Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2022 - Jun 30, 2023


Success StoryStuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp



Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp

Author: Sharee Schoonover

Planning Unit: Livingston County CES

Major Program: Leadership

Plan of Work: Encouraging youth to become skillful, productive, contributing members of our community.

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. With 81 youth participants, 7 teen leaders, and 21 Extension personnel/ adult volunteers in attendance, the program highlighted the importance of social connection, hands-on engagement, and supportive environments for youth development.

Social connections drive positive outcomes

One of the most powerful outcomes of the event was how it fostered friendships and belonging. According to post-event survey data, 90% of youth reported making a new friend. Many youth also identified spending time with peers and connecting with others as one of their favorite parts of the event. These experiences develop social and emotional competencies that support overall well-being and future academic success.

Hands-on learning and leadership at camp

Youth thrived in the interactive and engaging format of Stuck in the Middle. Camp activities were described as fun, valuable, and enriching, with many participants noting the hands-on elements as highlights. The weekend’s structure encouraged teamwork, communication, and leadership development, offering middle school youth the opportunity to practice real-life skills in a safe, supervised setting.

Survey results confirmed that:

  • 94% of youth plan to attend or are considering attending 4-H camp this summer
  • 20% of participants had never attended 4-H camp before, reflecting the success of outreach to new audiences
  • The overall experience received high praise from participants, with strong interest in future 4-H events and attendance at future Stuck in the Middle weekends!

Creating a space where youth thrive

Youth reported that they appreciated the chance to try new things, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors in a supportive environment. Many youth emphasized how welcomed and included they felt, and some even suggested extending the length of the event to allow for more time to enjoy the experience.

 

Participants also recommended:

  • More teen leaders to offer guidance and role modeling
  • More free time to socialize and relax
  • A longer event duration to deepen engagement and fun

The 4-H Thriving Model in action

Stuck in the Middle aligns strongly with the 4-H Youth Development Thriving Model, providing high-quality programming, opportunities for leadership, and meaningful relationships with caring adults. These conditions help middle school youth build competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring—the 5 C’s of positive youth development.

Demographics

Stuck in the Middle 2025 was proud to welcome a diverse group of youth:

  • Youth Participants: 81 Total
    • Females: 61
    • Males: 20
    • Ages Represented: 11–17
    • Race Breakdown (Youth):
      • White: 73
      • Asian: 1
      • Mixed: 1
      • Black: 1
      • Hispanic: 2
  • Teen Leaders: 7 total
    • Females: 6
      • White: 5 Hispanic: 1
    • Males: 1
      • White: 1
  • Adult Volunteers: 21 Total
    • Females:17
      • White: 15 | Black: 1
    • Males:3
      • White: 2 | Black: 1

For a total of 109 participants. This demographic information demonstrates strong participation from middle school youth across a range of backgrounds.

Looking ahead

As one of the first major 4-H camp events of the season, Stuck in the Middle has energized youth for further involvement. Survey feedback indicates that participants are not only excited about attending summer camp but also motivated to engage more deeply in 4-H programming at the local and regional levels.

Stuck in the Middle looks to be a model for positive youth development, helping young people build lifelong skills, make meaningful friendships, and prepare for bright futures through the power of 4-H.






Stories by Sharee Schoonover


Spring Break in Georgia: Jekyll Island, and Savannah

Spring Break in Georgia: Jekyll Island, and Savannah

about 1 years ago by Sharee Schoonover

According to the article “Why Is Environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon... Read More


Now Entering the 2023 4-H Camp Time Warp

Now Entering the 2023 4-H Camp Time Warp

about 1 years ago by Sharee Schoonover

Livingston County 4-H entered the 2023 4-H Camp Time Warp with 29 campers, 3 teen leaders, 4 adults,... Read More


Stories by Livingston County CES


2023 4H camp success

2023 4H camp success

about 1 years ago by Adam Barnes

Now Entering the 2023 4-H Camp Time WarpLivingston County 4-H entered the 2023 4-H Camp Time Warp wi... Read More


Spring Break in Georgia: Jekyll Island, and Savannah

Spring Break in Georgia: Jekyll Island, and Savannah

about 1 years ago by Sharee Schoonover

According to the article “Why Is Environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon... Read More