Engaging Youth in Reaching Their Fullest Leadership Potential

“Fast Track to your Future” was the 2007 4-H Teen Conference theme. Nearly 100 participants descended on the WSU Pullman campus to learn about college life, careers, and skill development for a positive future. Get on board, fasten your seat belt, and revisit the happenings on the fast track!

Butch, the WSU mascot, was at the starting line as youth unloaded their gear into Smith Dorm before heading to dinner—both opportunities to experience college life. Challenge activities and guest speaker presentations focused on these basic questions:

• Who am I?
• Where am I going?
• How am I going to get there?
• Who is going with me?

The longest leg of the trip was Monday, with several workshop blocks. Topics included college admissions and residential life, finances, careers, science exploration, leadership, interview skills, nutrition, technology, and drama. Keynote speaker Linda Criddle, an internet safety expert, taught teens how to safeguard their privacy on MySpace and other web sites. Service learning workshops on the environment,
leadership, and healthy choices helped teens plan their own community projects. A banquet with special
guests Linda Fox and Pat BoyEs celebrated the teens’ journey, along with a speech by Dr. Kim Kidwell, professor of crop and soil sciences, on “Your Future—the Ups and Downs.” A dance and game room provided the evening’s recreation.

The schedule slowed around the last curve Tuesday morning, but the challenges did not. “Unwritten,” a multi-media presentation by Motivational Media, reminded the teens via music and stories on a 40’ wide screen about the lasting influence of today’s choices. It was the perfect lead into the final wrap-up that revisited the challenging questions the weekend began with.

The goal of “Fast Track to Your Future” was to challenge youth to take immediate steps toward considering and preparing for options applicable to their future. A significant majority (73%) of participants reported making gains from pre-conference to post-conference in life skill development of decision-making, use of resources, communication, leadership, and marketability.

So, look for the road signs, and stop and ask for directions if needed, because Fast Track 2008 will be next summer’s destination: June 28–30 on the WSU Pullman campus! See you there!