4-H Summit has always been a favorite of the middle school population of Letcher County youth. This is where the youth get recognition for completing their achievement applications. That is a big deal to the youth that take the time to complete the 4-H achievement application.  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. Letcher County has always take delegation and attended virtually through the covid year, we have been in attendance since 2014. Not to mention that Letcher County has also always had State Teen Council members that attend 4-H Summit is one of the highest achievements in 4-H. 4-H Summit is the reason that theses middle school youth go onto 4-H Teen Conference. 

At the Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp, the event hosted 156 middle schoolers and 35 teen leaders. 85% of the middle school 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 99% of the middle schoolers reported feeling accepted by their team. 87% reported that they made a connection with their teen leader assigned to lead their small or cabin group. Letcher County had three delegates attend 4-H Summit and one State Teen Council member. 

As a result of participating in 4-H Summit, middle schoolers reported that they increased their leadership skills, improved teambuilding skills, and were able to contribute to their community. 90% felt they improved their leadership skills. 90.2% felt they were able to give back through the community service activity. 94% felt they improved their teambuilding skills. The Letcher County delegates that attended summit one will attend 4-H State Teen Conference this Summer and the other two plan to return to 4-H Summit next year. 

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, 77.4% 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% reported they wanted to apply to serve on a Kentucky 4-H state level leadership board. 99.3% reported that they wanted to continue their participation in 4-H and attend future programs and events.