- Author: Quang T. Tong
Recently I have had the opportunity to be out in the field meeting members and leaders and looking at how some of our counties and sections run different events. I was able to attend specifically the LCORT conference in the South Central section.
This conference is unique where seniors and intermediates are able to attend where most conferences do either senior or just intermediates and juniors. By and large it seemed from my vantage point there wasn’t any issues over interaction.
I had planned on attending LCORT so that I may observe why it worked. I had heard from several sources, staff as well as volunteers and members that this conference was very successful and had been for years. From my experience other similar teen conferences had difficulties filling cabins and finding participants.
Wonder Valley Ranch is tucked into the foothills that lead into Kings Canyon National Forest. A languid river borders one side and the one lane road the other. Like it says in its name, it is a ranch with a small heard of horses that grazes lazily near the road. Several dozen building cluster here and there. Near the center of the property is a lake that is glass smooth when there isn’t a breeze that disturbs its mirror like surface.
LCORT serves almost all of the South Central counties and it looked like every one of the counties participated. Pauline Smoke, a long time volunteer and recent hire, was coordinating from the Fresno County office. Melanie Curtis I believe usually acted as coordinator but didn’t have enough time this year to be able to since she was the program rep for Fresno County.
From what I understand LCORT has participation from all the All Star teams from the participating counties. It is tradition and an expectation that these All Star teams conduct a session at LCORT. These All Star teams form the Leadership team of LCORT.
I think this is unique and the benefits are immediately clear. Each county has investment in the conference and their All Starts know this is part of their service so recruitment for delegates to LCORT is direct.
LCORT has been able to cultivate a special relationship with Wonder Valley Ranch. The prices for delegates were roughly $100.00. This is an amazing price considering the facilities of this ranch.
One of the issues that did come up after some discussions with some staff members was the ability of other groups to put on a session at the event. With so many All Star teams the schedule gets filled quickly and conducting an “outside” session would mean bumping an All Star Team. I can understand why LCORT would not want to bump an All Star team since it is fundamental to the success of the conference.
Other struggling 4-H conferences should consider the LCORT model.
Steven Worker recently returned from Humboldt County. He presented at a Leadership Day that Humboldt 4-H partners with half a dozen community partners. This successful event is another model to consider for other county programs.
Humboldt County partners with these community organizations that had originally also had one day leadership events. By coming together and bringing their respective strengths to the table this event as grown and grown.
4-H’ers are exposed to other community organizations and their members. At the same time 4-H’ers are able to demonstrate their own skills and leadership. Humboldt All Stars are involved in the planning and organization of the event.
While it’s usually more work to labor with community partners the results can payoff handsomely and the Humboldt County event is a wonderful example.
These thoughts lead me to thinking that we should develop a training for All Star/Teen Advisors. Get some of the best practices that are working now together in a training or series of training.
Something to think about…