The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to become acquainted with the University of Kentucky, aiding in their college and career readiness.

The 100th-year Teen Conference celebration garnered significant attention, drawing 588 participants to the University of Kentucky campus. Among them were 472 youth and 116 adults from 82 Kentucky counties. The event received sponsorship from esteemed organizations, including the University of Kentucky Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Farm Credit Mid-America, the Kentucky Soybean Board, Kentucky Farm Bureau, and Field & Main Bank. Additionally, we collaborated with a 4-H Alumni who owns a small business to create impactful marketing materials for the centennial year. As part of our efforts, we secured a former 4-H Alumni as our keynote speaker for the 100th celebration. Furthermore, we worked closely with the Agriculture Communications department to strategically recruit major leaders and participants.

As part of the conference, 4-H collaborated with 25 different units and departments across the University to offer six hours of educational content in various subjects (majors). Youth engaged in hands-on lessons both inside and outside classrooms, providing them with a glimpse of student life at the University of Kentucky. Campbell County Youth participated in the following majors: Skills That Pay the Bills, Exploring Green Jobs in the Great Outdoors, Exploring the Great Outdoors, and Drawing on Dazzling Data to Inform Public Policy Decisions.

In addition to educational content, participants dedicated six hours to leadership development and service learning. They attended a leadership workshop led by a youth-adult facilitation team and collaborated with over 25 community-serving organizations for three hours of service work. The 472 youth collectively logged 1,284 hours of service.

Campbell County was thrilled to bring 9 delegates to participate in this year's annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. Those eligible to attend again next year stated they plan to do so. Two of this year’s delegates, both of whom have attended Teen Conference in the past, will be attending The University of Kentucky in the fall. Campbell County was also proud to have two youths receive scholarships for the Kentucky 4-H Foundation.