Author: Amanda Clark
Planning Unit: Fayette County CES
Major Program: Leadership
Plan of Work: Leadership Development
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Middle School Retreat
According to research, middle school is a time where young people explore their strengths and interests in order to find their place in the world (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is essential to provide positive experiences in which young people are able to explore the world in a safe environment. Historically, Kentucky 4-H sees a decline in enrollment numbers for middle school age youth. In an effort to retain this age group, the Area C1-C4 Teen Council worked to plan, implement, and evaluate an overnight leadership-focused retreat for middle schoolers (grades 6-8).
C1-C4 Area Middle School Retreat provides youth the chance to learn about opportunities provided through 4-H, while developing friendships, leadership skills, and communication skills that may benefit them as they explore their strengths and interests.
At the Boyle County Extension Office, the 2023 event hosted 71 middle schoolers and teen leaders, along with 11 adults. Through 4-H 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:
A major benefit of the C1-C4 Area Middle School Retreat is to instill confidence in middle schoolers to become leaders in their local communities and share their new skills with others. Of the youth surveyed, 90% plan to use information they learned to make future decisions.
A goal of 4-H Summit is to bridge the 4-H enrollment gap in middle school programs across the state. Of the youth who attended the retreat and completed the survey, 92% reported that they wanted to continue their participation in 4-H and attend future programs and events.
Central Areas 1-4 Middle School Retreat Participation 2023 | |
Total | 82 |
Female | 62 |
Male | 20 |
Youth | 71 |
Adults | 11 |
Asian |
|
Other |
|
Black | 8 |
White | 74 |
Hispanic | 3 |
Non-Hispanic | 79 |
In our increasingly interconnected world, young people must acquire the knowledge and skills to enga... Read More
The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11t... Read More
Research suggests that more than 50% of Americans think estate planning is important, but only 33% h... Read More
The World Health Organization defines life skills as “the abilities for adaptive and positive behavi... Read More
Leslie Countys commitment to youth development through 4-H programming was recently showcased at the... Read More
Teen Conference 2024Success StoryThe 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the Uni... Read More