The Caldwell County 4-H Teen Council has been functioning for the past seventeen years.  The group met one morning a month before school at 7:00 a.m. at the high school.  This worked for the teens because it allowed them to be members and still play sports or work afterschool.  When Covid-19 hit in March of 2020 and students were sent home, teen council was put on hold along with all other school related activities.  This pause in activity was a chance to rethink and rebuild.   Pre-Covid the council was limited to students that attended Caldwell County High School.  Additionally, since the council met before school, students would often times come in late and miss some of the meeting which was very unfair to those that were on-time.  Time was also limited with before school meetings. 

Over the summer of 2020, several teens on the council, and the 4-H Agent took on the task of re-organizing the council. The new plan would include meeting in the evening, versus before school. The new guidelines stated that Council membership would be opened up to all students in Caldwell County.  This allowed home school students the opportunity to become members.  The council also wanted to invite 8^th graders to join.  Applicants had to complete an application and provide a letter of recommendation.  The 4-H Council made the final decision of who would serve on the council.  

Ultimately, the council was made up of twelve members. Two eighth graders, two home school students and eight high school students. As the school year started it was evident that clubs would not be able to meet in-person and zoom was the only option.   The first club meeting was in September. Officers were elected in October, along with three delegates to serve on the County 4-H Council and four teens to serve on the Pennyrile Area 4-H Teen Council.  

This group meet monthly and during the 2020-2021 school year, whether by zoom or in-person.   Average attendance for monthly council meetings went from 62% in 2019 to 83% in 2021. Meeting in the evening also gave us more quality time to work on activities. Council members participated in several service projects throughout the year including, making Blessings Bags for the homeless in our community.  Five of the teens received achievement awards; three bronze, one silver and one gold. While five of the teen council members attended the 2021 4-H Teen Conference; four being Achievement Award winners and one a district delegate. 

Re-organization of the 4-H Teen Council turned out to be just what the teen council needed.  The group is more focused on leadership development and serving our community.  They follow through with tasks and work together as a team.  They were not afraid to take the risk of re-organizing and have learned that change can be a good thing.  As one member stated, “Now, I feel like we are getting somewhere!”