While in the Kansas City area, 4-H members also are expected to contribute time and energy to community service projects. Delegates have volunteered to help at Harvesters, a food distribution center; Metro Energy Center; the Children’s Service League; community blood center; senior citizens center; and other community agencies.

"Learning responsible citizenship is part of 4-H," said Lindy Lindquist, Kansas State University associate 4-H specialist, who is a member of the conference planning team.

One hundred and forty-five delegates are expected to attend from Kansas. Others attending the conference are traveling from Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas, she said.

"The purpose of the conference is to help students learn more about themselves and the world around them. Many of the delegates come from less-densely populated areas, and may not have had opportunities to explore a larger metropolitan area," she said.

Kansas City area businesses, including Farmland Industries and Harley Davidson, are offering tours and get-acquainted sessions. A large number of volunteers also will teach seminars and skill-building sessions, like conflict-resolution.

"One of the conference’s most popular events offers an introduction to the diversity in the Kansas City area.. Residents with different ethnic heritages will demonstrate folk crafts, provide entertainment and invite student-visitors to sample their favorite recipes. In previous years, the offerings have ranged from Serbian-style burgers to strudel," Lindquist said. The 4-H student-delegates also will have an opportunity to visit the Nelson Atkins Art Museum; Midwest Research Institute; and a behind-the-scenes look at the Kansas City Zoo.