In middle school, young people find their places in this world, exploring where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is imperative to provide positive experiences in which young people may explore the world in a safe environment. Historically, there is a decline in enrollment numbers throughout the middle school years in 4-H programming. Kentucky 4-H hosts the Summit Leadership Conference for middle schoolers (grades 6-8) in an effort to continue engagement. 

 At the Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp, the event hosted 156 middle schoolers and 35 teen leaders. Two middle-schoolers from Boyle County attended.  Eighty-five percent 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% reported feeling accepted by their teams, 87% reported they made connections with their teen leaders assigned to lead their small or cabin groups. 

 As a result of participating in 4-H Summit, middle schoolers reported they increased their leadership skills, improved teambuilding skills, and were able to contribute to their communities. Ninety percent felt they improved their leadership skills and were able to give back through the community service activity. Ninety-four percent felt they improved their teambuilding skills. 

 A major benefit of 4-H Summit is the confidence instilled in middle schoolers to go back to their communities and find ways to lead 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 communities. As a result of 4-H Summit, 77.4% reported they wanted to return home and step up as leaders in their communities. 

 Addressing the goal of bridging the 4-H enrollment gap, 84% of those reporting wanted to apply to serve on a Kentucky 4-H state level leadership board and 99.3% reported they wanted to continue their participation in 4-H and attend future programs and events.