Congress is on MSU Bozeman Campus with check-in on Tuesday July 7 through check-out on Friday July 10, 2026. Pre-Congress activities are Sunday July 5-7, 2026. 

what will the theme be for 2026?

MONTANA 4-H CONGRESS 2026 / DRIVEN TO LEAD:
Why You Need to Be There 

  • Make connections with peers from across Montana 
  • Learn by doing -  Get practical experience through hands-on activities and competitions 
  • Discover fresh ideas from workshops and national speakers that will fuel your future success  
  • Build your network of mentors and friends who will cheer you on 
  • Set yourself up for success— Participate in workshops that open doors to new careers and possibilities 

At Montana 4-H Congress, you’re not just hanging out for a few days—you’re stepping into an experience that puts you in the driver’s seat of your future. From hands-on workshops to exciting contests, from meeting new people to discovering your leadership potential, every moment is designed to help you grow.

This year’s theme, Driven to Lead, is all about taking initiative, finding your voice, and learning how to guide yourself and others with confidence. Whether you’re stepping up to lead a team, sharing your ideas in a presentation, or trying something new, you’re building the skills and determination that set great leaders apart.

Montana 4-H COngress can show you what you are capable of and fueling your drive to go even further.

See Montana 4-H Congress in Photos

boy and girl dressed like 4-H clover stadning in front of event welcome sign.    girls sitting in a group in front of window


To access the registration for this event, log in to your ZSuite account and click on events in the left menu. If you are eligible to attend this event then it will appear in your events.  Registration will open MAY 1st and STATE Registration Deadline is June 15.

Each county has their own deadlines, requirements, and process for attending Montana 4-H Congress, so it is important to talk with your office soon. Attendees are not required by the state to participate in a contest. 

Registration for 4-H Congress is $265 and includes lodging for 3 nights, 7 meals, and program costs and an event t-shirt. Parking on campus is an additional cost and is the responsibility of the indiviudal using the campus passport app (credit/debit card is required)

Youth must be at least 13 years old as of October 1 of the current 4-H year. Chaperones must be certified 4-H Volunteers or MSU Extension staff who are at least 21 years of age. Summer interns are welcome to participate, however they can not serve as the county chaperone. 

More Dates

May 1 – Congress Registration opens in ZSuite

MAY 1 – Youth State Awards due

JUNE 15 – Ambassador Officer Team applications due

JUNE 15 – 4-H Congress registration state deadline

JULY 5–7 – Pre-Congress and Officer Selection

Follow Montana 4-H on social media to get updates on contests, workshops, speakers, and other event information. facebook.com/Montana4h  /  

 

More Info...

Montana 4-H invites all members 4-H age 13 and older, volunteers, and MSU Extension faculty and staff to the 2026 Montana 4-H Congress event on the Bozeman campus of Montana State University. 4-H'ers from across Montana have been attending this event on MSU campus for nearly 100 years. 

Montana 4-H Congress provides youth from across the state an opportunity to come together on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman for four days and participate in an event like no other. Congress offers both youth and adults a venue in which to learn, be challenged, and most of all, have a great time with their peers. Montana 4-H'ers have been attending an event like Congress for decades. Congress has become an important tradition and is the signature event for the Montana 4-H Program.

Congress' purpose is to provide a safe and fun environment for youth to experience all that 4-H Congress has to offer including contests, workshops, entertainment, social events, and much more.

Still wondering what Montana 4-H Congress is all about? Ask someone. Reach out to older members in your club or county that have been to Congress before. They will tell you just what they love most about this event. Not sure who to ask? Email a state officer. They are Congress experts and can answer all of your questions! 

 

For more information regarding this program, please contact Brett Schomer, bschomer@montana.edu

Future Montana 4-H Congress Dates

July 7-10, 2026

July 14-17, 2027 (Wednesday-Saturday due to MSU Orientation)

July 11-14, 2028

July 10-13, 2029

July 9-12, 2030