The 98^th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 14-17, 2022. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develop youth-adult partnerships, and become acquainted with the University of Kentucky to aid in college and career readiness of Kentucky 4-H’ers. 

 The educational experience returned to full participation in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down typical programming in 2020 and 2021. After the impact of COVID-19, many youth reported they were eager to return to face-to-face experiences, Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference being one of those.  The leadership event attracted 489 individuals to the University of Kentucky campus: 389 youth and 61 adults from 84 Kentucky counties. The event was sponsored by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Farm Credit Mid-America, and the Kentucky Soybean Board. 

 During the educational experience all youth participated in a UK recruitment session with the Office of Enrollment Management. Additionally, they received academic exploration materials from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Center for Student Success. This exposure provided youth the opportunity to see what the University of Kentucky has to offer and begin the conversation about their potential to attend the University of Kentucky as a student. 

 4-H partnered with 35 different units and departments across the University for participants to gain six hours of educational content in a subject (major) of their choice. Youth engaged in hands-on lessons inside and outside of classrooms at the University of Kentucky, showing them what student life might be like if they attended UK. The majors focused on: agriculture, health, natural resources, expressive arts, family consumer sciences, science, engineering and technology, and communication. 

 In addition, participants engaged in five hours of leadership development and service learning. All youth participated in a mentorship workshop led by a youth-adult facilitation team. 4-H collaborated with over 25 community serving organizations to engage in three hours of service work. 389 youth logged 1,167 hours of service. This translates into a cost savings of $8,460.75 (3 hours x $7.25/hour) for organizations versus using paid employees. These efforts supported local service organizations and empowered 4-Hers to think about their ability to impact change in their community. 

 Kentucky 4-H is committed to providing educational experiences for all youth. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation awarded $13,980.50 to 88 Kentucky 4-Hers to attend Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation awarded $19,500 to 4-Hers in post-secondary education scholarships during Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. 

 There were eight Caldwell County teens that attended this years conference.  Of the eight that attended four received Achievement Awards, one gold and three silver. They were each awarded a full or partial scholarships to attend. There were also two State Teen Council delegates in attendance, along with the county 4-H agent.  They had responsibilities throughout the conference along with helping to lead the minors. 

The majors and minors played a big part in the success of the conference.  The majors allow youth to explore career options and give them exposure to new ideas and they help to  broadens their horizons.  One delegate took a  major that they knew nothing about and were very apprehensive at first.  They was pleasantly surprised and ended up having a positive experience.  They are even considering horticulture for their future career.  

 A “normal” Teen Conference is just what our youth needed.  It was a time for our “kids to be kids” and really enjoy each other interpersonally, without masks or having to social distance.  Teen Conference 2022 taught them that “yes”, you can pick up the pieces and carry on.  Our county teens were grateful for this opportunity and are looking forward to participating in more 4-H events in the future.