Florida 4-H
4-H University - Know Before You Go
We know there are a lot of moving pieces and information related to 4-H University. This webpage should provide you a one stop shop for everything you need to know for the event.
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Guests at 4-HU for Competitions & Award Ceremonies
Awardees and guests are invited to join us for Competitive Events, Share the Fun, Youth Awards Banquet, and Champion's Breakfast.
All guests must register in 4-H Online and check in at the 4-H University Headquarter Desk on the 2nd Floor of the Union.
Guests must purchase tickets by Tuesday July 22, 2025.
GUEST REGISTRATION
- Guest Registration in 4-H Online: https://4-HU2025.4honline.com
- We ask that guest registration fees be paid in 4-H Online with an electronic payment by the registration deadline of 7/22/2025. We cannot accommodate walk ins or late registrations.
- Guests may not attend any of the dance activities. Only those 4-H youth members registered for the Full Conference may attend dances.
- Share the Fun, Senior Awards Banquet, and Champion's Breakfast will be live streamed on the Florida 4-H Youth Development (facebook.com). It is a public page and you do not need to have a Facebook account to watch.
ATTENDEES, REGISTRATION FEES, & PARKING
- Parking for competitive events and award ceremonies will be in the Reitz Union/Welcome Center Parking Garage at 686 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL.
Competitive Events, Monday, July 28
- Competitors and guests
- No cost for guests to attend
- $8.00 for parking per vehicle (pay at Kiosk in Parking Garage)
Share the Fun, Tuesday, July 29
- Competitors and guests
- No cost for guests to attend and watch the show
- No parking fee for arrivals after 4:30pm
Senior Awards Banquet, Wednesday, July 30
- Scholarship winners, award trip winners, Leader of the Legacy winners, and guests
- $50 per guest, dress is semi-formal
- Kids under 5 are free but must be registered to have a seat.
- No parking fee for arrivals after 4:30pm
Champion's Breakfast, Thursday, July 31
- State champions, Community Pride winners, Competitive Events awards, and guests
- $25 per guest, dress is professional
- Kids under 5 are free but must be registered to have a seat
- $8.00 for parking per vehicle (pay at Kiosk in Parking Garage)
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State Events, Share-the-Fun, & Fashion Revue Competitors
GUEST TICKETS
- See Guests at 4-H University above for information.
PARKING
- Parking for one day competitors and award ceremonies will be in the Reitz Union/Welcome Center Parking Garage at 686 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL.
CHECK-IN
- All one-day competitors and guests must check in at the 4-H University Headquarters Desk on the 2nd Floor outside the Grand Ballroom.
- You will receive a wristband to be admitted into the Ballroom.
- Adult and youth guests cannot stay for the social or dances following any events. Only those registered for the full-week of 4-H University may attend.
MONDAY 7/28 - COMPETITIVE EVENTS
Check out your assignments including the event room, group, and times at 4-H University Competitive Events Schedule 2025. You are assigned either:
- Group A from 2:00-4:00pm; be in room by 1:45pm.
- Group B from 4:00-5:30pm; be in room by 3:45pm.
Additional Notes:
- Bring your digital presentations on a flash drive to be plugged into the computer available in each presentation room.
- If you have any presentation materials, they can be dropped off at HQ starting at 11:30AM.
- Check in between 12:00-3:30pm.
- You must check in 30 minutes before your group time.
- You are expected to remain in your competition room for all presentations in your time period.
MONDAY 7/28 - FASHION REVUE
- Check in between 12:00pm-1:45pm at the HQ desk
- Fashion Revue Judging (modeling and interview) will be begin at 2:00pm
- Have your garment(s) and record book with you for judging
- Fashion Revue rehearsal will be on Tuesday July 29th 10:00am-Noon in the Rion Ballroom
- Fashion Revue participants will be showcased in Share the Fun on Tuesday at 8:00pm in the Grand Ballroom
- Awards will be given during the Champions Breakfast on Thursday in the Grand Ballroom at 9:00am
TUESDAY 7/29 - SHARE-THE-FUN
- Check in between 8:45-9:45am.
