Kentucky 4-H aims to engage youth through hands-on experiences where they can build leadership competencies at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council, Fashion Leadership Board, Performing Arts Troupe, Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador Board, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy, and the Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Board provide experiences for senior 4-H’ers to build upon their leadership skills in the core area of their interest at the advanced level. It has been a trend that Kentucky 4-H State Officers serve on one of these state level boards before applying and running for office.

The Kentucky 4-H State Officers represent the entire Kentucky 4-H Program, engaging youth, adults and stakeholders throughout their term in office. It is a goal of Kentucky 4-H that youth who are interested in applying to run as a Kentucky 4-H State Officer have state level opportunities to fully develop as a leader, therefore the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Bootcamp was created in 2016. Senior level 4-H’ers are invited to the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Bootcamp, 2020 was the fourth year of this two-day intensive program focused on leadership development. The youth had the opportunity to participate in exercises that would empower them to lead within their community at an advanced level.    

During 2020 forty-two youth members completed Kentucky 4-H Leadership Bootcamp, participants were from communities across the state. 97.6% of the participants reported that due to their involvement in 4-H Leadership Bootcamp they are now prepared to apply for a Kentucky 4-H State Officer position or state leadership board. 100% felt more confident in an interview setting, understand the importance of an elevator speech, value the act of showing appreciation to others, and understand the value of teamwork. 97.6% of 4-H Leadership Bootcamp participants believe they will be better leaders and will be able to easily implement skills they learned when they return home.  Wendy Burnley represented Ballard County at Leadership Boot Camp and has since been awarded her Gold Achievement level.