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 2018, 89 counties from across Kentucky participated in Kentucky 4-H Summit. The state-wide event for session three attracted a total of 242 youth, 37 Adults and 20 STC members. Various activities were implemented to meet the needs of this age group such as workshops, funshops, and planned time to explore 4-H core content areas.

Of these Morgan County had 13 delegates, one State Teen Council Member, and two adult volunteers.  These numbers are down from years in the past but only due to the cut in the number per county allowed.  We didn't advertise or promote the program just offered to returning 8th graders so they would still have the opportunity to attend.  Summit also has allowed for the Morgan county STC member to really shine as a leader and take on more responsibility.

A key component to 4-H Summit is continued involvement in the 4-H program through middle school into high school.100% of the Morgan County delegates reported they would like to apply to serve on the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council, 20% reported they would like to apply to serve on one of the core curriculum leadership boards, and 80% reported that as a result of 4-H Summit they are more likely to attend 4-H Teen Conference.