raleigh, NC

Theme: Lights. Camera. Action.

This year's theme reflects the full 4-H experience through three simple ideas. “Lights” represents stepping into the spotlight with confidence and embracing personal growth. “Camera” symbolizes capturing and sharing the stories, experiences, and impact gained through 4-H. “Action” connects to the Beyond Ready message, emphasizing putting those skills into practice through leadership, service, and real-world experiences that make a difference.

NC 4-H "Lights. Camera. Action." lockup with stylized film strips and 4-H emblem.

Schedule

The 2026 Congress schedule will be posted here once details are finalized.

Workshop Proposals

We are currently accepting workshop proposals for 2026. Workshops will be held on both July 22 & 23 at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center in Raleigh and will be 60 minutes in length.

Please complete the 2026 4-H Congress Workshop Proposal Form for session times and additional details. The proposal deadline is April 15, 2026.

Previous Congress Programs

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