Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the 2021 Kentucky 4-H Summit could not be implemented in the typical face-to-face format. Kentucky 4-H Program volunteers, members, and professionals decided, based on current events and fundamental developmental needs, that middle school youth needed the opportunity to connect to others and practice their leadership skills through 4-H. If adolescents are to develop the skills necessary for adulthood, they must learn basic skills for everyday life (Carnegie Council for Adolescent Development, 1995).  For many youth COVID-19 will be the defining issue of their lives and affect them in ways that will mark the course of their life-long development (Bartlett & Virette, 2020). The well-being of our nation’s young people is in danger as a tidal wave of trauma and its aftermath approaches (Margolis et. al., 2020). Disease containment of COVID-19 has necessitated widespread social isolation, children and adolescents are probably more likely to experience high rates of depression and anxiety during and after enforced isolation (Loades, et al. 2020). Based on this knowledge the planning committee decided the 2021 Kentucky 4-H Summit for middle school youth would be implemented virtually with intentional focus on belonging, connection to opportunity, and empowerment of leadership skill development. 

The event consisted of teen leader developed and led activities that focused on belonging to a small group. Youth engaged with others from across the Commonwealth in a community service activity, leadership workshop, and teambuilding activities. Teens and adults also held roundtables where middle schoolers could connect with others on a specific subject and explore future opportunities through Kentucky 4-H. 

144 middle schoolers signed-up for the event with 60 teen leaders facilitating activities. Youth engaged in asynchronous challenges prior to each synchronous session, these activities either primed the members for the upcoming session or helped them reflect on their experience the day before. Youth quotes shared through the asynchronous activities: 

“My favorite part of the event was hanging out with my group.”

“I liked getting to know people from all over the state.” 

“I loved the games, we had fun!” 

“I am sad it had to end!” 

Based on the end of the program evaluation: 

• 96.7% of youth were inspired to continue their involvement in Kentucky 4-H after 4-H Summit. 
• 92.3% of youth felt they belonged to a group during 4-H Summit.
• 91.2% of the youth met someone from another part of the state during 4-H Summit. 
• 87.9% of youth learned a new skill from the service project they can use to positively impact their community.
• 83.5% of the youth felt encouraged by teen leaders to take on leadership positions.  

Specific to Clark County, 5 middle schoolers, 2 State Teen Conference members, and 1 NRESci Academy teen leader attended the virtual conference.