About Pre-Congress

Pre-Congress occurs the two days before Congress.  During Pre-Congress, 4-H Ambassadors, teen leaders, and staff come together with 4-H center staff for work and fun. Attendees work as leaders in groups to ensure the completion of all the details necessary to make the general Congress event successful. Also occurring this weekend is the selection process for the State 4-H Ambassador Officers.

Register for Pre-Congress

Registration for Pre-Congress is through ZSUITESand will be in conjunction with regular Congress registration. When registering for Congress, select the Pre-Congress button to add additional registration information. 

Please contact your local MSU Extension office for more information about representing your community at Pre-Congress.

Register

 

When

July 5-7, 2026

Where

MSU Bozeman Campus

Fees

Youth-95$

Adult Chaperones-$75

 

Eligibility

  • Youth must be a 4-H Ambassador or teen leader and active in a Congress committee to and during Pre-Congress weekend
  • Volunteers must be an actively participate in a Congress committee of their choice prior to and during Pre-Congress weekend

First priority will go to senior members that have attended Montana 4-H Congress. However, Ambassadors, MSU Extension staff, and motivated teen leaders and youth are encouraged to attend.

 

Roles needed

4-H Youth & Volunteer/Agents

Please read these carefully prior to registration. You will be asked to select a 1st and 2nd choice of leadership role during registration, and asked why you have chosen those roles. 

Opening Leaders

Opening Leaders will be responsible for working with Congress staff and volunteers to organize, write, and emcee Congress opening session. They should:

  • Be comfortable with public speaking to a large crowd
  • Be interested in creatively writing scripts to present awards and recognition
  • Work well with staff and peers to present a professional yet engaging program to attendees and guests

 

Activity Leaders (4 youth positions and 1 adult position)

A fun part of Montana 4-H Congress is for attendees to engage with each other during social activities such as games, a scavenger hunt, and dances. Activity Leaders will be responsible for planning participation contests, giving door prizes, and posting on social media and the event app. They should:

  • Enjoy engaging large groups of peers
  • Be comfortable leading games and activities, and giving directions
  • Be energetic and flexible
  • Have a basic understanding of social media and technology

 

Award Leaders (4 youth positions and 1 adult position)

Awards Leaders will be responsible for working with Congress staff and volunteers to organize, write, and emcee the presentation of contest and special awards during the closing banquet. They should:

  • Be comfortable with public speaking to a large crowd
  • Be interested in creatively writing scripts to present awards and recognition
  • Work well with staff and peers to present a professional yet engaging program to attendees and guests

 

Closing/Banquet Leaders (4 youth positions and 1 adult position)

Banquet Leaders will be responsible for working with Congress staff and volunteers to organize, write, and emcee the closing banquet on Friday evening. They should:

  • Be comfortable with public speaking to a large crowd
  • Be interested in creatively writing scripts to entertain the audience
  • Work well with staff and peers to present a professional yet engaging program to attendees and guests

 

Event Leaders  (4 youth positions and 2 volunteer positions)

Event Leaders should:

  • Have good organizational skills
  • Be prepared to do some moving of boxes and decorations
  • Enjoy working with a team to complete tasks
  • Be creative (preferred but not required)

 

Technology Leaders (4 youth positions and 1 adult position)

Technology Leaders should:

  • Have a strong understanding of technology including knowledge of sound, lights, video, and presentation platforms
  • Take direction from technology staff
  • Work well with team members to present congress programs
  • Have strong creativity and organizational skills (preferred but not required)

 

Officer Selection Committee (8 positions)

Serve on the State Officer Selection Committee.

Checking this box does not automatically place you on the committee. There is an application to be considered to serve as your district representative.

 

Ambassador Officer Team

If you are planning to run for a state office then you must also register for Pre-Congress, but you do not need to select an additional leadership role. 

Run for a State Ambassador Officer position.

 

Expectations & Responsibilities for Pre-Congress

Thank you for your interest in Pre-Congress weekend.

Pre-Congress is a work session and an opportunity for Ambassadors, Teen Leaders, and volunteers to pull together the final details that will make this year's Congress a success.

There is a lot to get done and the following expectations must be respected: 

  • Committees have been created to complete important Congress presentations and should be taken seriously. This includes respecting the scheduled work times and arriving on-time for committee work.

  • Skits, scripts, and programing MUST be kept appropriate for the audience. Committees agree to present a polished and professional program.

  • Stay within designated Congress areas on campus.

  • Respect the authority of volunteers and staff.

  • Remember to set a good example while on campus because attending Pre‐Congress is a privilege!

These expectations are in addition to the code of conduct signed as a 4-H member.