According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, they are exploring where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is imperative to provide positive experiences where 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 Kentucky 4-H 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. 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.

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.

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.

McCreary County had 4 youth attend the 2023 4-H Summit with a volunteer. This was the first time McCreary County had sent youth to this program. We received great feedback from all participants, including:

“I had so much fun at Summit, there were lots of great programs and activities, and all of it was super fun! I learned a lot about leadership skills and I am bringing back information and program ideas to share with my fellow 4H friends! I’m thankful that I got to participate in Summit and can’t wait to maybe go again next year” 

“I enjoyed getting to represent our extension office at the Leadership Summit; my favorite part was meeting other kids my age from various counties” 

“I had a very enjoyable time at Summit, there were lots of fun activities to choose from. I learned leadership skills to bring back to my 4H community. I am super honored to have been able to attend 4H Summit. I can’t wait to share these ideas with my fellow 4H friends!”