Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Teen Conferene
Author: Hunter Carroll
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Conference 2024Success Story The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for yo
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Kenton County Attends 100th Annual Teen Conference
Author: Lori Clark
Major Program: Leadership
The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to become acquainted with the University
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Tri County Homeschool Carlisle Hickman & Fulton
Author: Daniel Bell
Major Program: Leadership
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 3.1 million homeschooled students in grades K-12 in the United States in 2021- 2022. According to the John Hopkins School of Education, 5% of Kentucky’s K-12 students were homeschooled. In Kentucky's far Mississippi River counties, the number of homeschooled students seems to have significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. As this number continues to rise, homeschool families are looking to take advantage of E
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Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Livingston County 4-H Council's Impact
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Leadership
The Livingston County 4-H Council has been working tirelessly to provide support and opportunities for the youth in our community. Through their dedication to maintaining a rigorous meeting schedule, they have developed new programs, fundraisers, and goals that have directly benefited our 4-H members. One of their most notable achievements is their commitment to raising funds to support 4-H campers, making camp more accessible to local youth.This year, the Council contributed $125 toward coverin
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Leading Today for a Better tomrrow
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Leadership
Research shows that effective leadership is a necessary factor for success within today’s communities and organizations. After looking at our Knox County Community Needs Assessment, it was noted that many individuals in our area thought it was important to promote leadership among our Knox County youth. Knox County 4-H collaborated with Lynn Camp and Barbourville High School's JAG program to promote leadership and communication development at the high school level. Ninety-s
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4-H Sparks Impactful Program
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: Leadership
Successful leaders must acquire communication, leadership, and civic engagement to be effective. The 4-H program is a great organization for youth to learn and practice these skills to develop into future leaders. With hard work and effort, youth and teens can hone their skills to achieve their goals.Christopher Sweets began his 4-H career as a 5-year-old Cloverbud member attending 4-H Cloverbud Camp with his mom and now has grown into the chairman of the State 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassado
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4-H Sparks Impactful Program
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: Leadership
Successful leaders must acquire communication, leadership, and civic engagement to be effective. The 4-H program is a great organization for youth to learn and practice these skills to develop into future leaders. With hard work and effort, youth and teens can hone their skills to achieve their goals.Christopher Sweets began his 4-H career as a 5-year-old Cloverbud member attending 4-H Cloverbud Camp with his mom and now has grown into the chairman of the State 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassado
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Barren County 4-H Kick-Off Carnival
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: Leadership
Why should your child be involved in 4-H? A quote from Mollie Webb, Barren County 4-H member and KY State 4-H President 2023-2024 may say it best “Of all of the extracurricular activities I participated in, 4-H helped me to develop the greatest number of important qualities that I use. From working with my peers to accomplish our goals to developing my skills through the feedback of leaders and judges, you are provided the ability to develop your skills and your person overall.” 
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Boone County 4-H Teen Club
Author: Rusty Wolf
Major Program: Leadership
The Boone County Extension Affirmative action plan lists increasing teen involvement in 4-H programs as a priority. And our 4-H group enrollment in Boone County shows a sharp decline in high school aged youth being involved in our program vs middle and elementary. In 2022-23 4-H Program year our program saw 1380 8th grade youth and only 404 9-12th grade youth. So, there is a need for more teenage involvement in Boone County. With this decline we are not getting the long-term outcomes in the thri
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Bell County 4-H and Middlesboro Middle School Collaboration
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Leadership
Bell County 4-H and Middlesboro Middle School have joined forces to enhance community engagement and provide a valuable platform for the youth to develop essential life skills. This collaboration has not only facilitated transportation to and from 4-H Club meetings but has also resulted in a significant surge in attendance, showcasing the positive impact of such partnerships. The partnership between Bell County 4-H and Middlesboro Middle School has proven to be mutually beneficial, with bot
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Leadership Ballard
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation.In our small county, we need to continue to develop young leaders for the futureDescribe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).We partner with local businesses, Chamber of Commerce, school system to recruit participants, secure funds and plan the educational programming for Leadership BallardProvide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.We target the middle school population for applicants. Last years pa
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Building Leaders
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Leadership
Leadership is a trait that some possess however most can learn leadership also. Leadership among youth, especially high school age is on a decline in the eyes of some communities. Knowing what is stated above the Lincoln County 4-H Agent has made it a focus to enhance Teen Programming for youth grades 6-12. By having monthly teen club meetings, youth learn many skills, communication with others and their abilities to grow are enhanced. There are 12 active youth in Lincoln County 4-H teen club wh
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Franklin County Teens Make a Difference at Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference (SRTLC) 2024
Author: Austin Brewer
Major Program: Leadership
The Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference (SRTLC) brings together youth from across the southern U.S., providing them with a chance to develop leadership skills, give back to their communities, and connect with peers from different states. This year, Franklin County was proud to send two delegates to join the 400 participants at the 2024 conference.For many teens, this was their first time attending a regional leadership event, and the experience left a lasting impression. In fact, 85% of p
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4-H Club Youth Leadership
