Delegations from across the country attend this six-day program at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, located just outside Washington, D.C.

The program is aimed at enriching young people’s lives by broadening their appreciation and respect for themselves and others in the world. Participants attend workshops, committees, field trips and social events, giving them hands-on opportunities to learn and grow. Participants learn and practice skills that will make them better citizens and more successful individuals.

Citizenship Washington Focus is open to all Georgia 4-H members in grades 9-12 at the time of the trip.

Participant Information

Required Forms

Once registered, there are a variety of forms that will need to be completed. These will be sent to participants via email.  Signed, original copies must be emailed/mailed to Jason Estep at the State 4-H Office by the dates specified.

Dress Code

Throughout CWF program, participants will meet many people. Each delegate represents not only him or herself, but their family, county, state, peers, and 4-H. Clothing and grooming reflect upon the participants and what they represent. A dress code has been developed which describes the type of suggested dress for each CWF activity. It is the responsibility of each delegation to determine what is and is not appropriate for your specific delegation. The following categories have been established to correspond to activities outlined in the Tentative Program Itinerary posted on the CWF website.

Important information that pertains to ALL dress code categories:

  • Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be a respectable length. Respectable length defined as: Being as long as or longer than the tips of the individual’s fingers when arms are fully extended at their side.
  • Tube top/strapless shirts will not be allowed during the CWF program.
  • Spaghetti strap clothing will not be allowed during the CWF program unless it is in the form of formal evening wear.
  • Tank-Top/Sleeveless shirts must have straps wider than two fingers.
    1. Cropped shirts and extreme low-rise pants are not allowed.
    2. When visiting the National Cathedral shoulders must be covered.
    3. Ripped clothing, cut-off shorts, T-shirts with offensive slogans or messages that are in bad taste, muscle shirts, and similar items are not allowed.
    4. No hats
    5. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.

    Suggested Dress Guidelines
    Very Casual
    Clothes that may get wet and dirty; must follow the above requirements
    Casual
    Shorts of respectable length, jeans, T-shirts, and appropriate shirts
    Business Casual
    Ladies: Skirts, dresses, slacks, nice capri pants nice shirts
    Gentlemen: Dress pants, slacks, polos or button-down shirts
    Dressy
    Ladies: Skirts or slacks with nice dress shirts, dresses, or suits
    Gentlemen: Dress pants, slacks, button shirts, and a tie.  Jackets recommended.

Helpful Hints

Things to remember when packing

 

  1. Comfortable walking shoes for casual days
  2. Comfortable dress shoes for Capitol Hill day
  3. Light clothes (weather will be HOT and HUMID!)
  4. Pen and paper for committees and workshops
  5. A camera and plenty of film or memory
  6. An umbrella or rain gear
  7. Items to trade with other delegates (if not provided by delegation)
  8. Personal spending money
  9. Props or musical instrument for talent show.

Weather

Washington, D.C. is very warm and humid in the summer. Daytime temperatures ranging from the high 80’s to mid-90’s are typical. You will be spending a great deal of time walking outdoors during the CWF program, so planning your wardrobe accordingly and drinking plenty of healthy liquids will help make your stay more pleasant. During the warm months, thunder storms and rain showers are also common, so pack a few items to prepare for those times as well.

Trade Items

Many delegates bring items to trade with participants from other states. Group Coordinators may help obtain these items or delegates can make them. Handmade items often are the most sought after. Pins and stickers are also very popular. Delegates can be creative and find trading items that represent their hometown. Everyone should bring his or her items to the Get-Acquainted Social on Sunday evening.  The State 4-H Office will provide a bunch of old project pins for this activity. If you’d like to gather extra items, you may, but don’t feel like you have to.

Spending Money

You will be responsible for purchasing at several meals on your own during CWF.  $120 should cover all of these meals.  Plus, you may also want to allow a little extra money for snacks and souvenirs. In addition, the 4-H Shop will likely offer postcards, stamps, memorabilia and personal items for purchase.

Registration & Additional Information

Registration

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Georgia has limited openings reserved for the CWF program. A minimum of 10 participants is required for the trip to proceed.  To ensure your participation in CWF, register ASAP! The registration form must be in the State 4-H Office by the due date.

Registration Form

Cost

The total cost will be approximately $1,900*.  The base cost for CWF, alone, is $1400 per person, and that doesn’t include transportation to and from DC, outing costs, and other expenses.  Transportation costs will be determined by the number of participants, and will be announced after the final delegation size is determined.

*NOTE: The above costs do not cover meals on the way to Washington D.C. and back. Plus, there is at least one day when participants must pay for their own lunch. Plan for an additional $120 to cover these meals. (Washington D.C. can be expensive and options can be limited.)

A $500 deposit is due by March 11, 2022.  The remaining balance is due by May 13.  Payment should be sent to the State 4-H Office with checks made payable to the “Georgia 4-H Foundation.”

Communication

In addition to committing to participation, completing the registration form also supplies important information needed for communications.  It will be essential that we are able to communicate directly and effectively with all of our participants and their parents. We will initially communicate with participants via the email provided on the registration form, as most communications will be electronic. However, we will eventually request additional emergency contact information.

Transportation

4-H will provide transportation from a designated area in Georgia to Washington, D.C. and back (most likely Hartsfield Atlanta Airport). Participants must provide their own transportation to the designated drop-off and pick-up locations.

Promotional FlyerPromotional Video