VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

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VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
VIRGINIA 4-H
CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

Registration Information Packet (Youth & Adults)

                  Event Dates
               June 25 – 27, 2021

REGISTER ONLINE AT: https://v2.4honline.com

  Registration Closes: May 27, 2021; 11:59 PM
 Cost: $140.00 per participant (youth and adult)
VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
Mission of Virginia Congress Across the Commonwealth

        The mission of Congress Across the Commonwealth is to provide
competitive and non-competitive educational experiences to Virginia teens and the
adults who work with them – helping them to develop life skills and leadership
abilities to become contributing citizens in their communities.

                  Goals of Congress Across the Commonwealth

   1. Provide a high-quality educational experience for 4-H youth ages 14-18;
   2. Promote 4-H as a major statewide educational youth program;
   3. Provide educational and social experiences for youth that would not
      normally be available at the Unit level;
   4. Enhance skill development through all Congress Across the Commonwealth
      activities;
   5. Recognize competition and award winners;
   6. Promote an understanding of the value of diversity among Congress
      participants; and
   7. Enhance each delegate’s sense of personal and social responsibility through
      an environment that fosters independence, accountability, leadership,
      decision-making, and time management.

                                  Format for 2021

       Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Congress will be in a
unique format that will allow participants to attend in-person while still adhering to
guidelines for health and safety. We know this is going to be a wonderful event
that all 4-H’ers can enjoy!

Locations
Because it was not feasible for Congress to take place at its traditional location on
the campus of Virginia Tech, this year participants will attend Congress with other
youth from their district at one of Virginia’s 4-H educational centers. The
locations for each district are as follows:

                                 Central District
                 W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center
                               775 Hermitage Rd.
                                Wirtz, VA 24184
VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
Northern District
                     Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center
                               600 4-H Center Dr.
                             Front Royal, VA 22630

                                 Southeast District
                          Airfield 4-H Educational Center
                                 15189 Airfield Dr.
                               Wakefield, VA 23888

                               Southwest District
                    Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center
                            25236 Hillman Highway
                              Abingdon, VA 24210

If you are unsure of the district in which you live, please contact your Unit
Extension Agent. Due to the health and safety restrictions this year, participants
will not be permitted to attend at a location outside of their district.

Dates/Times
Check-in will begin at 4:30 PM on Friday, June 25, 2021. Congress will conclude
at 10:00 AM on Sunday, June, 27, 2021.

Statewide Activities
In order to provide a similar experience for all participants, many of our activities
will take place through interactive virtual means in which everyone at each
location will participate. This will include our opening assembly, two workshops,
All Star welcome, Share the Fun Show, and closing assembly.

District Events
We’ve wanted to make sure and provide plenty of opportunities for participants to
enjoy in-person activities. There is time built into the schedule for district
programming, afternoon activities, and evening events. We promise that this will
not be an entire weekend sitting in front of a screen!

                                    Workshops

       There will be two statewide workshops in which all Congress delegates will
participate:
VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
• Learning About Nanoscience/Nanotechnology
     Partners from Virginia Tech’s Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication
     Lab will teach us how science is used on a molecular scale, and see a
     demonstration of nanoparticles.

   • 4-H For All: Virginia 4-H Equity and Inclusion Taskforce
     This workshop lead by taskforce ambassadors will help to provide
     information on ways to promote inclusion and support in their spaces,
     honoring diversity, and using empathy to create understanding within and
     outside of 4-H.

                                     Events / Activities

       Congress will still have plenty of time for fun, including:

   •   Icebreakers and games
   •   Opening assembly
   •   District programs
   •   Afternoon recreation
   •   Evening programs
   •   Competition winner recognition
   •   State 4-H Cabinet elections
   •   Installation of new Cabinet members/officers

                                Welcoming New All Stars

       The Virginia 4-H All Stars will be providing a statewide welcome to all
newly selected members on Saturday evening, followed by ice cream for all
participants to enjoy!

