Location: Bethesda, Maryland & Washington D.C., March 24-29, 2026

Dates include travel time to/from Washington, D.C.

Around 20 Wisconsin 4 H’ers will attend this leadership program sponsored by National 4-H Council. Held at an area hotel in Washington, D.C. Participants:

• learn the importance of civic and social responsibilities relating to the development of better citizens and leaders
• be inspired by speakers
• participate in workshops, committee work, field trips and social events

Participants are:

• 4-H members in 10th-12th grade at selection; minimum age 15 during experience.
• Participants register through 4HOnline. Check with your county office about scholarship opportunities.
• Participants carry county approval through the experience.
• Participants must not have attended CWF in the past.

Costs:

We expect the cost to be approximately $2800 per participant. The registration fee covers: CWF conference registration, air travel to/from Wisconsin (exact airport(s) TBD) to a Washington-area airport, ground transportation to/from the DC-area airport and the hotel, transportation during the conference, housing and most meals at the event, a Wisconsin 4-H CWF shirt, and expenses related to providing trained adult chaperones and administrative support.

Participants should additionally expect to pay the following out-of-pocket: transportation costs to/from Wisconsin airport, checked baggage fee (if applicable), any additional meals/snacks, and souvenirs.

County offices will be invoiced in early 2026 for CWF.

Registration:

• Contact your County 4-H Youth Development Staff about county funding procedures. Registration is through 4HOnline.

4HOnline Registration

Registration for the 2026 CWF-Ignite will be open in 4-H Online in September 2025.

Registration Timeline

Youth Registration Instructions

Registration will be done through 4HOnline. You can find information on registering for an event in 4HOnline here.

Payment Procedures

Please check with your 4-H Youth Development Staff Member regarding payment procedures, or view the cost section of the program information section above.

Pre-Registration and Other Information

CWF Program Description- Accommodation Notice

Participant Eligibility

• 4-H members in 10th-12th grade at selection; minimum age 15 during experience.
• Register through 4HOnline. Check with your county office about scholarship opportunities.
• Participants carry county approval throughout the program.
• Participants must not have attended CWF in the past.

What Should Participants Expect?

• Participation in a participant orientation session 1-2 months prior to departure.
• Conduct research to be completed prior to departure to the experience to prepare for a congressional meeting on Capitol Hill.
• Experience high temperatures with summer humidity in Washington D.C., therefore plan to pack light, appropriate clothing.
• Select a committee to serve on throughout the week; these include communication, government, healthy living, open-mindedness, responsibility, and talent.
• Learn about and contribute to a mock bill writing activity where delegates draft bills and lobby for its successful passage through the CWF House and Senate.
• Stay at a Washington D.C. area hotel.
• Experience landmarks, monuments, and museums in Washington, D.C.
• Identify ways that you can make a positive impact in your home community from the tools you gained during Citizen Washington Focus.

Adult Advisor face-to-face orientation is Required.

What are the expectations of Adult Advisors?

• Applicants must be in good physical condition to withstand rigors associated with the program. Expect much walking on hard surfaces, handling luggage, and sharing a sleeping room. Sleep deficit is common.
• Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) leaders can expect long bus rides.
• CWF participants usually experience high temperatures with humidity in Washington D.C.
• Public speaking is required.
• Adult leaders must work cooperatively with fellow Adult Advisor Team Members and remain with the delegation at all times during the program.
• Adult leaders are required to submit a report and evaluation upon completion of the program.
• Participation at scheduled virtual or in-person orientations is mandatory.

How do I apply?

Applications are available now. More information and the application can be found on the Adult Advisor Page.

Needs-based scholarships are available for youth who participate in Statewide Educational Experiences. Scholarships require an application that is submitted to the state office. The scholarship application for 2025 will be included in the CWF registration on 4-H Online. For more information on these scholarships, please visit the Scholarship page on our website.