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 volunteer at 4-H Camp. 

The Warren County 4-H Program in 2024-2025 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. 

Of the 14 club leaders who completed an online survey last fall about their participation as a 4-H club leader, 100% said they provided opportunities for youth to demonstrate a skill they learned and facilitated experiences for youth to work in a team/group to accomplish a common task or goal, 93% said they taught youth how to use information to communicate with others and provided leadership opportunities for each youth to serve in a leadership role.  Many of our 4-H volunteers would agree with Jessica Steele, Kentucky Volunteer Forum Distinguished Hall of Fame Certified 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 seeing them have the confidence to speak in front of club meetings, participating in activities, and meeting other youth from surrounding areas with similar interests.” Another club leader stated, "I enjoy seeing the youth reach a goal and be excited about their accomplishments. I also enjoy seeing youth be able to participate in projects that interests them and share that with others that have similar interests."