The Kentucky 4-H leadership program provides opportunities for youth to grow their leadership skills in a safe and welcoming environment. Youth are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and experience new things. Our goal is to help youth gain the leadership skills they will use for life. One opportunity youth have to gain necessary skills is 4-H Leadership Boot Camp. 

This year the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Boot Camp was held February 2nd and 3rd at Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp. This two-day state level event allowed youth ages 13-18 to develop their leadership skills to take back to their counties and areas. 53 youth members from 26 Kentucky counties completed the experience in 2023. They had the opportunity to participate in exercises that should empower them to lead within their community at an advanced level.   

Participants of 4-H Leadership Boot Camp had the opportunity to learn and practice skills related to communication, interviewing, conflict resolution, etiquette and teambuilding. Youth were able to meet with the past Kentucky 4-H officers, 4-H agents, and state 4-H specialists who helped teach workshops. During the event youth were split up into teams that they competed on, this helped youth gain valuable teamwork skills and allowed them to get to know youth from around the state. 

We had 32 youth complete the end of experience evaluation. Of the participants that completed the evaluation, 100% feel more confident resolving conflict on a team, 95% would like to take on more leadership roles in the county, area or state level, 100% feel more confident in their interview skills, and 95% state they would likely come back to Leadership Boot Camp. 

Jefferson County had 2 attendees. They reported that the experience was great and have learned leadership skills to utilize in the future.