How to plan Leadership Overnight

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP OVERNIGHT:

• A conference for youth age 7^th grade and above to learn leadership skills

WHO IS IN CHARGE:

• All Star Advisor, All-Stars, Social Science Chair
• Leadership Overnight Youth Committee

WHEN:

·        2 days, 2 nights (Friday-Sunday) on the first or second weekend in February. 

·        Typically held at Walden West in Saratoga.

WHAT TO DO:

• 1 year in advance:

-Check with youth advisor to select date

-Reserve facility that is wheelchair accessible.  When reserving facility, obtain a lease agreement (if not already in place) and submit it unsigned to the 4-H YDA for processing.

-Notify Council Vice President of date to place on the county calendar.

• 6 months in advance:

-Begin publicity

-Youth begin holding committee meetings and select theme

-Develop applications, including cost, and mention that scholarships are available. 

 Applications must be approved by 4-H YDA before they are distributed.

• 3 months in advance:

-Place applications on the web

-Give applications to 4-H office to mail in Community Club Leader packets

-Advertise specific date, time, location, directions, and who may attend in the Timely Topics.  Monthly deadline is the 15^th.

-Recruit speakers/presenters/session leaders

-Plan schedule

-Re-confirm facility

• 1 month in advance:

-Confirm speakers/presenters

-Collect applications

-Continue to advertise in the Timely Topics

-Finalize the schedule with committee

-Assign applicants to cabins

-Assure that there is one chaperone for every 10 youth.  Chaperones must be enrolled as 4-H leaders.

• 1 week in advance:

-Gather supplies for session leaders

-Create nametags

-Fine-tune the schedule and programs

• Day of:

-Arrive early to check out facility

-Greet members

-Conduct a chaperone orientation outlining safety, code of conduct, and 4-H policies

-Orient conference participants on rules, regulations, and give an overview of the weekend.

• 1 week after:

-Update the binder for the following year

-Send thank-you cards to presenters

SESSION IDEAS:

• How to fill out Jr/Teen leader forms
• How to plan your project year
• Teambuilding
• Personality Plus
• Icebreakers/Recreation
• How to give a speech
• Community Service
• Communication

WHO CAN PRESENT:

• Former All-Stars
• Current All-Stars
• Adult Leaders, past and present
• County Extension Staff
• 4-Hers from other counties, youth or adult
• Interested adults with an applicable topic

COMMITTEE POSITIONS:

There should be at least one person on the committee in charge of each of the following:

• Registration                                               ·    Free time activities

• Cabin Leaders (1 per cabin)                     ·    Recreation (including mealtime fun)
• Opening and Closing ceremonies            ·    Sessions
• Dance                                                        ·    Schedule
• Refreshments                                             ·    Nametags

PUBLICITY IDEAS:

• Report at County Council/Executive Board meetings
• Send information in county club packets
• Advertise in the Timely Topics
• Volunteer to attend club meetings to give reports
• Encourage members of all ages to attend and/or serve on the committee