Kentucky 4-H prioritizes providing youth leadership experiences as we recognize the “evidence that experiential learning can serve a role in developing a solid foundation for building leadership skills among young people” (Jones, 2009).

 

Allen County 4-H’s annual Leadership Lock-In experienced a significant overhaul during 2023, as their county event typically hosted at the County Extension Office, expanded to encompass the entire Mammoth Cave Area 4-H Teen group at an off-site location.  The Mammoth Cave Area 4-H Teen Leadership Lock-in was so much more than an overnight lock-in experience for youth.  During this program, 54 teens engaged in experiential activities designed to build leadership, teamwork, social skills, communications and even problem solving skills, all of which are identified as Skills in the Targeting Life Sills Model (Hendricks, 1998).  

 

Over a 12 hour period, youth participants had the opportunity to meet new people, network and work in teams.   Intentional leadership challenges caused youth to work in groups to complete missions or solve STEM tasks.  Leadership challenges required teamwork and trust to reach finish lines and collect objects.  While the STEM car building mission involved critical thinking and wise use of resources while working in teams.  

 

Late morning hours provided a wealth of opportunities for youth to network while playing games, watching movies on the big screen or engaging in healthy life styles and stress management on the court or walking track.  Youth were also encouraged to participate in a service learning project to help make Valentines Cards for Warren County 4-H’s Better Together Club mission to spread cheer to others in our communities.  

 

The MCA 4-H Teen Leadership Lock-In could not have happened without the assistance of 15 adults volunteers, agents and staff of The Core of Scottsville.  Adult volunteers and staff helped to ensure all youth enjoyed a fun and safe experience during the Leadership Lock-in.   As a result of the Mammoth Cave Area 4-H Teen Leadership Lock-In, 64 youth and adults participated in experiential learning opportunities practicing life skills in: leadership, teamwork, social skills, communications, problem solving, healthy life styles and many more valuable skills for successful futures.  

 

Jones, K. (2009).  “Influence of Youth Leadership within a Community-Based Context.”  Journal of Education, v.7 (3), Winter 2009. Web Scholarly Article.  Retrieved 10 April 2023 from: https://journalofleadershiped.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/7_3_Jones.pdf

 

Hendricks, P. (1998). Developing Youth Curriculum Using the Targeting Life Skills Model.”  Web.  Retrieved on 10 April 2023 from: http://4-h.ca.uky.edu/files/lifeskills_model.pdf