Three Boyle County 4-H teens completed the 4-H Leadership Boot Camp during the Kentucky Volunteer Forum in February.  Kentucky 4-H engages youth through hands-on experiences in which they can build leadership competencies from the beginner to intermediate and advanced levels. The Kentucky 4-H teen leadership program provides opportunities for senior level 4-Hers to build upon their leadership skills at an 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. Senior level 4-Hers in the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Boot Camp learned about and practiced skills they could immediately implement in their 4-H careers and beyond. Thirty-six youth members from 17 Kentucky counties completed the experience in 2022. The youth participated in exercises to empower them to lead in their communities at an advanced level.

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 learned and practiced skills related to public speaking, interviewing, resume writing, etiquette, goal setting, and team building. 

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

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

All three Boyle County participants returned to participate in the local 4-H Teen Club and its activities.