Warren County has the 4^th largest population in Kentucky encompassing 142,229 residents. With 32 schools (22 elementary, 5 middle, 5 high schools), and only two 4-H Youth Development Agents and no program assistants, it is difficult to make significant impact on positive youth development. To extend the reach of 4-H youth programming, it became imperative to empower volunteers to lead clubs, project groups, and chaperone campers at 4-H Camp.

The Warren County 4-H program has a thriving volunteer program that impacts youth daily. These volunteers serve as 4-H Club Leaders for 18 project clubs, 2 afterschool clubs, 2 community clubs, and 4-H Camp. Most club leaders meet with their 4-H members for monthly club meetings, others meet on a weekly basis during the summer months, and some only volunteer at 4-H Camp. 

The Warren County 4-H Program in 2025 involved 100 adult and teen volunteers as club, project, and camp leaders. Of these volunteers, 28 were certified shooting sports coaches with a total of 58 certifications, 6 certified horse volunteers, and 2 certified livestock club volunteers. These volunteers impacted 390 4-H members through skill development, progressive experiences, and leadership development.

100 Warren County volunteers totaled a conservative 2,720 volunteer hours for the 2024-2025 program year. Based on the 2025 national value for volunteer hourly rate, $33.49/hour, the economic value to the Warren County/Bowling Green community was $91,000. During the 2024 Kentucky Volunteer Forum, 11 of these volunteers were recognized for Distinguished Hall of Fame Awards. Many of our 4-H volunteers would agree with Jessica Steele, former Livestock Club Leader, when she said, “The most rewarding thing about being a 4-H Leader is watching our youth succeed. Sometimes that success is as simple as having the confidence to speak in front of club meetings, participating in activities, and meeting other youth from surrounding areas with similar interests.”