Success StoryMiddle School Retreat



Middle School Retreat

Author: Sarah Redmon

Planning Unit: Scott County CES

Major Program: Leadership

Plan of Work: Basic Life Skills for Youth and Adults in Scott County

Outcome: Initial Outcome

According to research, middle school is a time where young people explore their strengths and interests in order to find their place in the world (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is essential to provide positive experiences in which young people are able to explore the world in a safe environment. Historically, Kentucky 4-H sees a decline in enrollment numbers for middle school age youth. In an effort to retain this age group, the Area C1-C4 Teen Council worked to plan, implement, and evaluate an overnight leadership-focused retreat for middle schoolers (grades 6-8). 

 

C1-C4 Area Middle School Retreat 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.

 

At the North Central 4-H Camp, the 2022 event hosted 130 middle schoolers and teen leaders, along with 19 adults. Through 4-H 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. Youth also heard from two Kentucky 4-H State Officers and completed a project to learn about the function of the KY 4-H State Leadership Boards. Of those surveyed: 

  1. 90% of middle schoolers reported that they made new friends
  2. 81% reported learning a new leadership skill
  3. 92% got to know adults/teesn who care about them and are interested in their success
  4. 91% report using skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school, or in their communities

 

A major benefit of the C1-C4 Area Middle School Retreat is to instill confidence in middle schoolers to become leaders in their local communities and share their new skills with others. Of the youth surveyed, 86% plan to use information they learned to make future decisions. 

 

A goal of 4-H Summit is to bridge the 4-H enrollment gap in middle school programs across the state. Of the youth who attended the retreat and completed the survey, 91% reported that they wanted to continue their participation in 4-H and attend future programs and events.


  

Central Areas 1-4 Middle School Retreat

Participation 2022

Total

149

Female

102

Male

47

Youth

130

Adults

19

Asian

1

Other

 

Black

8

Hispanic

1

White

139






Stories by Sarah Redmon


Recognizing the success of our 4-H member's

about 2 years ago by Sarah Redmon

After a year of ups and downs due to Covid-19, a celebration of recognizing the hard work of our 4-H... Read More


Teen Conference 2022

about 2 years ago by Sarah Redmon

The 98th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 14-17, 2022... Read More


Stories by Scott County CES


FCS Mini Grant Supports Scott County FCS Programs

FCS Mini Grant Supports Scott County FCS Programs

about 2 years ago by Alivia Faris

The Scott County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) secured an FCS Mini Grant of... Read More


Educational Excursion: Exploring culture through quilts

Educational Excursion: Exploring culture through quilts

about 2 years ago by Alivia Faris

Scott County, KY has preserved history and culture through quilts. Each year, the quilt guild presen... Read More