Kentucky 4-H aims to engage youth through hands-on leadership experiences where they can build leadership competencies at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of 4-H involvement. The Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council, Fashion Leadership Board, Performing Arts Troupe, Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador Board, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy, and the Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Board provide experiences for senior 4-H’ers to advance their leadership skills in the core area of their interest at the advanced level. It has been a trend that Kentucky 4-H State Officers serve on one of these state level boards before applying and running for office. The Kentucky 4-H State Officers represent the entire Kentucky 4-H Program, engaging youth, adults and stakeholders throughout their term in office. It is a goal of Kentucky 4-H that youth who are interested in applying to run as a Kentucky 4-H State Officer have state level opportunities to fully develop as a leader, therefore the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Boot Camp was created in 2016. Senior 4-H’ers are invited to the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Boot Camp, 2018 was the third year of this intensive program focused on leadership development. The youth had the opportunity to participate in exercises that would empower them to master concepts to lead in their communities.     

In 2018, fifty-one individuals attended Kentucky 4-H Leadership Boot Camp. Thirty-five senior 4-H’ers across the Commonwealth of Kentucky actively engaged in the experience. 100% of the participants reported that due to their involvement in 4-H Leadership Boot Camp they are prepared to apply for a Kentucky 4-H State Officer position or state leadership board, feel more confident in an interview setting and with their professional resume, understand the purpose of an elevator speech, showing appreciation to others, and the value of a team. 4-H Leadership Boot Camp inspired youth participants to be better leaders because they will be able to implement the skills and ideas they learned at 4-H Leadership Boot Camp when they return home. 100% of participants felt like they made a connection to an adult who cared about them and are interested in their success. 100% reported that because of 4-H Leadership Boot Camp they could set and accomplish a goal. Twenty-five of the thirty-five participants previously participated in Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. Twenty-nine of the thirty-five participants previously participated in Kentucky 4-H Summit. 100% of youth participants reported that they look forward to taking on more leadership roles in their county, district, and the state.

Carlisle County 4-H had one participant this year and has had a participant in the past. Both of these participants were members of state teen leadership boards and had or have aspirations to run for 4-H state office. Leadership Boot Camp has been an invaluable tool in preparing them for these experiences.