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: Leadership
The 4-H Thriving Model is the theory of change for positive youth development in 4-H. The model illustrates the process of positive youth development in 4-H programs by connecting high quality program settings to the promotion of youth thriving. Kentucky 4-H has identified development of youth leadership skills as a precedence for community development. 4-H Clubs provide support for youth in developing the ability to analyze their own strengths and weaknesses, set personal and professional goals
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Teen Club Officer Elections
Author: Nolan Pettit
Major Program: Leadership
After the formation of our county Teen club we have been working together as our teens are starting to come and volunteer at more 4-H events. We recently had our officer elections for the first time in our clubs, this was a great experience for the teens. I watched as the nominations and elections of officers went smoothly. The teens identified who they thought the best were for every position instead of thinking of themselves and nominated those individuals. We had a smooth supportive elec
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Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: 4-H Teen Retreat Inspires Connection and Growth
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Leadership
Studies show that middle and high school students who actively engage in leadership and networking activities are 60% more likely to develop strong interpersonal and decision-making skills, key attributes for future success.The 4-H Teen Retreat, held at West Kentucky 4-H Camp, provided an unparalleled opportunity for 8th-12th grade students to cultivate leadership and life skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. Organized entirely by a committee of 4-H teens and 4-H agents, the retreat r
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Middle School Leadership Retreat
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Leadership
On November 8, 16 middle school students from Christian and Trigg counties took part in the 4-H Middle School Retreat, an event designed to enhance leadership skills, encourage community involvement, and emphasize the importance of local service. Through engaging, hands-on activities, these young participants laid a strong foundation for future growth both within 4-H and in their broader community. A key focus of the retreat was a community service project in partnership with Wonderfully Ma
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CloverBud Day Camp
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Leadership
Youth spent the day outdoors learning essential life skills including working together as a team, following directions, how to safely use a hammer, trying new foods, noticing nature, and practiced using scissors safely during craft time.Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outco
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2024 4-H Issues Conference
Author: Genaea Sarantakos
Major Program: Leadership
This year, Fayette County had the pleasure of supporting two delegates for the 2024 Issues Conference. "More than 100 delegates for the 35th annual Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference are convening at Dale Hollow State Park in Burkesville, Kentucky, this month to learn how they can take an active role in tackling the pressing concerns affecting their home counties. The conference, which takes place on Nov. 14–16, brings together youth in grades 9–11 and adults from across t
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Green River Area 4-H Team Challenge
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Team Challenge The Kentucky 4-H Core curriculum is used to develop workforce skills that include leadership, teamwork and communication that are important to their career ready development. Young people, whether pursuing a career-path in entrepreneurial ventures or seeking employment opportunities in the future need to build core competencies and foundation skills, which include those identified in the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) report. Agents and s
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Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Leadership
The Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference is a multi-state leadership conference that was created to bring together youth from across the southern region. (https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/SRTLC) This year the conference had over 400 attendees and through their community service project, were able to create 1000 paper cranes, dog toys and help spruce up the camp! Trimble County has participated in this conference for over 10 years now. This year we had a record number of youth partici
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Leadership Symposium
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Leadership
Results from the most recent University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Statewide Community Needs Assessment identified needs across the state. The number two identified youth development need in Kentucky was youth life skill training opportunities (e.g., leadership and communication skill building opportunities). Furthermore, Campbell County respondents identified this need as the number one concern for youth development in Campbell County.Campbell County 4-H met with teachers from Dayto
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Teen Club Growth
Author: Erin Leach
Major Program: Leadership
Estill County Teen Club had lost steam over recent years due to some various factors and including turnovers in the 4-H & Youth Development Agent position. Participation had dwindled. In the spring of 2024, club was lucky to have 4 or 5 members show up for a monthly meeting, if at all. After 6 months on the job, the new 4-H agent planned to re-invent and market the program differently to entice teen involvement. Starting in the fall of 2024, there were several teen events planned to hel
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4-H's Season of Service
Author: Carissa Miske
Major Program: Leadership
In Owsley County, there is a growing need for community involvement and support for local families and youth, particularly during the holiday season. Many families face financial difficulties, and there is a lack of structured opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful acts of kindness and service. According to the 2024 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment results “Maximizing youth voices in issues that matter to them” was a “high n
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Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference Celebrates Its 35th Year
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Leadership
More than 100 delegates for the 35th annual Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference are convening at Dale Hollow State Park in Burkesville, Kentucky, this month to learn how they can take an active role in tackling the pressing concerns affecting their home counties. The conference, which takes place on Nov. 14–16, brings together youth in grades 9–11 and adults from across the Commonwealth to discuss how local issues can be addressed and how they can play a significant part in the proce
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Breakfast with Santa
Author: Lucas Powell
Major Program: Leadership
