Success StoryKentucky 4-H Leadership Boot Camp



Kentucky 4-H Leadership Boot Camp

Author: Melissa Schenck

Planning Unit: Washington County CES

Major Program: Leadership

Plan of Work: Increasing life skills education and leadership excellence for youth and families

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Kentucky 4-H aims to engage youth through hands-on experiences where they can build leadership competencies at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The Kentucky 4-H teen leadership program provides opportunities for senior level 4-H’ers to build upon their leadership skills in the core area of their interest at the advanced level. Our goal is to encourage youth to progress through leadership experiences, gaining skills for life. 

The skills gained through the Kentucky 4-H leadership program prepare youth for the workforce, the leadership bootcamp has the same goal. Senior level 4-H’ers are invited to the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Bootcamp to learn about and practice skills they can immediately implement in their 4-H career and beyond. 36 youth members from 17 Kentucky counties completed the experience in 2022. The youth had the opportunity to participate in exercises that should empower them to lead within their community at an advanced level. 

Washington County was represented by two individuals at the program. One member shared, “Over this weekend I got the opportunity to attend a leadership booth camp through 4-H. I am so glad I’d decided to go because I learned much more than I had expected. Very thankful for the opportunities 4-H continues to give me!”

Participants of the 4-H Leadership Boot Camp met with current and former Kentucky 4-H State Officers, 4-H Agents, 4-H Specialists, members of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, and representatives of the University of Kentucky Career Center. Youth had the opportunity to learn and practice skills related to public speaking, interviewing, resume writing, etiquette, goal setting, and teambuilding. 

20 individuals completed the end of experience evaluation. Through 4-H Leadership Bootcamp 95% of respondents feel more confident in their public speaking abilities, 85% feel more confident in their resume, and 100% feel more confident in their interview skills. Respondents reported that they will use their new knowledge:

  • To improve my county Teen club and Livestock club. 
  • In interviewing and submitting applications for jobs and future leadership in 4-H.
  • Sharing and teaching these lessons learned to other 4-Hers.
  • These lessons will help me make future decisions about my life.
  • I can use these skills to contribute at the local Extension office and in the real world.
  • I can use these skills in class to be a more confident speaker.
  • Through this experience I learned to clearly communicate my ideas and control situations, that is something I hope to bring to future meetings. 
  • I learned appropriate etiquette in professional settings.
  • I am more comfortable in my communication abilities. I will use these skills to better myself for upcoming interviews.





Stories by Melissa Schenck


Committed to a Culture of Firearm Safety

Committed to a Culture of Firearm Safety

about 1 years ago by Melissa Schenck

According to a 2022 analysis by the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Violence Preventio... Read More


4-H'ers Grow from Camp!

4-H'ers Grow from Camp!

about 1 years ago by Melissa Schenck

To the untrained eye, 4-H camp is a fun week in the hills of Kentucky. A closer look reveals that ca... Read More


Stories by Washington County CES


Committed to a Culture of Firearm Safety

Committed to a Culture of Firearm Safety

about 1 years ago by Melissa Schenck

According to a 2022 analysis by the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Violence Preventio... Read More


Garden Club Realizes Healthy Benefits

Garden Club Realizes Healthy Benefits

about 1 years ago by James Morgeson

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gardening is a great source of physical... Read More