From Child Psychology: A Handbook of Contemporary Issues, Balter, L., & Tamis-LeMonda, C.S. (2006) notes that there are “strengths present within all young people and involves concepts such as developmental assets, positive youth development, moral development and noble purpose, civic engagement, well-being, and thriving. All concepts are predicated on the idea that every young person has the potential for successful, healthy development and the belief that all youth possess the capacity for positive development.”

At Kentucky 4-H’s Leadership Bootcamp, teen 4-H’ers participated in an array of leadership and personal development workshops and mock opportunities that would empower them to lead within their community. Teens worked to develop their skills in a number of areas including leadership, etiquette, expressing appreciation, job interviewing and applications, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, elevator speeches, and goal setting. Teens also participated in a group-wide community service project.

One Boone County teen stated, “I didn’t realize how well I would do when interviewing and this was my first time doing a mock job interview! This sure was an intense weekend but I really feel like it is going to help me in the future.” This teen later joined the newly formed Boone County 4-H Teen Leadership Council where she plans to pursue the achievement program and run for a state officer position.

 Forty-three teenagers who attended Kentucky 4-H Leadership Bootcamp represented youth from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 100% of the participants reported that due to their involvement in 4-H Leadership Bootcamp they are prepared to apply for a Kentucky 4-H State Officer position or state leadership board, feel more confident in an interview setting, understand the purpose of an elevator speech, showing appreciation to others, and the value of a team. The participants set goals while at 4-H Leadership Bootcamp regarding their future as a 4-H’er, some of those goals included: becoming a 4-H State Officer, develop skills to become a better public speaker, and continue working on interviewing skills. Because of 4-H Leadership Bootcamp, youth participants believe they will be better leaders and will easily implement skills and ideas they learned at 4-H Leadership Bootcamp when they return home. 100% of the 4-H Leadership Bootcamp participants said they would recommend this two-day intensive leadership development event to others who might have similar aspirations to lead at the advanced level in Kentucky 4-H.