When meeting new families for the first time, we always hear about how they wish they knew of our program sooner. Our Breakfast with Santa Event has been a great way to engage new and existing participants in a fun community event. It has also served as a potential fundraiser for our 4-H Council and Clubs. In planning for the program with our 4-H council this year, we invited local entrepreneurs to set up booths to sell during the event. One of our 4-H members had a booth during the program. We
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Food Safety and Fundraising
Author: Lori Clark
Major Program: Leadership
Kenton County 4-H Council fundraises to support not only the Kenton County 4-H Camping program, but other 4-H programs and 4-Hers throughout the county. The 4-H Council chose to fundraise by providing a farm to table dinner and selling holiday boxes. Both fundraisers included either a meal or other food products for purchase. While our council and other volunteers were excited about these fundraisers and the opportunity to help, they were also concerned about food safety. According to the Center
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Teen Leadership
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Leadership
Oppurtunites for youth to grow, build skills, and develop qualities such as leadership skills are not as prevalent as they were 10 years ago. With that being said it has been a goal of the Lincoln 4-H Program, under the guidance of the 4-H Youth Development Agent to provide these opportunities. Lincoln County 4-H offers many events, clubs, and trips that will help mold teens into leaders. The Clubs at the county level are as follows: Teen Club, Outdoor Adventure Club, Homeschool Club a
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Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser
Author: Allison Croslin
Major Program: Leadership
Describe the Issue or Situation. There has been a growth in Graves County 4-H over the last few years. from 2024 to 2025, there are currently 8 community clubs (previously 5 community clubs). There are many opportunities that 4-H'ers have now such as Teen Conference, 4-H Camp, Capitol Experience and more. We want our 4-H'ers to get as many progressive experiences as possible throughout their time in 4-H, and fundraising money to help pay for those experiences is one way we can help.Descr
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Teen Conference 2024
Author: Madison Adkins
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Conference 2024Success Story The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for yo
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Achieving through positive development
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Leadership
More than 100 years ago 4-H began. Its approach at the time was to work with young rural kids to help them adapt to new thinking, learn new methods, and gain confidence in a learning-by-doing approach that allowed them to see their achievements. It began with college educators sharing new knowledge and methods. And it resulted in young rural youth becoming leaders in the home, in the field, in the community and in their career.According to www.4-h-learns.org/pyd, this learning-
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Area Middle School Leadership Retreat
Author: Susan Campbell
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 A
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Building Leaders
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: Leadership
Providing leadership opportunities is a large part of the developmental youth portion of the 4-H program. This past year the Henry County youth have benefited from opportunities to explore many offerings that have opened their eyes to possibilities for future success.There are 5 Henry County youth serving on state teen council and leadership boards. We have a Natural Resource Ambassador, Shooting Sports Ambassador, Fashion Leadership Ambassador, a State Teen Council Representative as well
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Monroe County Tabletop Farmers continues to grow young leaders
Author: Christina Hogue
Major Program: Leadership
The Monroe County Tabeltop Farmers 4-H Club was established in November 2022. This club has grown in number and is producing some of this area’s most effective young leaders. Members from this club have been actively involved in numerous community service projects, 4-H projects, and also fund raising events for the club. The club worked together to sell over 500 steak sandwiches to raise money to help them expand the club. Although this raised a great amount of mone
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Retreat!
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 Area 4
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C4 Area Middle School Retreat
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 A
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Teen Issues Conference
Author: Emily Chaney
Major Program: Leadership
On the state level, it was seen that public libraries and extension offices were often targeting the same groups of people with little collaboration. An initiative was taken for pubic libraries with teen librarians and extension offices with teen leadership to work together and identify teens participating in both programs. The identified teen would then be sent to the 4-H Teen Issues Conference. At this conference, the teens would learn to identify issues in their community and then learn how t
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Central 3 and Central 4 Middle School Retreat
Author: Catherine Weaver
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 A
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4-H Middle School Retreat
Author: MacKenzie Preece
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 A
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Hickman County teens gain valuable leadership skills at the Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Leadership
The Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference (SRTLC) is an event that brings together youth from across the southern U.S. to foster leadership, community involvement, and connections with peers from different states. This year, Hickman County was proud to send two delegates to the 2024 conference, which had 400 total participants. For many attendees, this was their first regional leadership event, which proved to be an inspiring experience. Key takeaways from the conference include:Increa
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Building Great Leaders
Author: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: Leadership
Metcalfe County 4-H youth and adults have been very successful at the area, state, and national levels. Metcalfe County 4-H set a County record at the Kentucky Volunteer Forum with thirty-five attendees, of those thirty-five 6 adults and fourteen youth won 24 different awards.Awards won by Metcalfe 4-H Youth14 youth-received 10 year member awardsTeen Camp VolunteerCommunity Service Award2 youth-received The Conrad Feltner Leadership AwardAwards won by Metcalfe 4-H AdultsIDEA (Inclusion, Diversit
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C3-C4 Middle School Retreat
Author: Kimberly Ragland
Major Program: Leadership
According to Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow Research Review: Opportunities for Teens to Engage as Learners, Leaders, Team Members, and Workers, “Adolescents…benefit from opportunities to shape programs and activities, which can improve the programs, provide valuable leadership skills and build confidence.” Area 4-H Youth Development Agents, to fulfill the need for providing leadership development experiences and working in partnership with the Central 3 / Central 4 Area 4
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