The 4-H Thriving Model is the science-grounded in practice that describes the “magic” of 4-H.  This model takes the science to explain the growth/thriving  process of youth because of their 4-H involvement.  Moving from the Developmental Context (4-H Programs) to Youth Thriving (Social, Emotional and Cognitive Learning) to Development Outcomes (Positive Youth Development) to Long-Term Outcomes.  The Developmental Context (aka the “soil”) includes sparks, belonging, relationships, and engagement.  

Programs like Kentucky 4-H Leadership Summit for middle schoolers (grades 6-8) is a program where youth can thrive in 4-H and aspects of “soil” are experienced.  Summit provides youth the chance to learn about opportunities provided through 4-H, while developing friendships, leadership skills, and communication skills that may benefit them as they explore their strengths and interests in relation to the world.

Two Marshall County Middle Schoolers joined over 115 other middle schoolers and and 35 teen leaders at West Kentucky 4-H Camp in March 2022. Through 4-H Summit programming, middle schoolers had the opportunity to create friendships with their peers and mentorships with older 4-Hers who served as their team leaders and taught their classes. Of those surveyed 95.3% of the middle schoolers reported feeling accepted by their team. 93% reported that they made a connection with their teen leader assigned to lead their small or cabin group. 

This was a first time Summit experience for the two Marshal County delegates (one a 6^th grade female and second an 8^th grade male).  When asked to name things they liked about and/or learned at Summit, the youth reported…

• Learned how to communicate better.
• How to work with robots and the technology with them.
• How to go force oneself to be “more out there.”  (The delegate tends to keep to self unless around close friends.)
• Enjoyed meeting new people.
• “I learned that you can always find a good conversation with anybody over anything and you can also find hobbies and other activities that others do that you also attend outside of 4-H.”  (Quote from male delegate.)

From their responses, the two Marshall County 4-H Delegates experienced all Developmental Contexts of the 4-H Thriving Model including sparks, belonging, relationships, and engagement.  The delegate who learned more about robotics and technologies is already interested in STEM activities and has a current goal to apply for the Kentucky 4-H Science Engineering Technology Board when she is eligible.  The other delegate found a sense of belonging through new friendships and engaged conversations.

From their “soil” based experiences, these two 4-Hers are set to continue thriving as they grow in their 4-H paths.  The “magic” of 4-H is informed by science and grounded in practice.