4-H Teen Leadership starts with Middle School

5 District 4 4-H agents created and serve on a Middle School programming committee to develop a schedule of programs that reaches 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders.  We saw this as an eager audience where there was a lack of opportunity.  The focus was to provide opportunities that would create line items for youth who fill out their achievement applications and to instill valuable leadership skills into our next generation 4-H teen leaders.  The resulting itinerary for the school year included monthly day outings, 1 overnight retreat, and teen summit culminating experience for youth from August through March.  The day sessions included networking, teambuilding, communications, visiting the state 4-H office, touring the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, and understanding culture and diversity.  Clark County had 15 youth who participated in 1 or more of the activities. 

Clark County had 8 of the District’s 96 youth attend the Middle School retreat. The 96 participants completed a post evaluation for the retreat.  All questions were asked on a 5 point scale, with 5 being strongly agree and 1 being strongly disagree.  Below are the questions that they answered and the combined average point scale answered:

1. I gained a better understanding of what it means to be a 4-Her - 4.26

2. I learned a lot about leadership from this retreat - 4.15

3. I will go back to my county and step up in 4-H roles as a result of this leadership retreat – 3.86

4. Having a state 4-H officer present really enhanced the experience of this leadership retreat – 4.54

5. I will apply the skills learned at this 4-H retreat at other activities in home, school, or in the community – 4.11

6. I have improved communication skills (verbal, written, etc.) as a result of this leadership retreat – 3.91

7. I have a better understanding on how to listen to others with different ideas from me – 4.22

Self evaluation questions (responses were from 96 completed surveys):

I learned a lot about leadership from this retreat – 77 recorded agree or strongly agree.

I will go back to my county and stop up in 4-H leadership roles a s a result of this retreat – 61 marked agree or strongly agree.

I will apply the skills learned at this 4-H retreat in other activities at home, school, or in the community – 73 marked agree or strongly agree.

I have improved communication skills (verbal, written, etc.) as a result of this retreat – 67 marked agree or disagree

Recommend to other? Why?

2 people reported yes because it gets you out of your comfort zone.

Yes because it teaches a ton.

10 people specifically said yes for leadership reasons, including: this builds leadership skills, it is great to grow as a leader, and it teaches communication skills.

Clark County teens Maddy Williams and Katelyn Francis developed an understanding culture and diversity itinerary to lead during January’s Middle School Leadership Academy.   The two were requested by their agent when this idea (which had stemmed from a Clark County 4-H Teen Leadership Club meeting) aligned with the topic for Middle School Leadership Academy.  The two did a fantastic job dividing up responsibilities in planning, leading icebreakers, and facilitating activities geared toward understanding diversity differences.  Clark County had 8 of the 27 preteens in attendance.  Based on the evaluation that took place following this session the following resulted from Maddy and Katelyn’s presentations and facilitation on a 5 point scale (with 5 being the highest marks):

The final event for middle school aged 4-Hers was that of 4-H Teen Summit.  Clark County took 5 delegates; 1 Fashion Leadership Board Teen; and 3 State Teen Council members.  The 4 teens were among those who helped lead and facilitate the 225 total delegation.  Of the 5 middle school aged 4-Hers, 3 were 1^st time participants in the conference and 2 were 2^nd time participants.  When asked on their evaluation if they had made a strong connection with their State Teen Council team leader, 1 marked ‘strongly agree’ and 3 marked ‘agree’.  2 of the 5 checked ‘strongly agree’ on the questions: I improved my leadership skills while at teen summit and I improved my communication skills while at teen summit.   1 delegate indicated with a ‘strongly agree’ that they now want to apply to be a State Teen Council member, while 2 others marked ‘agree’.  1 delegate indicated that they ‘strongly agree’ they want to apply for another state 4-H board and the other 4 delegates marked ‘agree’.  With a big push for these youth to attend 4-H Teen Conference as high schoolers; 4 of the Clark delegates marked ‘strongly agree’ to the statement, I have heard about Teen Conference (with the 5^th delegate marking ‘agree’).