- Rehearsal is from 10:00am-12:00pm.
- Dress rehearsal is not required but highly recommended. This is where we will practice with any props you bring, confirm placement on stage, review order of go, test lighting and sound. We are not able to rehearse in the ballroom outside of this scheduled time.
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Code of Conduct
As you are preparing for the weekend, please keep the Florida 4-H Code of Conduct in mind. All participants will be held responsible for upholding these expectations.
You can access the full participation form, which includes the Code of Conduct and is signed upon registration in 4-H Online, at 4-H Participation Form .
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What to Pack
Check out the following links to get all the information you need for packing:
Be sure to check the weather for Gainesville, FL to ensure you pack comfortably.
Additional items for consideration:
Cell Phones
- Cell phones are allowed at 4-H University.
- They must be used respectfully throughout the event and not be a disruption to activities.
- Disrespectful use of cell phones may result in staff holding the phone at the headquarters desk for a designated time.
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Bringing Medication
Any prescription or over the counter medication that you will be taking while attending this event must be noted on the Florida 4-H Medication Form.
- There is space for four (4) medications on the document. Please fill out and print as many as necessary.
- Please take note of all requirements for prescription and over the counter medication within the Florida 4-H Medication Form. Any medication not meeting those requirements will not be allowed.
- Please put all medication and the form(s) in a Ziploc bag with the participant's name on it. You will turn this in at drop-off.
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ADA Accommodation Requests
At 4-H we want to do our best to make sure ALL youth enjoy their time at 4-HU and that their needs are met. We understand that all children have different needs, and we want to do our best to give your child the best experience possible.
If you have noted any special accommodations due to a disability or any other reason in your 4-H Online profile or 4-HU registration that you feel needs more information:
- Please complete ADA Accommodation Plan Request Form and return this to 4hevents@ifas.ufl.edu at your earliest convenience.
- This information will help kept confidential amongst staff members.
- While 4-H online registration captures some of this information, it does not provide as much detail.
- Please note this is not required for participation but it is helpful information.
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Drop Off & Notes for Planning Committee
We are looking forward to seeing y'all on Sunday!
Check out Schedule Officers, Candidates, & Committee for specific information related to Sunday drop off and schedule along with specific schedule information for these roles throughout the week.
Refer to General Drop Off & Pick Up below for information on parking. Since you're arriving on Sunday, you can disregard the notes on parking passes and 4-H signage.
Included below is all the information in this email is all the current information we have for you:-
Action Items
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Schedule for Officers, Candidates, & Committee
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Communication During 4-HU
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Emcees & Scripts
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Leader of the Legacy
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Committee Roles Throughout 4-HU
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Senior Farewells
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Funshops & Statue Game
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District Spirit
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Riding the Bus Home
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FL 4-H Hall of Fame
ACTION ITEMS- Email 4hevents@ifas.ufl.edu by the end of the day Thursday 7/24 if you need to ride the bus home after 4-HU on Thursday 7/31
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Email 4hevents@ifas.ufl.edu by the end of the day Thursday 7/24 if you plan to attend the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame on Thursday 7/31
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Email 4hevents@ifas.ufl.edu by the end of the day Thursday 7/24 if you need a different email address used for Teams than what we're using here
- Emcees (listed below), be on the lookout for scripts by Friday.
- Review the Know Before You Go and Schedule for Officers, Candidates, & Committee to ensure you know everything you need to do as you prep for the week.
- Review the Leader of the Legacy district winner nominations to prepare for rank voting on Sunday, 7/27.
- Review the schedule of events and then look at the Committee Role sheet to select the roles you will be responsible for as a member of the committee.
SCHEDULE FOR OFFICERS, CANDIDATES, & COMMITTEE
Check out Schedule Officers, Candidates, & Committee for specific information related to Sunday drop off and schedule along with specific schedule information for these roles throughout the week.
COMMUNICATION DURING 4-HU
We will be utilizing Teams to communicate with everyone throughout the week.
If you need to provide a different email address than what we're using here, please email to 4hevents@ifas.ufl.edu no later than 11:59PM on Thursday, July 24 so that we can add everyone by Sunday's meeting. We will make sure everyone's Teams is working on Sunday to ensure that you get the communication throughout the week.
