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. Laurel County sent five youth to 4-H Summit. Youth were selected from based on their participation and active involvement in the North Laurel Middle School 4-H Leadership Club. 

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 that Laurel County 4-H’ers 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. All Laurel County youth reported making new friendships with 4-H’ers from surrounding counties. 

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. Half of Laurel County youth reported interest in continuing their leadership in the county’s Junior and Teen Leaders club. Additionally, Laurel County age-eligible youth have requested to attend the 4-H Teen Conference in June to further their leadership development. 

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. As a result of 4-H Summit, Laurel County participants have started oraganizing a community cleanup with their in-school 4-H Club.

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. One Laurel County participant has requested the application to be on the District 2 State Teen Council. 99.1% reported that they wanted to continue their participation in 4-H and attend future programs and events.