Success StoryEstill County Teens lead middle school in Leadership



Estill County Teens lead middle school in Leadership

Author: Taylor Miles

Planning Unit: Estill County CES

Major Program: Leadership

Plan of Work: Individual and Family Development

Outcome: Intermediate 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/teens 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 Middle School Retreat 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 Taylor Miles


From Estill County to Georgia: A 4-H Adventure

about 1 years ago by Taylor Miles

Creating opportunities for young people to interact with the natural world in innovative and educati... Read More


Area Teen Retreat

about 1 years ago by Taylor Miles

C1-C4 Teen Retreat 2023The objectives of C1-C4 Area 4-H Teen Retreat are to develop leadership and t... Read More


Stories by Estill County CES


Holiday Centerpiece Workshop

Holiday Centerpiece Workshop

about 1 years ago by Emma Lee

As a new Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in Estill County, I have made it my goal to reach a... Read More


LEAP Read and Walk

LEAP Read and Walk

about 2 years ago by Judy Vaughn

The UK Cooperative Extension Service in Estill County joined with the Estill County Library to condu... Read More


Stories by Leadership


2023 Teen Conference

2023 Teen Conference

about 1 years ago by Dawna Peters

The 99th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 13-16, 2023... Read More


Allen County 4-H Member Achieves Greatest Kentucky 4-H Honor – Emerald 4-H Award

Allen County 4-H Member Achieves Greatest Kentucky 4-H Honor – Emerald 4-H Award

about 1 years ago by Anna Meador

“One of the most pressing issues facing youth-serving organizations such as 4-H is how to best suppo... Read More