What value can be placed on Leadership? Leadership is the secret, sometimes forgotten ingredient in all human advancement. Working with a group, organizing, leading an effort to achieve a goal.  That's leadership.  Years of work have shown long term success of Butler co. 4-H's leadership programs and activities. Just in the last 4 years our 4-Hers, who have participated in our leadership programs have had many achievements.  4 of the 6 officers on the Mammoth Cave Teen Council are Butler Co. 4-Hers. We have had 5-6 youth per year on various 4-H Leadership Boards. As many as 2 of our 4-Hers serving as chairmen of these boards (SET and PAT).  One of our active 4-Hers is a state vice president of FCCLA.  We have had 2 State 4-H officers from Butler co. Luke Jacobs and Kiersten Foit.

Developing these young leaders has been systematic.  Public speaking is emphasized.  For speech, demonstration, mock interview, and country ham contests White, Red, and Blue Ribbons come with $25, $50, and $75 in 4-H Bucks.  Elevator speeches, impromptu, and Sales pitch contests are held as meeting programs several times a year. Again with prizes. These small rewards encourage participation, and generate a great deal of parental support for the kids to participate. After all Camp, Issues, Teen Conference, total $750.

Leadership classes are taught on meeting organization, writing minutes, treasurers reports, and parliamentary procedure and why we use it. These are done to make youth understand, and be functional in a organized meeting setting.

One of our most successful and impactful practices is utilizing teens in leading younger 4-Hers and Clover Buds. For decades 4-H Camp has provided this opportunity.  To greatly expand on that excellent on the job leadership training, we hold Day Camps during Fall, Christmas, and Spring Breaks. As well as 4 Day Camps during he summer. The Teens are given real responsibilities, group leaders, class instructors, class assistants, and kitchen duties.  These programs help to develop team work, reliability, organization and a confidence built of successful experiences.

Over the years, the youth that have participated in these programs have grown to be the leaders of our community.  Farmers, Pharmacists, City Council members, School Teachers, and Administrators, Dr.'s, Nurses, Pilots, EMS, Policemen, and every manner of successful contributing citizen.