The Annual Nassau County 4-H Holiday Celebration was a great success and served as a meaningful leadership and life-skills development opportunity for youth. This event is planned and sponsored annually by the Teen Leadership Council (TLC), providing members with hands-on experience in planning, teamwork, budgeting, and decision-making. Over several months, TLC members collaborated to design the event theme, coordinate food, organize activities, and manage decorations, while responsibly using funds from their own club budget.

The Holiday Celebration also featured TLC’s annual candle-lighting officer installation ceremony, which reinforces youth-led governance, public speaking, and leadership transition skills. During the ceremony, the outgoing president installed the new president and vice president, modeling leadership succession and mentorship. Incoming officers and members were initiated and read their leadership commitments, publicly accepting responsibility and accountability for their roles within the county program.

Following the installation, participants engaged in games and a shared potluck, fostering community building, cooperation, and relationship development. TLC introduced a new ugly sock and sweater contest to intentionally teach youth about voting, civic engagement, and fair decision-making in a fun and age-appropriate way. The evening concluded with a special visit from Santa and his elf, offering families an opportunity to connect and celebrate together.

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