                                    Tentative Schedule

     Though we are still finalizing several items, the tentative schedule for
Congress is:

Friday, June 25, 2021
2:00 PM       Staff and Cabinet arrive, setup, check in to rooms

4:00 PM       Statewide staff orientation
VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
4:30 PM      Check-in Opens / Icebreaker Activities

5:45 PM      Check-in Closes

6:00 PM      Dinner

7:30 PM      Cabin Meetings

8:00 PM      Opening Assembly / Social Activity

10:00 PM     Pod Meetings

10:30 PM     Congress Leadership Team Meeting

11:00 PM     Lights Out

Saturday, June 26, 2021
7:30 AM      Rise & Shine

8:00 AM      Breakfast

9:30 AM      Morning Assembly

10:00 AM     Workshops: Diversity & Inclusion/Nanoscience

10:50 AM     Break

11:00 AM     Workshop Nanoscience/Diversity & Inclusion

11:50 AM     Break

12:00 PM     Lunch

1:30 PM      District Planned Programming

3:30 PM      Afternoon Recreation

5:00 PM      District Meetings / Elections

6:00 PM      Dinner

7:30 PM      All Star Welcome

8:30 PM      Share the Fun Show

9:30 PM      Evening Programming
VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
10:30 PM     Back to Cabins

10:45 PM     Pod Meetings

11:00 PM     Lights Out

Sunday, June 27, 2021
7:00 AM      Rise & Shine
             Pack-Up / Move Luggage to Central Location for Checkout

8:00 AM      Breakfast

9:00 AM      Closing Assembly / Awards

10:00 AM     Congress Ends
             Check-Out

                              Health & Safety Guidelines

       The health and safety of every participant (youth and adult) has always been
paramount in Virginia 4-H. This remains especially true during the ongoing
pandemic. Congress Across the Commonwealth will operate under the guidelines
set forth by Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension for in-person
programming at the time of the event. We would like to make all families aware of
the following:

Grouping in Pods
In accordance with the guidelines for overnight camping, all participants will be
assigned to a pod of no more than twenty-five people. Each pod will have meals
together, be lodged together, etc. Pods may interact with one another, but only if
they maintain appropriate distancing and safety requirements. Adult chaperones
will help ensure that pods follow all guidelines while still having an enjoyable
experience.

Masks
All participants will be required to wear masks according to guidelines set by
Virginia Cooperative Extension at the time of the event.

Registration Limitations
Each center will be limited to 75 participants, in order to maintain proper
distancing and compliance with guidelines. Registration will take place on a first-
VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
come, first-served basis. Registrations will be approved at both the Unit level and
by the State 4-H Office to ensure compliance regarding number of participants,
space availability, etc.

Daily Health Screenings
Everyone at each location (youth and adults) will take part in a daily non-contact
temperature and symptom screening.

Health History Forms
For registration, we will be using an expanded 4-H Health History Form for
overnight events. The information on this form is confidential and will only be
used when necessary regarding the health and safety of a participant (such as
emergency medical treatment). There are questions related to vaccinations and
health histories. Please remember that not all questions on the form are required to
be filled out (those that are required are noted), nor does disclosure of any health
information disqualify an individual from participating in Congress.

Registration COVID-19 Information
When completing your paperwork for Congress Across the Commonwealth, please review this
information carefully as it will help you in determining whether your child will need a negative
COVID test or will be eligible to use the 14-day household screening form.
The Forward Virginia Phase 3 Guidelines for Overnight Camps states:
All camps must develop and implement a plan to decrease the risk of infectious campers and
staff entering the camp environment. This plan must include, but shall not be limited to, the
requirement for a negative molecular (PCR) test within seven days prior to the beginning of
camp, or a 14-day symptom screening for the camper and all persons in their household.
Making the right choice:
   A. If your child attends in-person school within 14 days or less, prior to the start of
      Congress, they MUST have a negative COVID test within 7 days prior to the start of
      Congress. The Virginia Health Department classifies schools as close contact and
      students cannot limit their exposure in school settings. The screening form is NOT an
      option in this case.
               Types of tests accepted
               1. A molecular or PCR test
               2. Rapid or Home administered PCR test that are approved by the FDA
      In both circumstances, be sure to check if test results will be verifiable and back in time
      for first day of Congress.
   B. In order to use the screening form instead of testing the following is required:
      1. You must complete a daily symptom screening log for each member of your
          household for the 14-day period prior to the scheduled Congress session. Each
VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
member of the household should limit close contact* with individuals living outside
           of the household during this time period. Our camp participants, as well as everyone
           in their household, should NOT participate in group gatherings, weddings, events,
           trips or activities that would put your family in close contact with other individuals
           outside of your household.
       We understand that parents/guardians need to work and maintain their daily routine.
       However, we ask that you consider the nature of your work environment and make every
       effort to limit close- contact with individuals outside of your household and outside of
       your regular work routine.
PLEASE NOTE: If your family chooses to engage in close contact* activities then your
participant MUST provide a negative COVID test before participation. (The screening form
would NOT be acceptable in these cases).
*Close Contact: An exposure (or potential exposure) to COVID-19 is defined as having close contact
with a person with COVID-19 while they were contagious. Close contact includes: being within 6 feet of
a person who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, or having exposure
to a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19’s respiratory secretions (e.g., coughed or sneezed on;
shared a drinking glass or utensils; kissing); or being a household contact of a confirmed or suspected
case of COVID-19; or providing care for a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
   C. Keep in mind that even if you are eligible to use the 14-day screening form, you can still
      choose to provide negative test results instead.

