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.  There were 2 participants from Henry County at the virtual event.  One young lady is very active in the Henry County 4-H program and she said the event allowed her to meet so many youth across the state.  She also enjoyed interacting with how others have coped with the distance learning format used across the schools in the state.  While stating that she missed meeting others face to face it was still nice to feel connected to others facing the same challenges.

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 ps.