Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Planning Unit: Todd County CES
Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Plan of Work: Empowering Youth to Succeed
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Research has shown that youth leadership development can have positive effects on behaviors and skills including communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and goal achievement (21 Progress). Each of these skills is linked to higher student achievement, lower drop-out rates, and better post school outcomes. For these reasons, The Todd County Cooperative Extension Service offered youth leadership programming to 4-H teen club members through an out of state teen leadership development trip including a day of skiing on the slopes at Paoli Peaks. Thirty-two 4-H teen club members participated in a 3 day retreat focusing on leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and communication skills. In addition to leadership activities, the teens spent a day on the slopes skiing and snowboarding together. The teens worked as a team learning the new skills of skiing, assisting and encouraging one another and building new friendship. Additionally, they engaged in physical activity, learned about strength building and learned about proper nutrition. A written evaluation at the end of the retreat revealed that 87% of the students said they were better prepared to achieve goals, 93% said they had a better understanding of personality differences, 97% said they increased their communication skills and 100% said they learned the importance of staying physically fit and healthy. Additionally, 100% said they felt a sense of belonging, 86% claimed they mastered a new skill, while 77% reported an increase in self-esteem because of the leadership trip. A followup focus group revealed that 100% were eager to attend the next teen opportunity, 97% felt more confident in speaking in front of a group and 95% believed that this 4-H trip helped them become a stronger leader.
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