We appreciate your understanding and your commitment to providing a safe Congress
experience for your child.

                                           Registration

                  REGISTER ONLINE AT https://v2.4honline.com
                   Registration closes MAY 27, 2021 at 11:59 PM!

4-H Enrollment Requirement
In order to register for Congress Across the Commonwealth, youth must be
enrolled 4-H members in the 4-H Online system. Adult chaperones must also be
enrolled volunteers through 4-H Online with a current criminal background check
completed which meets the American Camp Association standards.

Registration Cost
Registration for Congress Across the Commonwealth is $140.00. The registration
price is the same for youth and adults.

Scholarships
There are a limited number of $50.00 scholarships available. To apply for a
scholarship, select “Scholarship” as your registration type online. You will be
required to make a payment of $90.00, and will be provided further information
about submitting a scholarship application. If a scholarship is not awarded, the
balance of the registration will be required to be paid.

Some Units pay a portion of the registration fee for participants. Please check with
your Unit Extension Office BEFORE you register in order to select the correct
payment method online.

Registration Sheet
Please follow the steps on the attached registration tip sheet to complete your
registration for Congress Across the Commonwealth.

                               Detailed Information

      All registered participants will receive more detailed instructions, lists of
what to bring, check-in information, transportation information, etc. closer to the
event once these details have been finalized. This information will be
communicated via email.

                                   Refund Policy

   •   If State 4-H Congress is cancelled by us, or by the state or federal
       government, fees will be fully refunded.
   •   Refunds will be provided up until June 4, 2021 however, a $25.00
       processing fee will be assessed to all cancellations up until June 4.
   •   After June 4th, no refunds will be issued unless:
           o Between 2 weeks before (June 11, 2021) and up to the day of arrival
              at Congress, if for Medical Reasons, youth are not admitted into
              camp, a refund minus $25 will be provided.
Families Registering For Events

                            Families Registering for Events
                                          Before You Start
Review any registration information provided by your County Extension Office or the State 4-H Office about
the event for which you intend to register.
                     Steps                                               Screenshots
                                                                 (Screen appearance may vary per state)
   1. Log in to your family’s 4-H Online account.

   2. Click the Register button below the event
      name on the Member List page
      OR
      Click on Events in the navigation pane, and
      then click Register for the event.

   3. Click the Member’s name that you would
      like to register for the event.
   4. Click the Select button.

   5. Click on the Session/Type name for which
      they are registering. In some events, the
      member may qualify for more than one
      Session/Type.
   6. Click the Start Registration button.

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Families Registering For Events
7. Complete each question.
8. If a file upload is needed, click the upload
   button. Navigate your device and select
   the file to upload.
9. Click the Next button once the questions
   and file upload (if applicable) are
   complete.

10. If applicable, review the Health Form
    information and make changes if needed.
11. Complete the Medical Release.
12. Click the Next Button.

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Families Registering For Events
13. If applicable, complete the required
    consents.
14. Click the Next button.

15. If applicable, select the payment method
    to pay any fees that are associated with
    the registration.
16. Click the Finish button.
17. Your event registration has been
    submitted. You should receive an email
    indicating that the registration has been
    submitted. You will receive an additional
    email when it has been reviewed and
    approved and when the payment, if any,
    has been processed.

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