Source: James Patrick Allen, 4-H Extension specialist

Hundreds of young people from across the South will gather next month to sharpen their skills as leaders at the annual 4-H Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference (SRTLC). 

The event, set to take place on Sept. 18–21 at one of Tennessee's premier 4-H camps, will bring together 4-H teens and adults to foster leadership, collaboration, and positive change through youth-adult partnerships. Kentucky 4-H youth who take part will have the rare opportunity to share ideas and experiences with teens from across the region, including delegations from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee, in a supportive, youth development-focused environment. 

Participants will engage in interactive workshops led by youth leaders and committee members, covering a wide range of leadership and life skills. The conference also features the Southern Showdown, a spirited series of team events including basketball and kickball competitions, talent showcases, and knowledge-based challenges that highlight the strengths of each state’s delegation.

In addition to leadership development, SRTLC emphasizes fun and cultural exchange through social activities such as a T-shirt swap, a parade of states, a state swap meet, and the popular “Taste of the South,” where each state shares a dish unique to its culture. These experiences help young people build lasting friendships and broaden their understanding of the region’s diversity.

Kentucky 4-H members are encouraged to take part in this exciting event to strengthen their leadership and communication skills, represent their state with pride, and experience the power of youth voice and action. 

For more information on this year’s Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference or to find out how to register for the event, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Extension office.

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The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment news and communications team provides monthly Extension Exclusives in the categories of Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences. To see more exclusives, visit https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu.    

 

 

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