Rotating News Article

for: Week of October 13, 2003

by: Vickie B. Mullins

Extension 4-H Agent

Santa Rosa County

4-H is not just for youth

When people think about 4-H, immediately following thoughts of “cows and cooking,” most think about kids, children, and youth. And while there is a lot more than “cows and cooking” to 4-H, youth are the focus of this program. 4-H could not exist without adult volunteers.

On October 2-5 “Set Sail to Success,” the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leadership Forum was held at Rock Eagle 4-H Camp in Georgia. Over 630 adult volunteer leaders and professional 4-H agents participated in this annual event held to motivate, acknowledge and provide further training for adult volunteers.

Two Santa Rosa County 4-H volunteers, Kathy Pace and Melvin Raines, participated in the event. They attended workshops and seminars to learn new activities and methods to reach 4-H club members. They were inspired by the speakers who challenged them to continue making a difference in lives of youth. They were rewarded through the acknowledgement that they received from fellow participants, speakers and presenters. The volunteers were also awarded certificates and pins as reminders that they are valued and appreciated.

Highlights of the Southern Region Leadership Forum included keynote speakers Dr. Linda McClellan, Patrick T. Grady and Jane Jenkins-Herlong. Dr. McClellan spoke at the opening assembly, setting the purpose for the Forum. She shared information about the latest studies in youth development and the importance of volunteer leaders in providing caring adult relationships and safe places for youth to grow and learn.

Patrick T. Grady, a nationally known motivational speaker, was the keynote speaker. He related his own experiences in 4-H and the role of volunteers in helping youth to become the best that they can be. Grady also conducted two energizing workshops on empowering teens.

Former Miss South Carolina, Jane Jenkins-Herlong was the capnote speaker. Jane is a low country farm girl raised in the tomato fields of South Carolina!  Yes, she's Southern...very Southern. In her entertaining way, she served up an exciting program.  She recounted growing up in South Carolina and singing her way into the Miss South Carolina Pageant.  She shared her talent of song in the opening assembly and her humorous message of self empowerment as the Saturday evening capnote speaker.

In addition to the great speakers, the four-day Forum included workshops, seminars and opportunities for the adult volunteers to interact, have fun and relax. Volunteers are important to the 4-H program and to youth. It is through events like the Southern Region Leadership Forum that 4-H tries to encourage and acknowledge the valuable contributions that adults make in the lives of youth.

Adult 4-H Volunteers are a vital part of the 4-H Program. Adults who are willing to share their time, knowledge, skills and energy with children are the backbone of the 4-H Club program. Professional 4-H agents may organize, coordinate and plan 4-H programs, but 4-H depends upon volunteers to help reach and teach the youth.

Because adult volunteers are so important to the program, 4-H strives to provide opportunities for adult volunteers. Opportunities to increase and improve knowledge and skills are planned and held just for adults. Workshops and training programs are conducted at the local, district, state, regional and national levels.

Also because volunteers are valued, 4-H rewards volunteers by acknowledging their contributions to youth. Special programs, activities and recognition events are planned and held for 4-H Volunteers.

So as you can see, 4-H is not just for youth it is also for those adults who want to make a difference in the lives of youth. If you are interested in making a difference in the life of children please call your local 4-H Office.

For more information about 4-H contact Vickie B. Mullins, Santa Rosa County 4-H Coordinator, at 623-3868 or 939-1259, Ext. 1360 (for south county residents).

4-H programs and activities in Santa Rosa County are open to boys and girls ages 5 to 18 regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex or handicap.