Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6^th-8^th 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 23 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!
• There was a total of 102 participants. This demographic information demonstrates strong participation from middle school youth across a range of backgrounds.

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.

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.

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.