According to R. E. Dahl, today's youth encounter numerous challenges and have diverse needs. As a result, adolescence, a time when extensive physical, social, and cognitive changes occur, can be an extremely difficult time. Developing leadership skills in our youth is imperative for a successful future. Research has suggested that positive youth development is linked to specific contexts and skill. For instance, Granger (2002) outlined four factors that contribute to youths' well-being: 1. supportive relationships with peers and adults, 2. academic and task-specific skills, 3. relational skills, and 4. developmentally appropriate limits. By adhering the those four factors we may positively impact teens through the 4-H Teen Leadership Academy program. 

4-H Teen Leadership Academy promotes leadership development in a safe, friendly, and stimulating environment. Our first meeting Mason County had eight members that were all new to 4-H Teen Leadership Academy, 3 of which had never experienced 4-H in any capacity previously. We conducted team building and leadership activities with Bracken and Lewis Counties, and had teaching support from Montgomery County. While we faced adversity that day due to inclement weather and scheduling conflicts on the grounds, the teens overcame all circumstances and gained knowledge and experience on how to not only successfully implement activities, but how to handle and adapt during conflict. 

Teens developed a network with new peers from other counties as well as from their own school. This group of youth may not have had interaction in school without 4-H Teen Leadership Academy due to the diverse backgrounds and interests the teens currently have. Teens will continue to build relationships throughout this nine month journey learning leadership skills, civic engagement, and parliamentary procedure. I conducted a verbal evaluation and all teens want to continue with 4-H Teen Leadership Academy and want to learn about other opportunities Mason County 4-H has to offer. All teens indicated they learned something new through the Leadership Academy process.