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. Whitley County sent 4 delegates along with the 4-H Agent to the last session. Delegates participated in the community service project, creating fleece blankets to donate to a homeless shelter in Somerset, Kentucky.  They participated in a 4K Run/Walk as well as various other activities such as workshops, funshops, and planned time to explore 4-H core content areas.

As a direct result of 4-H Summit participation middle school aged youth improved through the objectives of the event. The middle school aged youth evaluated their experience. 98.33% felt accepted by their team, 83.51% made a connection with their State Teen Council Member, 92.49% felt they had the opportunity to give back through the community service event. Youth improved their communication skills (88.93%) and reported they could lead a communication activity once they returned home (87.24%). Expanded their leadership skills (90.82%) and reported they could conduct a leadership activity once they returned home (88.73%). Enhanced their team building skills (92.49%) and reported they could lead a group discussion once they returned home (87.4%).

A key component to 4-H Summit is continued involvement in the 4-H program through middle school into high school. 73.01% reported they would like to apply to serve on the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council, 70.59% reported they would like to apply to serve on one of the core curriculum leadership boards, and 87.73% reported that as a result of 4-H Summit they are more likely to attend 4-H Teen Conference. 

For all Whitley County  participants this was their first time attending 4-H Summit.  75% of the middle school aged youth from Whitley County that attended Summit had previously attended 4-H Summer Camp. Students reported their Summit experience back to their 6th and 7th grade classrooms during their April monthly club meeting.  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.