Describe the Issue or Situation.

4-H Summit offers a positive environment, essential for youth development. Structured learning, leadership experiences, and adult mentoring lead to higher academic achievement, civic engagement, and healthier lifestyle choices. 4-H Summit helps youth develop competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Social activities are crucial for youth development. This year Oldham County was able to take 7 middle school youth and one State Teen Council member. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social and emotional skills, encouraging positive behaviors and better academic engagement. The sense of belonging fostered at 4-H Summit is vital for healthy growth.  Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of 4-H Summit. This year State Teen Council members were responsible for teaching workshops. Our Oldham County teen taught a life skills workshop on how to tie a necktie. Teaching such workshops required preparation including mastering the skill, learning how to cater to his audience and their various skill levels, working with our program assistant on communicating what materials he needed, and adapting his workshop to his audience as the youth cycled through. Overall, our teen had a wonderful being able to step into such a leadership position and took on its challenges gracefully. 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

4-H Summit's success is further highlighted by the attendance history: 65% attended for the first time, 19% for the second time, and 16% for the third time. Participants were in grades 6th (33%), 7th (26%), and 8th (41%), attending public (78%), private (5%), and homeschool (17%) schools.  With 115 middle school youths, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment. 

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.