The Barren County Cooperative Extension Service relies on volunteer leaders to sustain, expand and develop educational programs. As volunteers’ interest change or new programs are introduced, it is important to have a mechanism in place to encourage and support volunteer engagement. Building the capacity of these leaders is critical for supporting youth, families, and community. The development of leadership skills contributes immensely to the positive development of young people. Leadership skills like goal-setting, problem-solving and sound decision-making are foundational for success in today's world. 

To prepare leaders for their role, 4-H provides learning opportunities for them including access to the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum with educational workshops, motivational speakers, exhibits and recognition. To give recognition is to show respect and admiration for others achievements the KY 4-H Volunteer Forum provides an opportunity for our volunteers to be recognized on a State and peer level. In 2022, Barren County 4-H had 18 volunteers recognized for their commitment to our youth and community through community service programs. The Festival of Giving Team won the TEAM Award and two different teen 4-H leaders were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their Community Service projects. 

One Barren County 4-H Teen leader was recognized for her leadership skills at the Mammoth Cave Area Night of Champions as the recipient of the Walter Sexton Outstanding 4-H Teen Leader Award. As a 4-H teen leader concerning their leadership experiences, she credits 4-H with inspiring a new sense of fidelity for community engagement and youth empowerment. Being a 4-H leader has illustrated how important it is to have youth empowered to be active community members. She states: “My most rewarding experience has been training younger county officers. I love sharing my passion for youth leadership with the next generation of 4-H’ers.”

Eighteen Barren County 4-H’ers were recognized at the virtual District 4-H Horse and Mammoth Cave Night of Champions for their 60 accomplishments on the Area, District, State and National levels. 

One hundred fifty 4-H members and adults were recognized at the Barren County 4-H Awards Program for 270 accomplishments. 

Seven 4-H youth were recognized at the Barren County Board of Education Meeting as Student of the Month.  This prestigious honor allowed the Barren County 4-H program and members to be highlighted in a different way to our community.