Youth who participate in leadership development opportunities are exposed to a variety of opportunities for personal development.  Leadership activities help youth:

-Develop confidence in their leadership potential and their own sense of identity.

-Improve their self-esteem.

-Enhance their communication skill is sharing, reflecting and discussion.

-Understand the importance of diversity and improves their ability to relate to others.

-Learn effective decision making methods and experience problem-solving situations.

-Learn group social skills.  (Unlock Your Leadership Potential:  A Leadership Project Guide, University of Florida, IFAS Extension,   October 2009)

Hancock County 4-H provides leadership development to high school students in a multitude of ways: leading clubs/lessons and serving as 4-H Camp Teen Leaders at overnight camp are two of the most common.  Some reflections from these youth as they graduate high school include:
 “I’ve been involved in 4-H since I was a young kid. 4-H has had such a positive influence on my life. I have made life-long friends through 4-H. Memories of the monthly 4-H meetings during grade school years bring thoughts of laughter and good times. We had fun while we learned life skills like how to sew on a button or make cookies. Being a Teen Leader has helped me learn leadership skills and responsibility and social skills. Being a Teen Counselor at 4-H Camp was a chance for me to share with the younger kids the joys of camp life.”

“The most important aspect of my life that 4-H has influenced has been learning to be mature and taught me public speaking skills and putting others above myself.”

"For me, the most rewarding experience that 4-H has granted to me is the opportunity of getting to teach and foster a love of nature and ethics to young people, mostly to those who are grades K-5."