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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the 2021 Leadership Boot Camp was held virtually. 28 youth members from 20 Kentucky counties completed the day-long experience. The youth had the opportunity to participate in exercises that would empower them to lead within their community at an advanced level through state-level 4-H opportunities.     

Participants of the 4-H Leadership Boot Camp met with current and former Kentucky 4-H State Officers, 4-H Agents, 4-H Specialists, and members of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. Youth had the opportunity to learn and practice skills related to public speaking, interviewing, resume writing, teaching, goal setting, and teambuilding. 21 individuals completed the end of experience evaluation. Through 4-H Leadership Boot Camp I was able to do interviews with youth that had most never been on a virtual interview let along an interview. I was so very impressed with the youth that I interviewed and how well they stepped-up to the challenge. The youth put in the time and effort for the day and will be great leaders for 4-H in our communities across the commonwealth.