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 (grades 6-8) in an effort to continue engagement. 

 Due to COVID-19, 4-H Summit was cancelled in 2020 and was conducted virtually in 2021. The 2022 4-H Summit was the first statewide, out of county 4-H event many of the participants had participated in. 4-H 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.

At the Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp, the event hosted 122 middle schoolers and and 33 teen leaders. 89.3% of the youth completed the program evaluation. 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 100% of the middle schoolers reported feeling accepted by their team. 95.4% reported that they made a connection with their teen leader assigned to lead their small or cabin group. 

As a result of participating in 4-H Summit, middle schoolers reported that they increased their leadership skills and were able to contribute to their community. 95.4% felt they improved their leadership skills. 99.1% felt they were able to give back through the community service activity.  

A major benefit of 4-H Summit is the confidence instilled in middle schoolers to go back to their community and find ways to become a leader and share their new skills with others. Youth were surveyed on their confidence in taking what they learned at 4-H Summit and applying it in activities at 4-H, school, church, or other organizations in their community. As a result of 4-H Summit, 86.2% reported they wanted to return home and step up as a leader in their community. 

A goal of 4-H Summit is to bridge the 4-H enrollment gap in middle school programs across the state. Of those youth who attended 4-H Summit and completed the survey, 89% reported they wanted to apply to serve on a Kentucky 4-H state level leadership board. 99.1% reported that they wanted to continue their participation in 4-H and attend future programs and events.  

Boone County was excited for two males, one female, and one teen leader to attend the 2022 4-H Summit Event at Lake Cumberland.   All of the Boone County participants who attend 4-H Teen Summit are elect officers in the one of the following clubs: Teen Club, Sharpshooters, and  Livestock. A bond was created by all the teens, as they all continue to communicate outside of 4-H clubs. 

As the teens were telling me their stories and the about blossoming relationships from the event,  teens were asked to share their experience’s with Teen Club and the Boone County 4-H Council.  Just a few quotes the teens mentioned: 

• They made us play this game where you have a string, and you have to keep talking until you run out of string,  I had the longest string and I was able to talk the whole time. 
• I did not like when they seperate us into groups and I was not with the people from our county, but it was fun to meet people all around our state. Guess how many new phone numbers, I have?
• They made us play a lot of games and talk in front of our groups, but it was not as bad as I thought. 
• We want more programs, like this one, because I want to see my new friends from the other counties. 
• How do we come a Teen Council Member and what do we have to do?
• A young man said, “After teen summit, I went back to school and we had to discuss a list of items, but could not debate as a class.  Everyone had pages of notes, of what they thought about each issue we were to discuss.   They handed out the issues, the day I missed school for Teen Summit, so my teacher hand me a copy before our discussion. When it was my turn to speak in the class,  I was able to talk about every issue, without being prepared.  I had so much confidence and it was so easy.  I think Teen Summit helped me and made it easier to speak in front of others.  I was not worried about what others thought.  I did so much better than the other kids in class who had pages written out.”

Each time I talk to a 4-H Teen Summit participant, they tell me a new story how 4-H Teen Summit has improved their life.  Each teen has gained experiences on a social, leadership, and confidence level in a short amount of time, it will be interesting to see how they continue to blossom from the impact of 4-H Teen Summit.  Boone County has a new set of leaders that will arise in the community.