Success StoryA retreat for leaders



A retreat for leaders

Author: Brian Walker

Planning Unit: KSU Administration

Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

The 4-H team at KYSU facilitated their first 4-H Teen Leadership Retreat at the Rosenwald 4-H Youth Development Center. 4-H has worked heavily with first-generation 4-H participants from minority and limited resource audiences who have expressed interest in developing leadership and civic engagement skills. As a result, this retreat is a culmination of upcoming leadership programmatic efforts and a preparatory program for first-generation 4-Hers who have joined 4-H and will be representing KSU at the 2024 National 4-H Conference in Arlington, V.A. The purpose of this retreat was to prepare youth to engage in civic issues as developing leaders who can confidently and strategically work together to create solutions to various issues that currently impact youth, the future of agriculture, health, college and career readiness, as well as equitable 4-H experiences for all. From the tri-county area there were students representing Butler High School, Central High School, Shelby County High School, Fairdale High School, Bryan Station High School, and Tate’s Creek High School. Dr. Gardner, 4-H Program Leader, was present to start the day off with encouraging words for the developing leaders, followed by a teen guest speaker from Montgomery County, Ms. Kyera Wright, who spoke on her experiences with 4-H and how it has shaped her future. A question was asked, "what advice would you give to youth in the room, to make the most out of their 4-H experience?", to which Ms. Wright replied, " Say yes! If you don't think you will enjoy it, still say yes. That is what has made me the 4-Her I am today." In addition to attending the leadership retreat, these 4-Her's were able to attend High School Day that was sponsored by KSU Admissions. Back at Rosenwald they were able to have a one-on-one panel discussion with The Student Government Association (SGA) and the Royal Court to answer all questions pertaining to being student leaders. According to our surveys, prior to the retreat 50% of participants reported that they stop to think before making a decision, afterward 70% reported they stop to think before making a decision and 100% of participants reported 4-H is a place where they have a chance to be a leader before and after the retreat. The success of this retreat is attributed to the careful planning, engaging curriculum, dedicated 4-H Team, and creativity to engage our Kentucky teens as they prepare to be our future leaders.






Stories by Brian Walker


NUEL Success Story 2024

about 4 months ago by Brian Walker

NUEL Conference Success by Brian WalkerThe 2024 National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) Conference w... Read More


A retreat for leaders

about 6 months ago by Brian Walker

The 4-H team at KYSU facilitated their first 4-H Teen Leadership Retreat at the Rosenwald 4-H Youth ... Read More


Stories by KSU Administration


Presentation of CYFAR Program

Presentation of CYFAR Program

about 4 months ago by Kennedy Hannah

The problemThe lack of life skills in youth is a growing concern in many societies today. Life skill... Read More


Pop-up Vaccine  Clinic at Small Farms Conference

Pop-up Vaccine Clinic at Small Farms Conference

about 4 months ago by Kennedy Hannah

The problemPost Covid has been challenging when it comes to vaccines. Issues or problems related to ... Read More


Stories by Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development


Three county collaboration result in new 4-H Homeschool Club

Three county collaboration result in new 4-H Homeschool Club

about 4 months ago by Melissa Goodman

According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 3.1 million homeschooled students... Read More


Cloverbud Club offers opportunities for 5-8 year olds

Cloverbud Club offers opportunities for 5-8 year olds

about 4 months ago by Rhonda Jewell

The primary goal of the Cloverbuds program (youth ages 5-8) is to promote childrens healthy developm... Read More