Research suggests distinctive characteristics of young adolescents (middle school aged youth) regarding their physical, cognitive, moral, psychological, and social-emotional development, as well as spiritual development (Scales, 2010). Young adolescents (middle school aged youth) warrant educational experiences and schools that are organized to address their physical, intellectual, emotional/psychological, moral/ethical, spiritual, and social developmental characteristics (Caskey & Anfara, 2014). Kentucky 4-H Summit seeks to engage middle school aged youth and retain their involvement in 4-H activities through the middle school years, along with empowering youth to become active 4-H leaders on the local and state levels. Objectives of Kentucky 4-H Summit are centered on the developmental needs of middle school aged youth: 4-H Summit aims to provide youth from across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to develop leadership skills through acquiring new knowledge to take back and implement within their local communities, youth have the opportunity to belong to a group of peers and expand teamwork skills, exercise communication skills through networking with other 4-H’ers, experience generosity by giving back through a community service project, and develop relationships with role models through the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council.

In 2019, Magoffin County saw an increase in 4-H Teen Summit Conference participation.  4 middle school aged youth attended the conference as delegates, along with 1 State Teen Council member who served as a leader and mentor during the conference.  Summit is also a valuable experience for STC members.  They have great responsibility over the course of several days while mentoring and leading their groups.  

A key component to 4-H Summit is continued involvement in the 4-H program through middle school into high school. 2 of the 4 youth who attended are currently in 8^th grade in Magoffin County.  They both expressed interest in attending Teen Conference this summer and are also joining the Teen Club in Magoffin County.  The other 2 delegates are currently in 6^th grade and both attend 4-H Camp in the summer.  

Kentucky 4-H Summit provides a valuable experience in a safe environment for middle school aged youth, a developmental time where youth are experiencing rapid physical, cognitive, moral, psychological, and social-emotional development, as well as spiritual development.