One important goal for Leslie County Extension and especially 4-H is to participate in leadership events. 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. It 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. Jathan Shell a sophomore at Leslie County High School has been involved with 4-H since the 3^rd grade. Jathan became a member of 4-H State Council in 2020 and was one of the leaders who participated in this event.  Youth engaged with others from across state 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. 

The 2021 Kentucky 4-H Summit was made available for all middle school aged youth in Leslie County. It was advertised via Facebook. Two siblings, Breanna and Dalton Gilbert were eager to signup for the event along with 142 other middle schoolers throughout Kentucky. There was a total of 60 teen leaders facilitating activities. Youth engaged in non-simultaneous challenges prior to each session, these activities either prepared the members for the upcoming session or helped them reflect on their experience the day before. Breanna stated that she really liked talking about different types of trees/plants with the members in her group! Dalton enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends! 

Based on the end of the program evaluation: 

1. 96.7% of youth were inspired to continue their involvement in Kentucky 4-H after 4-H Summit. 
2. 92.3% of youth felt they belonged to a group during 4-H Summit.
3. 91.2% of the youth met someone from another part of the state during 4-H Summit. 
4. 87.9% of youth learned a new skill from the service project they can use to positively impact their community.
5. 83.5% of the youth felt encouraged by teen leaders to take on leadership positions.