4-H youth development programs within Extension depend heavily on adult volunteers and provide extensive education to volunteer leaders. 4-H traditionally focuses on positive youth development, but adult volunteers are the mainstay of the programs. 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).

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is Extension’s flagship event for adult and youth volunteer education in the commonwealth.   The forum benefits adult and teen volunteers, Extension professionals, program assistants, as well as the 4-H program at the county, district, and state levels.  

It provides varied and targeted ongoing education and networking opportunities.  It is also a great way to reenergize and inspire 4-H volunteers.   Hart County 4-H had 43 adult and teen volunteers attend the forum this year.  Adults and teens came back to Hart County with new ideas and interest to share with local 4-H members.  

In fact, this spring when families were quarantined due to COVID 19, one adult volunteer came back after attending a workshop on woodworking projects at the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum and made over 30 butterfly woodworking kits for youth in the county to have as a Grab n Go Kit.   This was a value of over $250 in supplies and labor he donated because he wanted to share the project with students after attending the forum.   He also wanted students to continue their involvement in 4-H even in this different time everyone is experiencing.   Students will be able to take their finished woodworking projects and enter them in the Cloverville division next year at the county fair.  Some 4-H members have also donated their butterfly feeders to local nursing homes to put outside of their windows for residence to enjoy watching the birds during this time of quarantine.