EMCEES & SCRIPTS
We are working to have scripts to you by Friday 7/25.
Jerick will be involved in just about every script in some way to provide consistency throughout the week.
Based on those that signed up to emcee, here's the breakdown for scripts:
Monday Welcome
- Rule Givers - Calum, Grace, Jamie, Kassandra, Cadence
Tuesday Career Fair
- Emcee - Shawn
Tuesday Share-the-Fun & Fashion Revue
- Emcees - Musiq, Tommy
Wednesday Awards Banquet
- Emcees - Hunter, Ella
Thursday Champions Breakfast
- Emcees - Josie, Alexander
LEADER OF THE LEGACY
17 4-H'ers were nominated this year! To lessen the load on y'all as a committee, we had two previous Leader of the Legacy award winners judge all 17 applications. This determined the five district winners. You will review the five district winner applications and submit your rankings on Sunday night during the 4:00 meeting for selection of the state winner.
The district winners' submissions are in the email you received to access all of this information.
You will receive the form to submit your rankings during Sunday's committee meeting. While you won't be individually scoring each nomination, your rankings are expected to be based off the nominations that best represent the scoring rubric - Leader of the Legacy - Sample Scoresheet (florida4h.org).
COMMITTEE ROLES THROUGHOUT 4-HU
Check out Committee Roles for 4-H University for what to expect throughout the week. Some of the roles you have already selected and some you will be selecting at our meeting on Sunday. Look them over that way you have an idea of what you would like to do. You will have roles each day of the event. Your excitement and positive energy will be what contributes to a successful event for all that attend.
SENIOR FAREWELLS
There has been some conversation and asks around adding senior farewells to 4-HU's dance on Wednesday, similar to LEG's. As we dug into the history a bit we found out that we used to have this. With a lot more people at 4-HU (47 graduating seniors this year), the senior farewells became too long to do it justice. A past 4-HU committee decided to record senior videos to serve the same purpose.
Check out the Graduating Senior Recognition & Farewells section below to see the questions we've come up with to put some more senior farewell vibes into the recorded senior videos
It'll be y'alls responsibility to communicate this vibe of senior farewells with graduating seniors so that they can build up the importance of the video recordings. We'll have one person at the signup table on Monday and one person in the recording space to help emphasize this.FUNSHOPS & STATUE GAME
This committee is fully in charge of coordinating and executing Funshops and the statue game at 4-HU. Check out Funshops and Statue Game Directions for all the information we currently have for these activities.
DISTRICT SPIRIT
As a way to keep energy high throughout the week, we will be utilizing administrative districts (Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southwest, Southeast) for spirit. We will have some time during Monday's dinner, welcome, and State Council to allow districts to come up with a chant to use throughout the week. On Tuesday, we'll have everyone eat breakfast together in their administrative districts to help connect around and promote District Boards.
We will discuss everyone's role in more detail on Sunday.
RIDING THE BUS HOME
Since we have early arrival on Sunday 7/27, we know some of you may need to ride the bus back on Thursday 7/31.
If you need to ride the bus back home on Thursday, please email 4hevents@ifas.ufl.edu by the end of the day on Thursday 7/24.
FL 4-H HALL OF FAME
As 4-HU committee members, you're invited to the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame (give.ifas.ufl.edu). Check out 2025 FL 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees (blogs.ifas.ufl.edu).
Details on this can be found in the schedule for officer, candidates, and committee. To RSVP, please email 4hevents@ifas.ufl.edu by the end of the day on Thursday 7/24. Those riding the bus or in county vans on Thursday will not be able to attend.
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State Officer Candidate Packing & Notes
We are looking forward to seeing y'all on Sunday! Here's all of the information that you received previously in email.
It is your responsibility to take in all the information below.Feel free to reach out to Mr. Derby, Ms. Kelsey, and Ms. Mary Lee with any questions. Please include all of us so that we have all relevant adults. Be sure to include your name so that we know who we're talking with.This information below contains information related to:-
Action Items
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Campaign Finance Report
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2025 4-H University - Officers, Candidates, & Committee Schedule
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Communication During 4-HU
ACTION ITEMS-
Submit your Campaign Finance Report by 11:59PM on Saturday July 26.
