The award was first offered in 1941 by William H. Danforth, founder of Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, who dared young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of service. The awards are presented at this year's annual Leaders' Banquet in November. To give 4-H'ers the chance for a cross cultural experience they'll always treasure. To provide the opportunity to know and appreciate another people and their culture. To help individuals better understand themselves and their own culture.
Host Families Hosting an exchange is a rich and rewarding experience for the family.
It's a unique opportunity for both rural and urban 4-H families to host a visitor from another country. Most visits are three or four weeks per family. Opportunities also exist for hosting Japanese students for the school year. Applications are due in early spring. They may work with youth programs.