Research suggests distinctive characteristics of young adolescents (middle school aged youth) regarding their physical, cognitive, moral, psychological, and social-emotional development, as well as spiritual development (Scales, 2010). Young adolescents (middle school aged youth) warrant educational experiences and schools that are organized to address their physical, intellectual, emotional/psychological, moral/ethical, spiritual, and social developmental characteristics (Caskey & Anfara, 2014). Kentucky 4-H Summit seeks to engage middle school aged youth and retain their involvement in 4-H activities through the middle school years, along with empowering youth to become active 4-H leaders on the local and state levels. Objectives of Kentucky 4-H Summit are centered on the developmental needs of middle school aged youth: 4-H Summit aims to provide youth from across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to develop leadership skills through acquiring new knowledge to take back and implement within their local communities, youth have the opportunity to belong to a group of peers and expand teamwork skills, exercise communication skills through networking with other 4-H’ers, experience generosity by giving back through a community service project, and develop relationships with role models through the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council.
In 2018, 89 counties from across Kentucky participated in Kentucky 4-H Summit. Two (2) middle schoolers from Powell County participated in this event which is notable because Powell County had not had any youth interested in this event for the previous 2 years.   Through the community service project, the participants created and donated over 75 fleece blankets to a homeless shelter in Somerset, Kentucky. 128 individuals who attended 4-H Summit participated in the 4-H 4K, for our 2 teens this was the first time they had participated in a run/walk event. Various other activities were implemented to meet the needs of this age group such as workshops, funshops, and planned time to explore 4-H core content areas.
As a direct result of 4-H Summit participation middle school aged youth improved through the objectives of the event. The middle school aged youth evaluated their experience. 98.33% felt accepted by their team, 83.51% made a connection with their State Teen Council Member, 92.49% felt they had the opportunity to give back through the community service event. Youth improved their communication skills (88.93%) and reported they could lead a communication activity once they returned home (87.24%). Expanded their leadership skills (90.82%) and reported they could conduct a leadership activity once they returned home (88.73%). Enhanced their team building skills (92.49%) and reported they could lead a group discussion once they returned home (87.4%).