4-H Youth Development Staff Retreat Strengthens Collaboration, Leadership and Programming

Pershard Owens receives guidance while participating in a card-matching team-building activity during LU’s 2026 Positive Youth Development Retreat.

Lincoln University of Missouri’s (LU) youth development staff from across Missouri gathered in Branson, May 4-7, for a 4-H Positive Youth Development Staff Retreat. The retreat focused on strengthening communication, improving programming practices and aligning staff on reporting timelines, yearly plans of work, student file management and mandated reporting responsibilities.

Led by Adrian Hendricks II, LU state extension specialist for 4-H and positive youth development, the retreat encouraged educators to reflect on their work and deepen connections with colleagues around the state.

“Part of my objective on day one was to get you guys to talk,” Hendricks told the group. “Because I know once the communication pipelines open, it encourages more robust discussions.”

The retreat opened with a Myers-Briggs personality assessment activity designed to help employees explore work styles, communication habits and personal preferences. Hendricks guided educators through their results and discussed how personality traits influence workplace interactions, leadership approaches and potential areas for self-sabotage.

Hendricks also hosted podcast-style interview sessions with each staff member. The interviews highlighted educators’ backgrounds, challenged misconceptions about 4-H and showcased programming efforts in communities across Missouri. Staff members shared how long they have served with LU and described programs they lead in their regions. Staff then reflected on the experience.

“I was extremely nervous during the podcast interview,” said Constance “Connie” Branion, a youth development educator in Sikeston. “It reminded me that growth comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone and continuing to learn from new experiences. The awkwardness and nervousness made me realize I was strengthening in my moment of weakness.”

Felicia Anderson is interviewed by Callie Newsom during LU’s 2026 Positive Youth Development Retreat.

In another session, led by Callie Newsom, an Extension associate in 4-H and youth development, evaluation criteria were read aloud to demonstrate examples of common programming shortcomings. One criterion stated, “There are only enough materials and supplies prepared for less than half of the class to begin the activity.” Newsom followed with practical advice for educators: “There’s nothing worse than having to share a pen or pencil. Make sure you plan and have enough supplies before the program starts so everybody can say they were included.”

On day two, Hendricks emphasized the importance of movement and interaction during youth programming. To demonstrate engagement strategies, he began throwing a soccer ball labeled with conversation prompts around the room to involve educators in an activity designed to encourage participation and connection.

“If you have students just sitting and listening for a while, they’re going to check out,” Hendricks said. “You need another way to get them to connect.”

Additional team-building activities reinforced lessons on communication, engagement and collaboration. In one exercise, educators worked together to draw visual representations of concepts discussed throughout the retreat, encouraging creativity and active participation. Another activity challenged groups to guide a teammate through a card-matching game while keeping their eyes closed, emphasizing the importance of trust, clear communication and teamwork.

Beyond professional development, the retreat created opportunities for educators to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and build a stronger support network within LU’s youth development program. Through collaboration, reflection and hands-on learning, staff members returned to their communities with new strategies for serving youth and families across Missouri.