About Citizenship Washington Focus
Every summer, high school students from across the country travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), 4‑H’s premier leadership and citizenship program for high school students.
CWF is more than a Washington, D.C. field trip – it’s an opportunity for 4‑H’ers to learn how to be citizen leaders and make a difference in their communities.
CWF participants -
- Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at our nation's capital and the chance to meet members of Congress
- Develop communication, leadership and citizenship skills through hands-on learning and group activities
- Build new and lasting friendships.
Contact Us
General questions: National 4‑H Conference Center
Contracts, dates, and rates: Ashley Sawyers or call 301-961-2812
Rooming lists, transportation or t-shirts: Ashley Sawyers or call 301-961-2812
Programming or educational opportunities: Freeman Thompson or call 301-961-2917
Program Assistants or the application process: Freeman Thompson or call 301-961-2917
What Makes CWF Unique?
Citizenship Washington Focus isn’t just another school sightseeing trip to Washington, D.C. Our focus is life-long civic empowerment and engagement for 4‑H members.
National and Local Viewpoints
CWF brings together 4‑H delegations from across the country to engage in civic discussions and problem solving, giving participants the chance to learn about different experiences and perspectives.
Licensed, Collegiate Facilitators
Youth are mentored and taught by highly trained and licensed Program Assistants, many of whom are 4‑H alumni.
Safety and security
Youth stay at the National 4‑H Conference Center. The Center is located on a 12-acre campus just one mile from the Washington, D.C. border. Unlike many hotels, no alcohol is allowed on the property, and security guards monitor the campus 24 hours a day.
Exclusively 4‑H focused
CWF is a 4‑H tradition that dates back more than 50 years, and is the only such national citizenship and leadership program designed for and offered exclusively to 4‑H members.
2020 CWF Costs
Youth: $925 per person (based upon quad occupancy)
Adults: $1015 per person (based upon double occupancy)
Transportation package: $185 per person
Inclusive of all taxes.
Fees Include
- 6 nights lodging and 14 meals at National 4‑H Youth Conference Center
- Citizenship Washington Focus polo Shirt and lanyard
- Arrangements and logistical support
- Curriculum materials
- Various tours and workshops
- Admission and ticket fees to sites on CWF itinerary (not trips arranged by delegation)
- Facilitation by our highly trained and licensed collegiate program assistant team
Souvenir Packs
Souvenir packs include a backpack, water pouch and sunglasses. (additional $14 per person)
Educational Workshops
Participants are immersed in the culture and history of Washington through educational workshops, facilitated by our highly trained collegiate program assistants. Workshops start with the basics of good citizenship and culminate with action planning for their own communities.
Citizenship Toolbox
Delegates begin to explore and define what it means to be a good citizen and learn how to use their individual skills to become leaders in their own communities.
Congressional Issues
Open dialogue and varying perspectives are the critical elements for this workshop as delegates discuss several national issues that our country is currently facing to gain an understanding of how similar issues relate to every citizen.
Issues have included: Youth Labor in Agriculture, Food Labeling, Renewable Resources, Regulations on School Lunches, College Tuition Rates and Federal Funding for Arts Programs in Schools.
Bill Writing
Delegates receive in-depth instruction about the bill writing process that takes place in the House of Representatives and use this knowledge to compose a bill of their own that addresses current issues facing their country and communities.
Strategy
Delegates will learn and put into practice the skills of teamwork, consensus building, gathering support, persuading others, and public speaking as they plan and implement their strategy behind supporting (or not supporting) and lobbying for public opinion for different bills.
Action Planning
Putting practice into action. Using all that they have learned, delegates will discuss issues important to their communities and develop Action Plans to take home to their schools and communities.
Capitol Hill Orientation
Delegates learn about varying resources on Capitol Hill and prepare for their day of speaking to their members of congress about issues important to their constituencies.
Washington, D.C. Tours
CWF tours are more than just sightseeing in Washington D.C. Our licensed Program Assistants immerse delegates in the culture and history of our nation’s capital. Delegates use D.C. as a living classroom, learning about the history of our nation, the leaders who have shaped it, and their own role in civic affairs both nationally and locally.
CWF tours include –
- Our signature Nightview event, touring the most famous D.C. monuments and memorials at night
- A day on Capitol Hill – delegates see the U.S. Capitol, meet with elected officials from their state, and tour the Library of Congress and Supreme Court
- Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, and the Washington National Cathedral
- Delegation day, which may include Smithsonian Institute Museums, cultural events, or other notable sites in and around the District
Citizenship Washington Focus
Planning Materials
2020 Schedule
2019 Coordinator Handbook
Delegate Orientation Slideshow
2019 Schedule- Week 5
Emergency Guidelines
Delegate Packing List
Weather
How to Plan a CWF Delegation
Promotional Resources
One Page Handout
CWF Logo
Press Release Template
Registration Announcement
Become a CWF Program Assistant
National 4 H Council programs are exciting learning experiences for youth and adults from all over the United States and the world. Program Assistants make these programs successful by using their skills and knowledge to help the participants have the most educational and fun experience possible in Washington D.C. and at the National 4 H Conference Center.
Program Assistants for the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) and Leadership Washington Focus (LWF) programs must be able to successfully fulfill the requirements of the D.C. Tour Guide License.
Apply to Be a Program Assistant
CWF & LWF Program Assistant Position Description
CWF & LWF Program Assistant Application
CWF & LWF Program Assistant Timeline
A Day in the Life of a 4‑H CWF Program Assistant (VIDEO)
Dan A. Klingenberg Leadership Circle
The Dan A. Klingenberg Leadership Circle is an endowment fund that supports the role of the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) Program Assistant. Your support allows Program Assistants to grow, learn and build job skills and career readiness.
Donate
4‑H Program Assistants 2019
Claire Larson
Cal State Monterey Bay
Carson Fulks
The Ohio State University
Jeddrek Rowden
University of Kansas
Shelby Mainord
University of Tennessee
Dakota Stroud
Virginia State University
Rose Adams
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Rylie Young
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Raven Foote
The State University of New York at Oneonta
Lexi Mayo
University of Wyoming
Karsten Schumaker
University of Idaho
Sponsored in part by:
Leadership Washington Focus
Discover our 4‑H leadership program for youth entering grades 7 through 9.