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If you need to provide a different email address than what you included in your application, message msale@ufl.edu by 11:59PM on Wednesday, July 23.
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Review the Officers, Candidates, & Committee Schedule to ensure you're prepared for the week.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTYou can access at Campaign Finance Report. You can download and fill in on your computer or print and fill.This form along with your receipts can be uploaded at https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2f5FqgMNXSPRBNc.If you need some help figuring out how to scan your receipts for easy upload, here are some helpful resources:Submit your Campaign Finance Report by 11:59PM on Saturday July 26.COMMUNICATION DURING 4-HUWe will be utilizing Teams to communicate with everyone throughout the week.If you need to provide a different email address than what we're using here, please respond to msale@ufl.edu no later than 11:59PM on Wednesday, July 23 so that we can add all candidates prior to Sunday's meeting. We will make sure everyone's Teams is working on Sunday to ensure that you get the communication throughout the week.OFFICERS, CANDIDATES, & COMMITTEE SCHEDULEYou can access at Schedule Officers, Candidates, & Committee.We know there is a lot of you that hold multiple roles throughout the week, so we've packaged all of these details in one resource to help support your success!This includes specific schedule additions for each of these roles and things to consider when packing, preparing, and moving through the week.Refer to General Drop Off & Pick Up below for information on parking. Since you're arriving on Sunday, you can disregard the notes on parking passes and 4-H signage. -
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Bus Transportation
Based on registration in 4-H Online, you can access the bus assignments and schedules at 4-HU State Bus Roster and Schedule 2025.
- Buses will leave PROMPTLY at scheduled time.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you do not miss the bus. The bus cannot wait for late arrivals in order to keep to the bus route schedule.
- Bring money for meal stops on both arrival and return trips.
- Parents/guardians must sign in and out youth at pick-up and drop-off. Youth cannot be left at a drop off location without an authorized driver checking them out.
Tips for riding on the Bus:-
Clearly label all luggage. Luggage will be stored under the bus.
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Pack essentials in a carry-on or backpack (snacks, water, book, headphones, jacket) for you to bring on the bus at your seat.
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Bring books, music, tablets for entertainment and pillows/ blankets for the ride.
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Use headphones for music/videos
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Avoid packing expensive electronics or valuables
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Be sure to check you have all belongings before exiting the bus! 4-H is not responsible for lost or forgotten items.
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General Drop Off & Pick Up (Take Note of Eastern Times)
TIMES & LOCATION
Drop off and pick up will take place at Honors Village, 1512 Museum Rd, Gainesville, FL 32612.
Drop Off
- Drop off is from 11:30AM-1:15PM ET on Monday July 28. We are unable to accommodate any times earlier than this.
- Drop off at Honors Village will close promptly at 1:15PM.
- Late check-ins will need to go to the Reitz Union to check in.
- Call Grace Carter at 904-437-9127 if you are going to be late so we can have your check in materials brought to the Reitz Union.
Pick Up
- Pick up will be from 11:45AM-12:30PM on Thursday July 31. If you need accommodations outside of these times, please communicate with us so that we can plan accordingly.
- Please note that we will only allow those designated in your registration to pick you up. If anyone else needs to pick you up, please communicate with us.
PARKING
- You will need to park at Parking Garage 4 for drop off and pick up.
- Parking Garage 4 is at the corner of Museum Rd and Newell Dr.
- To help visualize, you can utilize Parking Map for 4-HU.
- You will receive a temporary parking pass upon arrival at the parking garage. You will need to return it upon departure.
- There will be 4-H signage set up to help guide you from the parking garage to our dorm.
- Construction is an ongoing challenge on campus. We have found that Google Maps has the most up to date construction information for directions.
SELF DRIVERS & COUNTY VANS
- For those driving themselves and staying for the week, you will receive a parking pass.
- 4-H'ers will need to turn in their keys after they place their parking pass in their car.
