4-H traditionally focuses on positive youth development, but adult volunteers are the mainstay of the programs, as well as a necessity. 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).    Effective training programs enable volunteer leaders to develop skills, network with others, receive rewards, and experience social affiliation (Hall, 1995; Rouse & Clawson, 1992). It is also noted that volunteers respond more favorably to roles and responsibilities when they understand and are able to perform the tasks required of them (Hoover & Connor, 2001). 

The purpose of the Kentucky Volunteer Forum is to increase the number of volunteer leaders that contribute to the mission of Kentucky 4-H and to provide educational and technical resources that volunteers need to deliver the KY 4-H Program to Kentucky 4-H members (Culp, 2000). 

There were 1,108 people form 110 counties that were registered for the 2018 Kentucky Volunteer Forum making it the largest volunteer forum in Kentucky’s history. Three 4-H volunteers from Caldwell County attended the 2018 Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum; one being a State Shooting Sports Instructor who presented in several workshops. This was the third forum for two of the attendees. The county participants were very pleased with the conference and came away with valuable information to bring back to the county. One Caldwell County 4-H volunteer stated that, “it was a great learning experience. It was nice to see workshops put together for the volunteers and I was glad to learn how to serve my county better in the future.” They also noted that “it was good to see the leaders get the recognition they deserved.” The 2018 Kentucky Volunteer Forum was a valuable learning opportunity for Caldwell County volunteers and will allow them to bring new ideas and opportunities to the county 4-H program.