Successful leaders must acquire communication, leadership, and civic engagement to be effective. The 4-H program is a great organization for youth to learn and practice these skills to develop into future leaders. With hard work and effort, youth and teens can hone their skills to achieve their goals.

Christopher Sweets began his 4-H career as a 5-year-old Cloverbud member attending 4-H Cloverbud Camp with his mom and now has grown into the chairman of the State 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador Board. Christopher has stated that he has continued in 4-H year after year because it was fun, and he was introduced to new experiences each year.   4-H was appealing to him because of the variety of clubs and competitions that he could get involved in.   His 4-H spark is in poultry competitions and the shooting sports program.  Through this interest he competed in National 4-H Avian Bowl contest last year and will be competing in the National 4-H Turkey BBQ Contest in Louisville, KY this fall and National 4-H Muzzleloading Contest in Nebraska in June.  

Christopher states, “The most important skills that 4-H has given me to prepare for my future include leadership, communication, public speaking, and taking initiative.  4-H has a way of pushing you to the next level to continue to grow and excel.  It’s a gradual process that sometimes you don’t even know what is happening.   4-H has also helped me make many connections in a wide array of areas across the state.  I will use these skills and connections to help me to be successful and encourage others throughout my life.”

As Christopher moves forward, he plans to continue to give back to his community through the many opportunities that 4-H has provided him.  For the past two years Christopher has been giving back to his community by organizing donations and coordinating an educational tour of Fort Campbell Military Base. This experience allows participants to see what it is like to live on a military base.  At the same time, it gives an opportunity to demonstrate appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our soldiers and their families.

Janet and Julie have worked with Christopher extensively, helping him cultivate his spark and motivate him to excel in his leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills.