Two Fond du Lac County 4-H youth took part in a virtual exchange with youth from Chattanooga, TN. The exchange consisted of three youth-led Zoom meetings. Ten youth from Wisconsin and ten youth from Tennessee participated.

At the first meeting, the youth, as a group, decided what they wanted the focus of the exchange to be. They came to a consensus to take turns presenting something about their state. At the next two Zooms, youth shared information about famous people and animals, places to visit, and interesting facts about their states. Youth also took turns planning and leading icebreakers for the opening and closing of each meeting.

Youth shared information in a variety of ways. Some youth-created formal presentations. One youth introduced us to her beef cattle through her cell phone and one youth even made a five-minute video about Wisconsin! Youth from Tennessee shared about famous people and Ruby Falls, a series of underground waterfalls, in TN. Youth finished the final exchange with sharing about 4-H projects or experiences they take part in.  The youth discovered many differences and similarities amongst the programs.

Of the youth who completed the final evaluation, 100% agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed participating in the program, that they learned something new, and that the program helped them feel more connected to 4-H.  Youth expressed interest in attending future sessions with other states.