According to research, middle school is a time when young people find their place in this world; they explore where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Retaining 4-H members through their tween years is often a struggle due to the overwhelming demand of school, extra-curricular and church activities. To change this, students in 6-8 grade were invited to join County Junior 4-H Teen Council. This year 4-H Junior Teen Council has an average of 11 youth attending monthly meetings. The focus of the monthly meetings has been leadership development and community service. Due to their participation in the 4-H Junior Teen Council, we had several other leadership-related retreats throughout the year:  Mercer County had 10 Tweens attend State Summit Leadership Conference. As a result of participating in the 4-H Summit, middle schoolers reported that they increased their leadership skills, improved teambuilding skills, and were able to contribute to their community. A major benefit of the 4-H Summit is the confidence in middle schoolers to return to their community, find ways to become leaders, and share their new skills with others. 

Another event was the C1-C4 Area Middle School Retreat at North Central 4-H Camp. Mercer County had 13 tweens participate in the retreat, allowing youth to learn about opportunities provided through 4-H while developing friendships, leadership, and communication skills that may benefit them as they explore their strengths and interests.

The final opportunity was C1-C4 4-H Jekyll Island Spring Break Trip. Mercer County had seven middle school youth attend. Participants attended an educational day before the trip and then traveled to the 4-H Center at Jekyll Island in Jekyll Island, Georgia. While there, 4-H’ers participated in classes focused on the natural environment, emphasizing marine environments unique to the location. During these classes, 4-H’ers could observe unique animals and plants, learn about tidal forces reshaping the beach, and participate in hands-on experiences within the ocean. Upon returning, the teens had the opportunity to speak to Harrodsburg Rotary Club about their trip to Jekyll. This opportunity allowed the youth to network with local leaders, gain confidence and improve their communication skills. 

Through these opportunities, youth are beginning to learn that 4-H does last through the middle/high school years, and Mercer County 4-H Junior Teen Program is gaining more members and more visibility in the community. By participating in these activities, tweens have gained confidence, improved self-esteem, organizational skills, and group leadership skills, developed personal communications skills, and a realized 4-H is a great opportunity, and enjoy exploring it.