The 2009 4-H Midwinter Teen Leadership Retreat was held at the Alabama 4-H Youth Development Center in Columbiana during the weekend of Feb. 13-15. The theme of this year’s event was “A Green Carpet Affair.”

The teens celebrated the 100th birthday of Alabama 4-H in Hollywood style.

Haley Hall, Anna Katherine Lindsey, Hannah Wilson, Rachel Wilson, Seth Hal, Taylor Glass and Clayton Glass, all from Marengo County, were among the 120 youth from over 30 Alabama counties who participated in Mid-Winter 2009.

Haley Hall was inducted into the Alabama State Council during the weekend festivities to represent the southwest region of the state for the 2008-09 year.

Mrs. Lorena Wilson and Mrs. Ramona Hall accompanied the youth, who all are members of the Marengo Rangers 4-H as well as the 4-H 4-Life clubs. Mrs. Wilson is the volunteer leader of the Marengo Rangers club and Mrs. Joan Hart is the volunteer leader of the newly-formed service club called 4-H 4-Life.

Leadership activities were planned and developed by 4-H teen leaders, Alabama Cooperative Extension personnel and Alabama 4-H supporters.

Members were able to participate in a wide variety of workshops addressing topics on career development, public speaking, theater arts and dance. They also engaged in two community service projects.

All of the local teens who attended agreed that it was a great retreat and that their favorite part was the dance on Saturday night. They also enjoyed the workshops, including one which conducted an interest survey on career choices, one with tips for public speaking, and a swing dance session.

“The banquet and the dance was everyone’s favorite thing about the retreat,” said Marengo County 4-H member Haley Hall. “A lot of kids enjoyed the swing dancing class. I think everyone enjoyed the weekend so much that they will want to go back next year.”

For more information on 4-H teen programs, contact Marengo County extension coordinator Kathryn Friday at 295-5959, or 4-H regional extension agent Susan Thompson at (205) 459-2133 or (332) 790-3870.