The Effingham County Extension office was full of creativity recently, as 4-H agents met with an assembly of teenagers from Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Effingham and Screven counties.

Many organizations and programs need volunteers or a lot of staff to conduct a successful event. However, 4-H is unique because teenagers are trained to be certified leaders. They are then able to assist in many of the activities that 4-H participates in throughout the year.

The teen leader training program is an outline for training youth to be effective teen leaders in the county, district and state program and at summer camp. This is a fun and educational program that allows teens to explore youth management and lets them develop personal skills.

Of the many opportunities in Georgia 4-H to develop leadership, one of the most positive experiences is the opportunity for older 4-H’ers to mentor younger 4-H’ers and other youth by serving as teen leaders in the county program and at district and state events.  Teen leaders have specific responsibilities and leadership roles.