C1-C4 Teen Retreat 2023

The objectives of C1-C4 Area 4-H Teen Retreat are to develop leadership and teamwork skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, have fun, make new friends, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills, and develop positive youth-adult partnerships. This overnight educational experience is a culminating event for the C1-C4 Area Teen Council, who worked for several months to plan implement, and evaluate this 2-night, 3-day program for their peers. Not only did the C1-C4 Area Teen Council work to plan this event, but many members also taught workshops and funshops, and the officer team lead the program throughout the weekend. 

At the Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp, the 2023 event hosted 62 high school delegates and teen leaders, along with 13 adults. Through 4-H programming, delegates had the opportunity to create friendships with their peers and mentorships with agents who served as advisors. Youth also heard from one of the Kentucky 4-H State Officers and completed a project to learn about the function of the KY 4-H State Leadership Boards. 

At the conclusion of the conference, attendees reported the following: 

1. 91% of delegates reported that they made new friends
2. 84% reported learning something new
3. 90% experienced a good or exceptional experience at the event while working with the adults/teens 

Another goal of the event is to encourage continued 4-H participation among high school age youth. Of the youth who attended the retreat and completed the survey, 90% reported that they wanted to continue their participation in 4-H and attend future programs and events.  

Of these demographics, Estill County took a total of nine youth, with four being the county's Area Teen Council delegates.  These youth have spent the past couple of months planning and preparing for this event.