Success Story4-H SUMMIT



4-H SUMMIT

Author: Lloyd Saylor

Planning Unit: Butler County CES

Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development

Plan of Work: 4-H Leadership

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

 

Univeresity of Kentucky : College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment 

Kentucky 4-H Summit 2022 

West Kentucky 4-H Camp

Dr. Rachel N. Guidugli

 

According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, they are exploring where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is impreative to provide positive experiences where young people may explore the world in a safe environment. Historically, there is a decline in enrollment numbers throughout the middle school years in 4-H programming, Kentucky 4-H hosts the Kentucky 4-H Summit Leadership Conference for middle schoolers (grades 6-8) in an effort to continue engagement. 

 

Butler Co. was well represented. We had 3 PAT and SET Board Members who taught workshops, as well as 6 delegates. This program was extremely well received by our youth and demonstrated the potential post for post COVID programing.

 

Due to COVID-19, 4-H Summit was cancelled in 2020 and was conducted virtually in 2021. The 2022 4-H Summit was the first statewide, out of county 4-H event many of the participants had participated in. 4-H Summit provides youth the chance to learn about opportunities provided through 4-H, while developing friendships, leadership skills, and communication skills that may benefit them as they explore their strengths and interests in relation to the world.

 

At the West Kentucky 4-H Camp, the event hosted 120 middle schoolers and and 35 teen leaders. 71.6% of the youth completed the program evaluation. Through 4-H Summit programming, middle schoolers had the opportunity to create friendships with their peers and mentorships with older 4-Hers who served as their team leaders and taught their classes. Of those surveyed 95.3% of the middle schoolers reported feeling accepted by their team. 93% reported that they made a connection with their teen leader assigned to lead their small or cabin group. 

 

As a result of participating in 4-H Summit, middle schoolers reported that they increased their leadership skills and were able to contribute to their community. 88.4% felt they improved their leadership skills. 96.5% felt they were able to give back through the community service activity. 

 

A major benefit of 4-H Summit is the confidence instilled in middle schoolers to go back to their community and find ways to become a leader and share their new skills with others. Youth were surveyed on their confidence in taking what they learned at 4-H Summit and applying it in activities at 4-H, school, church, or other organizations in their community. As a result of 4-H Summit, 73.3% reported they wanted to return home and step up as a leader in their community. 

 

A goal of 4-H Summit is to bridge the 4-H enrollment gap in middle school programs across the state. Of those youth who attended 4-H Summit and completed the survey, 84.9% reported they wanted to apply to serve on a Kentucky 4-H state level leadership board. 99% reported that they wanted to continue their participation in 4-H and attend future programs and events.  

 

West Kentucky 4-H Summit Participation 2022

Total

185

Female

131

Male

54

Youth

155

Adults

30

Asian

2

Other

6

Black

10

Hispanic

10

White

157






Stories by Lloyd Saylor


LONG TERM LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

about 1 years ago by Lloyd Saylor

What value can be placed on Leadership? Leadership is the secret, sometimes forgotten ingredient in ... Read More


4-H Shooting Sports and Hunter Education

about 1 years ago by Lloyd Saylor

Butler Co. 4-H Shooting SportsFirearms are extremely common in Butler co.Starting in 1986, our resea... Read More


Stories by Butler County CES


LONG TERM LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

about 1 years ago by Lloyd Saylor

What value can be placed on Leadership? Leadership is the secret, sometimes forgotten ingredient in ... Read More


Butler County Jr. Chefs

about 1 years ago by Michele Moore

The 2023 Dietary guidelines recommend that children ages 9-13 consume 2-3 cups of vegetables and two... Read More