Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: Leadership
For many of the young people who live in Cumberland County, 4-H mentors are much more than tutors or project leaders — they are hope, they are comfort, they are family. They are the pathway to a promising future. In the summer of 2021, the Cumberland County 4-H Program and the University of Kentucky were awarded funding to conduct research about the impact of mentorship on 4-H youth. The funding provided $10,000 to help develop a formalized mentorship program based on best practices and es
Author: Catherine Webster
The 98th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 14-17, 2022. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develop youth-adult partnerships, and become acquainted with
Author: Rhonda Jewell
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) In February of 2022, we held the first ever Winter SRTLC. Bringing on a myriad of challenges due to the weather, youth sprang into action developing plans for a somewhat normal conference. Of survey respondents, 72% of youth indicated this was their first time attending the Southern
Author: Julie Brown
According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, they are exploring where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is impreative to provide positive experiences where young people may explore the world in a safe environment. Historically, there is a decline in enrollment numbers throughout the middle school years in 4-H programming, Kentucky 4-H hosts the Kentucky 4-H Summit Leadership Conference for middle schoolers
Author: Ryan Farley
The pandemic quickly forced everyone to "think outside the box". Traditional 4-H programs went virtual, anticipating the change to be short lived. Over two years into the pandemic agents, volunteers, and youth continue to move forward, opening new doors and trying new things. The Simpson County 4-H Council has held an annual banquet for fifty plus years. The banquet is the annual culminating event for 4-H members, where they are recognized for their many accomplishments in 4-H througho
Author: Brittany Osborne
The 98th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 14-17, 2022. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county, and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develop youth-adult partnerships, and become acquainted wit
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Author: Kimberly Lane
As a 4-H agent we often wonder if we will see our success of our work. We often wonder if we are making an impact. As we work with youth over a long period of time , 9-19 we can note change and growth, but still curious about the skill sets being useful in their career development. We write several letters of references for our teens as the transition into college and career path in hopes for success. Just recently I had the honor to get a call from a past 4-Her to inform
According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, they are exploring where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is imperative to provide positive experiences where young people may explore the world in a safe environment. Historically, there is a decline in enrollment numbers throughout the middle school years in 4-H programming, Kentucky 4-H hosts the Kentucky 4-H Summit Leadership Conference for middle schoolers
Author: Courtney Brock
In 2021, Mental Health America ranked Kentucky 19th among the 50 states in prevalence of mental illness and access to care. Measured during the pandemic, 46,000 (13.6%) Kentucky youth ages 12-17 reported suffering at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Of those, 31,000 teens (9.6%) reported severe major depression, often co-occurring with substance abuse, anxiety, and disorderly behavior.According to the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of
Author: Catherine Weaver
Teen Conference 2022 Success Story The 98th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 14-17, 2022. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, dev
Author: Wade Raymer
The 4-H: A Capitol Experience provides KY 4-H members with great opportunity to experience our government at work. The past several years counties in the Green River Area partnered together to plan a trip to Kentucky’s Capitol. 4 Webster County youth visited Frankfort and experienced our government at work. The experience gave the youth an opportunity to know their elected official, learn how the government works and the process of creating political change. Additionally, they
Author: Eric Comley
Author: Stacey Potts
4-H Camp volunteers have a tremendous influence on the success of camp. Daviess County was fortunate to take thirteen excellent adult volunteers to 4-H camp this year. All volunteers received required 4-H Camp volunteer training. Some, but certainly not all, of the best volunteers are the ones who grow through their own 4-H camp participation as youth. Five of this year’s volunteers were young adults (aged 18-20) who quite successfully navigated the differences be
