The Kentucky Volunteer Forum held this past February allowed Henry County leaders and teens gain valuable information to bring back to county clubs. Henry County had 14 people participate on many different levels throughout the weekend.  Horse, dog, and livestock club leaders were able to attain the recertification hours that are required for them to continue to grow their perspective clubs in the county.  The Master Certified Volunteer program is a new program that allows a volunteer leader the opportunity to learn more about the workings of 4-H and how to be an effective leader.  Henry County is proud to have a dedicated volunteer that completed the classes to receive that certification. Many other volunteer leaders attended workshops to gain new ideas and provide a greater array of opportunities for their club members.   One of our Shooting Sports Club leaders’ that is nationally certified taught a class on how to have a more effective shooting sports program within the county.  Two Henry County teens attend the Leadership Boot Camp that was offered by State 4-H Specialist Rachel Noble.  These teens worked on developing many aspects of leadership that will help them not only grow in the 4-H program at the state level, but in life as well.   They were often pushed out of their comfort zone while developing networking skills, interview skills, and public speaking.  Both agreed that the Leadership Boot Camp made them feel better prepared to lead the way to greater 4-H successes within the county and state.

At the recognition banquet Henry County was pleased to have two outstanding volunteer leaders recognized.   Barbara Gregory was recognized as being a previous inductee in the Kentucky Hall of Fame as an Outstanding Volunteer for her over 30 years of dedicated service to the program.   Phyllis McGuire was also recognized for the Outstanding Horse Club Leader.  

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum raises the bar across the state to increase the knowledge of leaders so that they in return can enrich the lives of youth in their counties.  Henry County has several leaders who serve on state and national boards on behalf of our district and state.  The Volunteer Forum is an excellent way for them to share their knowledge and be rewarded for their devotion to the 4-H program.