Fortunately, community volunteers contribute time and expertise to Cooperative Extension educational efforts.  4-H Volunteers extend the outreach of programs to audiences who might otherwise be considered underserved.  Building the capacity of volunteers is critical for sustaining the infrastructure which strengthens families and our community.   Kenton 4-H currently engages 168 4-H volunteers.  4 educational programs were held this spring in addition to opportunities at the Ky 4-H Volunteer Forum. 

The effort of volunteers allows the Cooperative Extension program to engage youth and adults in education, respond to issues, and implement solutions via community organizations. 

4-H teen volunteers are serving as active volunteers; increasing the amount of unpaid service provided throughout the Kenton County community.  4-H teen volunteers served as teen shooting sports coaches, summer camp counselors, prepared and presented speeches to community organizations, wrote, and taught a lesson about country ham, served as officers in organizations, provided fundraising support at the county fair, and countless additional set up and clean up tasks for multiple groups. 

Adult 4-H volunteers are increasing their rate of involvement.  Reviewing one list of volunteers for an event, 42 of the 52 volunteers were either former 4-H members, or the parent of a current or past 4-H member. The volunteer group reflects a time span of 35 years.  A 15-year total of funds generated directly for 4-H youth members reflects youth profit of 1.23 million dollars. 

4-H as a non-profit organization experiences an increased rate of volunteer involvement and extended outreach to individuals and audiences.  The 2023 camping group statistics reflect 36 teens and adults functioning in volunteer roles. 24 of the serving volunteers are past 4-H members, or current / past 4-H project group members. 

4-H teen members and adult volunteers have made a positive contribution as community volunteers.  The information provided reflects the finding of Adedokun and Balschweid in the Journal of Extension Article “Are Rural 4-Hers More Connected to Their Communities Than Their Non-4-H Counterparts?” February 2009 Volume 47 Number 1.  Statistically and through tangible examples provided, Kenton County will experience an increased retention rate of former 4-H members and parents who are engaged in their communities, experience a heightened sense of belonging, and youth members who are more likely to reside in the county in their future.