The effects of the Jefferson County 4-H camp teen leader training and camp experience on the teen participants' internal assets of positive values, social competencies and positive identity

This dissertation examined the effects of the Jefferson County, Kentucky, 4-H camp teen leader training and camp experience on teen participants' internal assets of positive values, social competencies, and positive identity. Thirty-two current and former teen leaders and six parents of teen leaders participated in this qualitative study. Fourteen current teen leaders, who were grouped by years of service, participated in focus group interviews. Eighteen former teen leaders and six parents participated in personal interviews.;Because I was studying a 4-H program that I had developed, an action research model was used for this program evaluation. The Search Institutes' 40 Developmental Assets (Scales & Leffert, 1999) were used as the conceptual framework for data collection, analysis and discussion.;The study findings show the Jefferson County 4-H camp teen leader training and experience did have a positive effect on teen participants' internal assets. The positive values of caring and responsibility were clearly articulated by the teens. There appears to be a strong connection between these values and the teens' feelings of self-esteem. The social aspect of being a teen leader was a strong motivating factor for the teens. The intense social interaction at 4-H camp has helped the teens develop skills in the areas of interpersonal competencies, planning and decision making and conflict resolution. The training has a limited impact on cultural competency. One area that was not impacted by the teen leader training and experience was resistance skills. Many of the former teens reported sneaking out of cabins late at night to have social time with other teens.;The teen leader experience seemed to greatly enhance the teens' feelings of personal power and self-esteem. The teens success in their leadership role was the foundation for these positive feelings of personal power and self-esteem. A few teens reported diminished feelings of self-esteem because they felt they did not fit in with the other teens and experienced feelings of rejection.;The study also explored which components of the teen leader training were beneficial in preparing the teens for their leadership/service role. A curriculum model is included in the appendix.