- Do not back into parking spaces. You will get a ticket regardless of your parking pass.
- High top vans will need to park in a flat top lot across the street from Parking Garage 4 in the McCarty parking area or across SW 13th St at Norman Hall/Norman Fields.
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Supervision
UF is an open campus. Maturity and responsibility are expected of each 4-H member attending.
To ensure safety and supervision during the event:
- We adhere to UF's youth protection guidelines, requiring two deep supervision and adequate adult to youth ratios.
- We will call roll throughout the event to ensure all participants are present.
- All youth participants have an Adult in Charge assigned to them by their county 4-H professional during registration. If you do not know who your Adult in Charge is, you can ask at check in or headquarters.
- Participants and Adults in Charge should have each others' contact information and arrange to check in with each other regularly during the week.
- The Adult in Charge should touch base with the members they are responsible for each day.
- The Adult in Charge will be the first adult contact if a participant is not where they should be, if there is a discipline issue, or a health/safety emergency.
- 4-H Members must advise their Adult in Charge if there are any unexpected changes to where they are supposed to be.
- No one is allowed to leave campus or walk anywhere alone.
- Staff are hired to patrol the building during the night.
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Tentative Schedule
Access at Tentative Schedule for 4-HU.
- Participants will receive a program booklet with a current schedule at check in.
- All times and locations are tentative and can change based on a variety of factors.
- Participants and families will be notified of any notable changes that they need to be aware of.
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Food & Meals
- All meals for 4-HU are provided.
- Breakfast and dinners are buffets.
- Lunches will be bought with meal cards from restaurants available throughout the Reitz Union.
- The Reitz Union has several food outlets if participants want to purchase drinks or snacks. Check out https://new.dineoncampus.com/uf for more information.
- Monday's lunch is not provided, so be sure to eat before checking in.
- We suggest bringing snacks (not refrigerated) for the dorm if you would like snacks in your room.
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Remind App for Onsite Communication
We will be utilizing the Remind app to help with onsite communication.
- You can join the 4-HU Remind instantly at https://www.remind.com/join/florida4hu.
- If that link gives you any issues, you can also refer to 4-HU Remind Sign Up.
- Any youth with a smart phone and access to apps can utilize the app to receive communication throughout the weekend.
- Participants should not be far from adult chaperones or a group at any time, so those without cell phones will not miss out on anything.
- Families can also signup if they'd like to keep up with updates throughout the week, but this will not be utilized for family communication. We will utilize 4-H Online emails for family communication.
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Graduating Senior Recognition & Farewells
On Wednesday of 4-HU, we will recognize graduating seniors and present them with their 4-H Alumni Pin.
During the Wednesday Awards Banquet, we will share recorded messages from our graduating seniors. There will be a signup at check-in and recording will happen on Monday afternoon.
This is not required, but this is your opportunity to say one final farewell to 4-H and reflect on your experiences.
Some questions to consider when thinking of your message:
- What are your final words to 4-H? How do you want to say farewell?
- What was your proudest moment in 4-H?
- Who would you like to thank or acknowledge? What impact have they had on you?
- How has 4-H helped you build the confidence and skills to face whatever comes next in your life?
- What opportunities did 4-H give you that helped you discover your strengths and future path?
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Workshops
You can check out all of this year's opportunities at Workshop Descriptions for 4-HU.
You will signup for your workshops on Monday of 4-HU.
There are a variety of workshops at 4-H university ranging from animal science to environmental science, to food preparation, and citizenship and leadership. The workshops are 3 or 6 hours and are presented by university faculty and staff.
You explore career opportunities, lead community service activities, interact with youth from all over the state, and have fun while developing critical life skills that will help them become productive and engaged citizens in their communities, their country, and their world! We aim for our 4-H University workshops to provide:
- Hands on experiences to uphold 4-H's slogan, "Learn by Doing".
- Opportunities to explore sparks (extension.org).
- Opportunities to explore career paths and become Beyond Ready (4h.org).
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Adult Chaperones
4-H University would not be possible without our adult chaperones. We appreciate those that are giving of their time and energy during this week to make it a great week for our 4-H'ers!
