Research suggests distinctive characteristics of young adolescents (middle school aged youth) regarding their physical, cognitive, moral, psychological, and social-emotional development, as well as spiritual development (Scales, 2010). Young adolescents (middle school aged youth) warrant educational experiences and schools that are organized to address their physical, intellectual, emotional/psychological, moral/ethical, spiritual, and social developmental characteristics (Caskey & Anfara, 2014). Kentucky 4-H Summit seeks to engage middle school aged youth and retain their involvement in 4-H activities through the middle school years, along with empowering youth to become active 4-H leaders on the local and state levels. Objectives of Kentucky 4-H Summit are centered on the developmental needs of middle school aged youth: 4-H Summit aims to provide youth from across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to develop leadership skills through acquiring new knowledge to take back and implement within their local communities, youth have the opportunity to belong to a group of peers and expand teamwork skills, exercise communication skills through networking with other 4-H’ers, experience generosity by giving back through a community service project, and develop relationships with role models through the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council.

In 2018, 89 counties from across Kentucky participated in Kentucky 4-H Summit. The state-wide event attracted 481 middle school 4-H’ers, 84 teen volunteers, and 27 adult volunteers. Through the community service project, the participants created and donated over 75 fleece blankets to a homeless shelter in Somerset, Kentucky. 128 individuals who attended 4-H Summit participated in the 4-H 4K, for 64 individuals this was the first time they had participated in a run/walk event. Various other activities were implemented to meet the needs of this age group such as workshops, funshops, and planned time to explore 4-H core content areas. 

Campbell County had 16 middle schoolers (4 boys & 12 girls) participate this year at 4-H Summit. This is the highest number that has attended from Campbell County. One of the Campbell County delegates finished 2nd in the 4-H 4K and received a medal for his accomplishment. All of the 8th graders at Summit are interested in attending 4-H Teen Conference in June. 

Kentucky 4-H Summit provides a valuable experience in a safe environment for middle school aged youth, a developmental time where youth are experiencing rapid physical, cognitive, moral, psychological, and social-emotional development, as well as spiritual development.