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. 

The most unfortunate part of Teen Summit is the limited number of participants we are able to have per county. Lawrence County has always maintained a steady participation as the youth that attend Summit almost always attend for the 3 years they are eligible. This year this story holds true with 2 returning for their last Summit session and 4 brand new youth. Events like Summit are the gateway for future involvement in 4-H among our teenagers.

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.

Kentucky 4-H Summit provides a valuable experience for middle school aged youth, a developmental time where youth are experiencing rapid physical, cognitive, moral, psychological, and social-emotional development. Whether we bring 6 youth or 26 youth, we need to continue to empower our young adults through educational and fun-learning experiences such as Teen Summit.