Montana 4-H Pre-Congress

July 7-9, 2024 - MSU Bozeman

Pre-Congress occurs the two days before Congress.  During Pre-Congress, 4-H Ambassadors, teen leaders, and staff come together with 4-H center staff for work and fun. Attendees work as leaders in groups to ensure the completion of all the details necessary to make the general Congress event successful. Also occurring this weekend is the selection process for the State 4-H Ambassador Officers.

Individuals interested in attending Pre-Congress weekend MUST actively participate in a Congress committee of their choice prior to and during Pre-Congress weekend.

First priority will go to senior members that have attended Montana 4-H Congress. However, Ambassadors, MSU Extension staff, and motivated teen leaders and youth are encouraged to attend.

Registration

There is a $90 housing/meal fee for all youth participants and a $60 fee for adult chaperones (two nights of lodging). All other expenses are paid for by the Montana 4-H Congress and Ambassador program.

We appreciate adult chaperones taking the time to attend Pre-Congress and helping to provide this valuable leadership experience. The cost has been decreased to show this appreciation. We will also make every effort to give adults a single dorm room during Pre-Congress.  

Registration for Pre-Congress is through ZSUITES and will be in conjunction with regular Congress registration. When registering for Congress, select the Pre-Congress button to add additional registration information. 

Please contact your local MSU Extension office for more information about representing your community at Pre-Congress.

Participants will need to complete the registration by June 15 with the $90.00 youth/$60.00 youth housing fee. 

Pre-Congress Leadership Opportunities

Please read these carefully prior to registration. You will be asked to select a 1st and 2nd choice of leadership role during registration, and asked why you have chosen those roles. 

Opening Session (4 youth positions and 2 adult positions)

Opening Leaders will be responsible for working with Congress staff and volunteers to organize, write, and emcee Congress opening session. They should:

• Be comfortable with public speaking to a large crowd
• Be interested in creatively writing scripts to present awards and recognition
• Work well with staff and peers to present a professional yet engaging program to attendees and guests

Activity Leaders (4 youth positions and 1 adult position)

A fun part of Montana 4-H Congress is for attendees to engage with each other during social activities such as games, a scavenger hunt, and dances. Activity Leaders will be responsible for planning participation contests, giving door prizes, and posting on social media and the event app. They should:

• Enjoy engaging large groups of peers
• Be comfortable leading games and activities, and giving directions
• Be energetic and flexible
• Have a basic understanding of social media and technology

Award Leaders (4 youth positions and 1 adult position)

Awards Leaders will be responsible for working with Congress staff and volunteers to organize, write, and emcee the presentation of contest and special awards during the closing banquet. They should:

• Be comfortable with public speaking to a large crowd
• Be interested in creatively writing scripts to present awards and recognition
• Work well with staff and peers to present a professional yet engaging program to attendees and guests

Closing/Banquet Leaders (4 youth positions and 1 adult position)

Banquet Leaders will be responsible for working with Congress staff and volunteers to organize, write, and emcee the closing banquet on Friday evening. They should:

• Be comfortable with public speaking to a large crowd
• Be interested in creatively writing scripts to entertain the audience
• Work well with staff and peers to present a professional yet engaging program to attendees and guests

Event Leaders  (4 youth positions and 2 volunteer positions)

Event Leaders should:

• Have good organizational skills
• Be prepared to do some moving of boxes and decorations
• Enjoy working with a team to complete tasks
• Be creative (preferred but not required)

Technology Leaders (4 youth positions and 1 adult position)

Technology Leaders should:

• Have a strong understanding of technology including knowledge of sound, lights, video, and presentation platforms
• Take direction from technology staff
• Work well with team members to present congress programs
• Have strong creativity and organizational skills (preferred but not required)

Officer Selection Committee (8 positions)

Serve on the State Officer Selection Committee.

Checking this box does not automatically placeyou on the committee. There is an application to be considered to serve as your district representative.

Ambassador Officer Team

Run for a State Ambassador Officer position.

If you are planning to run for a state office then you must also register for Pre-Congress, but you do not need to select an additional leadership role.