4-H youth development programs within Extension depend heavily on adult volunteers and provide extensive education to volunteer leaders. 4-H traditionally focuses on positive youth development, but adult volunteers are the mainstay of the programs. A study of Ohio 4-H agents revealed that they believed orienting volunteers is important but lack information on whether their training programs or teaching strategies are effective (Deppe & Culp, 2001). Non-systematic training and the lack of volunteer recognition are two problems identified as crucial to the management of Extension volunteers (Navaratnam, 1986). Although the training received by Extension volunteers has been rated as "quality" when compared to other organizations (Braker, Leno, Pratt, & Grobe, 2000), the need to strengthen the design and implementation of 4-H training programs is ongoing.

Effective leadership training can be an important mechanism for strengthening 4-H organizations (Van Horn, Flanagan, & Thomson, 1999). Evaluation of training programs can influence future outcomes and activities as well as aid in program accountability by determining if leadership development among adult volunteers makes a difference to individual leaders, the organization, and surrounding communities (Michael, 1990; Rossi & Freeman, 1993). (VanWinkle, Busler, Bowman, & Manoogian, 2002).

The Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum provided 25 of Henderson County's volunteers and staff the opportunity to attend 53 educational classes.  The volunteers represented 4-H, Family and Consumer Sciences and Master Gardners.  Skills learned at the forum will allow Henderson to better develop extension programs throughout the county.  For the 2018 Forum, Henderson County had the 8th highest number of volunteers in attendance.  Through a partnership with several counties in Western Kentucky, Broadbent B & B foods, was nominated and received the Kentucky 4-H Partners in Progress Award for their volunteer work with our county's country ham program.  The Henderson County Agent also taught two classes, one on Social Media and the University Policies surrounding marketing of programs, as well as a panel on Horse Camps.