The 2018 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held June 11-14 on the University of Kentucky Campus.

Through this 94^th Annual Conference, 4-H’ers from across the Commonwealth developed leadership and teamwork skills, improved communication skills, became involved in civic life, expanded knowledge related to a 4-H core content area: communication/citizenship, health, natural resources, agriculture, expressive arts, family consumer sciences, and science, engineering, and technology. The participants fostered a sense of belonging through networking, engaged in youth-adult partnerships, and became acquainted with the University of Kentucky to aid in college and career readiness. There were 590 teens and 149 adults who attended. For most of the delegation it was their first time attending the conference, and their first time staying overnight in a residence hall at the University of Kentucky. Delegates represented 95 counties from across the commonwealth. 

Through 4-H Teen Conference, delegates gained six hours of instruction in a core content area of their choice led by an expert in the field. Over forty departments within the University of Kentucky, agencies in the Lexington-Fayette County area, and local stakeholders conducted the learning experiences for 4-H Teen Conference delegates. 87% of delegates learned something new by participating in the core content area of their choice. As a result of 4-H Teen Conference delegates reported they are interested in learning more about majoring or finding a career in the following areas (in order of interest): science, engineering and technology, health, agriculture, leadership/citizenship, communication, expressive arts, family consumer sciences, and natural resources. 71% of the delegates reported they were likely to attend the University of Kentucky as a result of attending 4-H Teen Conference. 

An additional component of 4-H Teen Conference was a leadership development experience supported by Farm Credit Mid-America, where adults and 4-H youth leaders led delegates through a common leadership experience. All delegates experienced the opportunity to network and belong to a group of individuals, explore personal communication styles, and work in a team environment through a community service project. 75% of 4-H Teen Conference delegates reported feeling connected to their leadership group. Forty-two community service projects were completed with the assistance of a grant through the Bluegrass Community Foundation. Over thirty community serving organizations collaborated with Kentucky 4-H to provide the community service experience of the conference. 85% of delegates reported feeling like they had the opportunity to give back through the community service project.

Campbell County 4-H tied with 2 other counties for the largest delegation at the conference. Campbell County had a 78% increase in attendance this year. This agent, Owen Prim, secured a $1500 grant to help reduce the registration fees for our delegates. We had 21 teens, 2 4-H agents, 1 program assistant and 1 summer intern attend.  In addition, Campbell County is proud of Debbie Myers the 2017-2018 State 4-H President who gave a captivating closing speech and hung up her green officer jacket after a very successful year.