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News 4-H CHARACTER COUNTS! character education conference set for June 23-2406-05-09 The sixth annual South Dakota Character Education Conference is set for June 23-24 in Sioux Falls. The South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service's 4-H/Youth Development CHARACTER COUNTS! program staff will host the conference. The central theme of the event is rejuvenating character education programs with active learning and experiential learning models. It will take place at the Ramkota Inn and Convention Center in Sioux Falls. To take part, contact your county Extension office, or call South Dakota's 4-H CHARACTER COUNTS! State Coordinator Karelyn Farrand at (605) 626-7120. A pre-conference session is set for 1 to 6 p.m. on June 22 at the convention center. Open to parents, teachers, and community members, this meeting focuses on the history and background of the CHARACTER COUNTS! program, including activities connected to the program's Six Pillars of Character. This training also includes discussion on ethical decision-making and building partnerships. Tom Jackson, a nationally known expert on active learning, will present "Moving From Preaching to Teaching" on June 23. Jackson has developed a number of specific skill-building activities that help youth avoid negative social actions. The author of five books, Jackson will conclude the first day of the conference with a presentation called "Activities That Teach Life Skills." Carl "Energizer" Olson will share his presentation, "Energize Your Character Education Program" on June 24. Olson is a nationally known speaker and author. He also will present a breakout session entitled "Amazing Ways to Amaze." The conference will include 18 breakout sessions on a wide variety of topics including classroom strategies, involving community, bullying, diversity, team building, character in the arts, and more. Participants will be able to visit a variety of vendors during their breaks. The conference's closing presentation is by R5 Productions, and it includes a powerful and effective character message for youth. The Joe and Elaine Floyd Fund of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, First Bank & Trust, the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, Touchtone Energy, Avera Health, and numerous state and regional CHARACTER COUNTS! supporters through the South Dakota 4-H Foundation are sponsoring the South Dakota 4-H CHARACTER COUNTS! Character Education Conference. CHARACTER COUNTS! is a service mark of the CC! Coalition, a project of the Josephson Institute of Ethics, and operates in South Dakota under the leadership of the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service's 4-H/youth development program. |