September 2015, I had been an agent in Christian County for approximately a month and a half and it was time for the first Teen Club meeting of the new program year. Another 4-H agent and myself set up the meeting room, prepare the agenda, got the icebreaker games out and waited. Only two teens showed up to that first meeting. So we cleaned up and said we'll see you next month. 

At the next meeting one teen attended and none the month after that. For the remainder of the program year we were unsuccessful in recruiting teens to attend meetings or events outside of their project or community clubs. 

The teen program did not pick back up until the 2017-2018 program year when two members submitted Achievement applications for work done through their project club. In December 2017, the first meeting of the 4-H Teen Council occurred with five youth in attendance. 

The 4-H Teen Council was originally designed to be the youth equivalent of the 4-H Council, with members representing the various 4-H clubs of Christian County.  Shortly after its formation, the concept of having representatives from each club was put on hold due to many of the clubs not having teen members. At this time, the 4-H Council is made up of any teens that are interested in enhancing their leadership skills and representing the Christian County 4-H program as a whole. 

From this group of individuals, the 4-H teen program in Christian County has been given new life. Members hosted a pancake breakfast to raise funds for the Teen Council, attended the multi-county Teen Leadership Ski Trip, represented Christian County 4-H at Fiscal Court meetings, attended Ag Tag promotions, attended Kentucky 4-H Teen Leadership Conference, and more. Through attending these events, the youth are gaining public speaking, social, and leadership skills that will benefit them beyond their 4-H career. 

As a 4-H Youth Development agent, seeing this valuable program become active once again and continue to develop young leaders is very exciting.