Roundup and State 4-H All Star Conference

Every July, over 350 4-H'ers gather for 4-H Roundup and State All Star Conference. Over the course of four days, the teens compete in their project areas, conduct service learning projects, hear great speakers, participate in educational workshops ("Clover Interest Sessions"), honor their peers at the awards banquet, experience dorm life, meet new people, and have FUN!

The week also includes several All Star activities: a luncheon, an assembly to highlight service and leadership activities for the year, and of course the ever-popular campfire. The state and district officers provide leadership for these activities and are always on hand to assist with various duties throughout the week.

The 2008 4-H Roundup and State All Star Conference will be at UT Knoxville on July 21 - 25.

Service Project
The service project for the 2007 Roundup and State All Star Conference was collecting items dental items for youth. The project, "Miles and Miles of Smiles", provided over 9,000 dental items for local youth.

Thanks to everyone who participated and made this project a success!

Non-competitors' Activity

All Stars who were not in project competition conducted several different service projects at sites throughout the Knoxville area. Their service activities helped the following agencies:
Angelic Ministries International Howard Baker Center for Public Policy Inskip Elementary School Ronald McDonald House Salvation Army Joy Baker Center Vine Middle Magnet School Wee Course (First Tee Program)
Check out more pictures here!

All Star Luncheon - Constitutional Amendments

Rosita Najmi, a former Knox County 4-H'er and Smoky Mountain District All Star, was the featured speaker for the All Star luncheon on Wednesday, July 21. She spoke of her experiences with service and encouraged the All Stars to make a real difference in the world.

Also during the luncheon, members voted on constitutional changes that were proposed by the district and state officers, reviewed by the state 4-H staff, and approved by Dr. Norman, the Dean of Extension. The amendments passed. Check out the amendments here.

Click here to see more pictures from the luncheon.

All Star Campfire

Roundup delegates had a special treat at this year's All Star Campfire. After the ceremony with the All Star officers, everyone enjoyed a performance by a professional storyteller, Faye Wooden.

Faye Wooden is an Appalachian native with Cherokee heritage. She shares "Laughter, Legends, Lessons, and Life" with audiences of all ages.

She is or has been a teacher, banker, pianist, university administrator, bear trapper, herbalist, published author, and pet therapy volunteer.

She has told stories in schools and libraries, summer camps, festivals and "Tellabrations," church and civic events, family gatherings, corporate meetings, picnics and parties, bookstores and coffee houses.

Faye especially enjoys sharing regional and environmental stories that help preserve family and original stories.

She has earned a Master's Degree in Story Arts at East Tennessee State University and sometimes uses music to enhance her storytelling performances.

Click here to see more great pictures of the All Star Campfire!

All Star Assembly

On Thursday afternoon, all the delegates gathered for the All Star assembly. Each district presented a slide show highlighting their service and leadership over the past year.

The state All Star officers presented several awards, including the Project Exhibit Competition, Service Award, Spirit of Service Award, and Award of Excellence. Check out all the award winners here.

Visit the Roundup and State 4-H All Star Conference Web site for more information about the event and for highlights from Roundup 2007.