Nassau County 4-H Intermediate Leadership Council

In early 2025, Nassau County 4-H identified a gap in programming for youth who were ready for more responsibility but not yet old enough for advanced leadership roles. To meet this need, 4-H Agent Spencer Hewitt and Lead Leadership Volunteer Mrs. Shook collaborated to expand leadership opportunities for intermediate aged youth. Building on the success of the existing Teen Leadership Council, they launched the Intermediate Leadership Council (ILC) for youth ages 11–12. ILC officially began in January 2025 and meets monthly from January through April. The program focuses on developing foundational leadership skills, including decision-making, teamwork, critical thinking, and introductory event planning.

During the second meeting, youth learned about the voting process and practiced shared decision-making by selecting a goal to organize a countywide service project in the coming months. This hands-on approach allows members to experience leadership in action while building confidence and ownership. Early impacts are already evident. Following the February meeting, the parent of a new 4-H member, Olivia, shared that her daughter “is doing better in school because of the critical thinking skills and social skills she is learning from the council.” Stories like Olivia’s reflect the program’s emphasis on building life skills such as leadership, resilience, and effective communication that extend beyond 4-H into school and everyday life.

Teen Leadership Council members (TLC) (ages 13–18) serve as facilitators and mentors, leading life skills activities, guiding younger members, and practicing the meeting management and teaching skills they have developed. This peer mentorship opportunity creates meaningful leadership experiences for teens while fostering a supportive learning environment for younger youth. By creating intentional leadership opportunities for intermediate aged members, Nassau County 4-H is developing confident, capable young leaders and strengthening the future of the program…one 4-H age level at a time!

Pictures from our last two meetings: 

Interested in joining the Intermediate Leadership Council? Questions?

ILC is a youth leadership SPIN club for ages 11-12, focused on building leadership and life skills. As a foundation for growth, this club helps young leaders develop confidence, responsibility, and the skills needed for future success and to advance into 4-H teen leadership programs.

Meeting dates: 

• January 20th
• Febuary 17th
• March 24th
• April 21th
• May 19th

Where: Callahan Extension Office 543350 U.S. Hwy 1 Callahan, FL 32011

When: 5:30-7pm

Ready to sign up? Register via 4-H Online

Club Leaders: 

Spencer Hewitt: spencer.hewitt@ufl.edu | 904-530-6353

Kristin Shook: theshooks1213@gmail.com 

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