Volunteers play a vital role in the 4-H world and their willingness to share their knowledge with the youth is important. Without individuals that want to volunteer their time and give back to the community, there would not be as many 4-H Clubs and Projects in Hopkins County. Extension Agents have the passion to help youth grow and prosper but need the help of others because there are people that are proficient in various areas.

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum, a bi-annual event, is the perfect place for Extension Volunteers to gain new educational ideas to bring back to their counties.   The Forum allows volunteers to ask questions, meet others with like minds and receive professional development opportunities. This is also an avenue for Extension Agents to recognize their volunteers on a state level of their hard work and dedication to the 4-H program.  Hopkins County had nine volunteers in attendance at the 2022 Kentucky Volunteer Forum in Lexington, Kentucky, bringing back awards such as 10 Year 4-H Member and Adult Camp Volunteer Achievement Award.

The 2022 Kentucky Volunteer forum proved to be a huge success. The final registration numbers were:

1. 1229 people registered from all 120 counties in Kentucky
2. 13 states were in attendance
3. 150 youth recognized for 10 Year 4-H Membership award
4. 70 volunteers received recognition on stage
5. 63 volunteers complete accreditation requirements from the 9 Master Accreditation Content Areas (2^nd time offered)
6. 223 workshops available
7. 10 various Seminars on Wheels

The numbers were not possible without the valued volunteers eager to gain more knowledge to share with the youth in their counties. Also, the Extension Agents for planning, promoting and helping make sure the Forum is a successful program.