Teen 4-H programs for Kentucky exists on a county, district and state level to provide maximum opportunities for learning, networking and leadership encounters for youth of middle and high school ages.  Strong 4-H programming is reflected by the participation of teens on state leadership boards, at district and state events as well as lead to successful 4-H Achievement Program (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Emerald) recipients.  Pendleton County’s goal is to maximize the opportunities for 4-H Middle School Club and 4-H Teen Club members. The 4-H Agent consulted with the schools in establishing a 4-H Middle School and 4-H Teen Club that have grown in number and programming opportunities consistently over the past several years and identified under-utilized opportunities. 

The Pendleton County 4-H Agent, who has served as the leader for the KY District 3 4-H Teen Retreat over the past 6 years, implemented the first District 3 4-H Middle School Retreat 4 years ago. District 3 encompasses Jefferson County, suburban counties (Boone, Kenton and Campbell) and rural counties (Pendleton, Grant, Owen, Henry, Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Oldham, Trimble, Carroll and Gallatin).  Evaluations from past retreats have indicated a rating of 4 or higher out of 5 for nearly every question asked (leadership activities, service projects, retreat events, location, food, etc.).  Verbal responses to the question which asked, “What was your favorite part of the retreat” have included:

• “Learning more communication skills”
• “Meeting new people”
• “Seeing old friends”
• “Building leadership and communication skills with fellow D3 teens”
• “It’s a retreat… what’s not to love, I enjoyed it all; it was just a great time”

At the beginning of 2017, the District 3 4-H Teen Council was organized under the supervision of the Pendleton County 4-H Agent. Eight Pendleton County 4-H members have served on that board and have been actively assisting with the service activities and leadership development that takes place at those meetings. Additionally, D3 4-H Teen Council members help develop state programs with District Night Out held at 4-H State Teen Conference and District 3 4-H Teen Retreat. During regular meetings throughout the year, the youth demonstrate organization and communication skills as they address logistics, content relevant to their peers and financial constraints and budgeting. Several new Pendleton County and District 3 4-H Teens are expected to attend D3 4-H Teen Council meetings throughout 2018.

Over the last 6 years, nearly 275 youth capitalized on the leadership programs (D3 4-H Teen Retreat, D3 4-H Middle School Retreat and D3 4-H Teen Council) with 33 of the youth from Pendleton County. Participants consist of males and females of white, black, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian race.Many outstanding teens with additional state 4-H leadership roles for 2017/2018 have and currently serve on the newly instated D3 4-H Teen Council board consisting of the 4-H State Teen President, 2 State Teen Council Members (one from Pendleton County) and 1 Performing Arts Troup Member.