Interviews for Older Members
4-H Interviews are for 4-H members in grade 6 and over (by October 1, 2025). This is a great opportunity for you to develop the application and interview skills necessary if you ever plan to apply for a job, try for scholarships, or apply for college. Your 4-H interview, together with your Member Evaluation (ME) Summary for Trip and Award Consideration form, will be used in selecting delegates for trips and awards.
Application information is available in July. Interviews take place in September 10th, 4-8 p.m. and September 11th, 4-8 p.m. at the Oscar Johnson Building in Spooner.
The following is a list of events and achievements that can only be obtained by participating in the interview process.
- Space Camp
- Advanced Space Camp (must have attended Space Camp)
- American Spirit
- Ignite by 4-H
- National 4-H Congress
- Outstanding Older Youth Award
- Key Award
- Ambassador Selection
Space Camp
Grades 6-8. U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama-May 2026. Learn about and experience the different aspects of life as an astronaut, working for NASA, and exploring places beyond Earth! Youth get the opportunity to venture away from home to meet new friends, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and learn all about space. Experience the Pathfinder Program! A 3-day experience with activities including: a simulated space mission a variety of space simulators building and launching your own model rocket on-site meals and sleeping habitats simulating a real space training experience learning about space exploration and astronaut life in guided museum tours a team quiz bowl at the end of camp. https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/statewide-events-and-opportunities/space-camp/
Grades 10-12. U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama-January 2027. In 2025, due to low attendance and overall cost of the program, Advanced Space Camp Academy had to be cancelled. This experience happens every other year. It may not happen in 2026 and may be offered in 2027. It explores college and career preparation through an immersive experience in science, technology, engineering and math. Trainees undergo a variety of astronaut training exercises, engineering challenges, and team building activities, all culminating in an extended duration simulated space mission. Activities include: high/low ropes course, simulators, Russian language lessons, SCUBA diving instruction, fighter jet simulators, advanced rocketry, and more! Youth who participate will earn one credit hour of freshman level general science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in this college accredited program. Youth will travel via coach bus and will stay in the dormitories at Space Camp with the exception of the first nights lodging at a hotel in route to Space Camp. https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/statewide-events-and-opportunities/advanced-space-camp/
This academy is typically held in late January for a week. Total cost for all participants is approximately $2000.00 / youth. The cost includes all travel, meals, lodging, and programming costs. Youth will travel via coach bus and will stay in the dormitories at Space Camp with the exception of the first nights lodging at a hotel in route to Space Camp. Registration will be on a first come / first serve basis (only 32 youth total will be chosen for these academies). Registration is typically open in July of the year before the program, with a waitlist available for a few extra spots.
American Spirit
Grades 8-10. American Spirit East provides the opportunity for youth to experience history and heritage through a 10- day bus journey to the East Coast! Participants will increase their knowledge of American history while experiencing where it occurred, have dynamic exposure to diverse cultural experiences and perspectives of the foundation of our nation, and further develop skills in leadership and personal expression of values. This program will also focus on career readiness, leadership development, and experiential learning around history and civics, with an emphasis on diversity and the challenges that different groups of people have faced. Additionally, participants will develop positive relationships with adults and peers from across the state. Registration opens in 4-HOnline in November 2025. https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/statewide-events-and-opportunities/american-spirit-east/
Ignite by 4-H
Grades 9-12. Well be held March 24-29, 2026 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. Starting in 2026, CWF will transition into a dedicated track within Ignite by 4-H, the flagship national experience designed for teens to find their sparks, build life and career skills, and prepare for their futures. For four days, teens from all over the country come to Washington D.C to collaborate, connect, and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world – becoming resilient and ready for everything life has to offer. Teens will immerse themselves in hands-on workshops, experiences, activities in their key programming areas of Agriscience, Animal Science, Community Accelerators, CWF @ Ignite, Healthy Living (featuring soccer), or STEM to continue to find their spark. With the addition of public speaking, career and life readiness, and presentation workshops, teens will be able to apply what they learn to their own lives and take a step forward to become Beyond Ready for the future. Ignite 2026 continues to provide teens with opportunities to explore traditional and emerging career paths, build confidence, and connect with peers from across the country (and even world).
National 4-H Congress
Grades 9-12. Held November 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Congress is the premiere five-day nation-wide event for 4-H’ers to network with others from around the country, Canada, and Puerto Rico. While at Congress, 4-H’ers engage in leadership, citizenship, global awareness, and inclusion. Activities at National 4-H Congress: Educational Workshops Explore Atlanta International Events Community Service World-Renowned Speakers. https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/statewide-events-and-opportunities/national-4-h-congress/
Local Achievements Requiring an Interview
Outstanding Older Youth Award
This award is presented at 4-H Achievement Day Celebration to a member who demonstrates growth and participation in projects, displays growth as a youth leader, represents Washburn County 4-H as an exhibitor at the county fair, and participates in the interview process.
Key Award
This is the highest State 4-H Award possible. It recognizes select 4-H participants who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills and actively participated in the functions of their 4-H club and community.
Ambassador Selection
Must have been a Junior Leader and/or enrolled in the Youth Leadership Project for one year. Shows knowledge of 4-H. Willingness to make a commitment of time and energy to interact with the public to promote Washburn County 4-H to all youth and volunteers.
After returning from an award trip, delegates are expected to make a presentation to the Adult Leaders Association as well as their club.