Check out Adult Assignments for 4-HU for the roles you'll be expected to fulfill throughout the week.
We will have an adult orientation on Monday to go through assignments, answer any questions, and give you all the support you need to be successful during 4-HU. ALL ADULTS MUST ATTEND THIS ORIENTATION.
For those that are Adults in Charge, be sure to review Adult in Charge Guidelines for State Events.
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Florida 4-H State Council
For those serving as voting delegates for their county, congratulations on being selected to represent your county as a State Council voting delegate. This is an important responsibility that allows representative youth voice to have a positive impact on the direction of the Florida 4-H State Council.
As a voting delegate, your responsibilities include participating in the state officer candidate campaigns and casting your vote for the individuals you believe are best suited for the roles. You’ll hear their prepared speeches on Monday and their impromptu speeches on Tuesday. You’ll also have the chance to ask them official questions during the two State Council meetings and connect with them throughout the event. In addition, you'll vote on any proposed amendments to the State Council's governing documents.
Refer to the bottom of this page for information on each of this year's candidates.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
As a State Council voting delegate, it is important to have access to the documents that provide the framework for the Florida 4-H State Council. As such, you can click on the links below to access the Constitution and Bylaws:
QUORUM & MAJORITY
According to the Florida 4-H Constitution:
- Two-thirds of the officially seated delegates or alternates shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Council provided that at least one-half of the counties with organized 4-H programs are represented (FL 4-H Const. art.III, § 3).
- A state officer candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast to be elected to office (FL 4-H Const. art. IV, § 2, cl. b.)
- A proposed amendment becomes Constitutional upon vote of two-thirds majority of the votes cast by the officially seated voting delegates (FL 4-H Const. art.VII, § 1)
- A proposed amendment to the Bylaws of the Constitution becomes bylaw upon a majority of the votes cast by the officially seated voting delegates. (FL 4-H Const. art.VII, § 3)
If we end up in a scenario where quorum is not possible, the Council will entertain a motion to suspend the rule of quorum.
A motion to suspend the rules requires a vote of two-thirds of the present voting delegates to pass.
PREFERENTIAL VOTING
To ensure an efficient, representative, and fair election, the Florida 4-H State Council will be implementing instant runoff voting, aka “preferential voting”, for officer elections.
The procedure for preferential voting will be as follows:
- Voting delegates will receive a Qualtrics link to submit their ballot.
- On their ballot, they will be asked to indicate the order in which they prefer the candidates.
- This will be done by selecting a number underneath each available candidate for that particular position.
- (1) representing their first choice, (2) representing their second choice, and continuing for the number of candidates running for that particular position.
For example –
- This voting delegate’s first choice is Sally, second choice is Joe, and third choice is Bob.
Ballot Allocation
- Candidates are allocated ballots based on the voting delegate’s first preference (those in which they received a (1))
- If a candidate receives a majority of the votes (half of present voting delegates plus one), then they win that election.
- If a majority is not reached, then a preference distribution will take place.
Preference Distribution
- Preference distribution takes place when no candidate has received a simple majority of the votes.
- This process starts by excluding the candidate with the lowest number of ballots.
- The excluded candidate’s ballots will be inspected and allocated to the next preferred candidate (those who received a (2) on the excluded candidate’s ballots)
- If a candidate now has a majority of the votes, then they win that election.
- Preference distribution will continue to exclude candidate ballots until a simple majority is reached.
- If the next preference on a ballot has already been excluded then the ballot is redistributed to the next available candidate.
- This scenario is specific to Australian government, but the general idea is illustrated well.
Amendment Proposals & State Officer Candidates
Along with state officers, you'll also have the opportunity to vote on Constitutional Amendment Proposals.
Click Position to View Candidates
President
Motivations of Candidates for President
| Name | County | Campaign Graphic | 4-H Resume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timmy Hawes | Broward | Timmy's Graphic | Timmy's Resume |
| Giorgio Semprevivo | Indian River | Giorgio's Graphic | Giorgio's Resume |
| Summer Wayne | St. Lucie | Summer's Graphic | Summer's Resume |