Local youth were among 82 4-H’ers from across the state who met in Harrisburg recently for the annual Pennsylvania 4-H Capital Days program.

Attending from Lehigh and Northampton counties was Andrew Bowman of Slatington.

Sponsored by Pennsylvania 4-H, Capital Days is a citizenship-awareness and civic-engagement educational program designed to engage 4-H’ers in the political process and prepare them to become active and engaged citizens of Pennsylvania.

The youth gain valuable leadership and citizenship skills that will empower and lead them to successful futures.

“Pennsylvania 4-H’s Capital Days event is an extremely important part of our youth development program,” Dr. Joshua Rice, Penn State Extension assistant director for 4-H youth development programs said. “Youth learning about civic engagement and their role in democracy has a direct impact on the growth of our communities, country and world.”

During the event, participants learn about governmental issues and the political process through workshops focusing on parliamentary procedure, reading a bill, and party roles and affiliations.

They learn how to discuss and debate a bill and participate in a mock legislative session.

This year delegates discussed a bill to institute a civics-test graduation requirement in high schools.

Delegates also participated in a workshop on advocacy, during which they learned how to advocate and speak out on issues about which they are passionate and that affect them, their families and their communities.

A panel of fellow 4-H’ers discussed how they advocated for an issue that was important to them.

In addition to workshops, delegates were given a tour of and had their photo taken at the Capitol.

They also visited the State Museum of Pennsylvania and participated in a scavenger hunt through the museum.

On the last day, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding spoke to the 4-H’ers about the value of 4-H.

He emphasized the important life skills that are learned through participation in the program and how those skills have built strong leaders for the future.

The event wrapped up with a legislative brunch during which delegates talked with their legislators one-on-one about 4-H and their 4-H experiences.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the national Cooperative Extension System that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens.