"Wonderful information gained a ton of information from each workshop I attended, and acquired several new skills that I intend on using in 4-H!" - Participant

"I had no idea 4-H had so many components. I can’t wait to get more involved!" - Participant

These are just two comments received in response to the West District 4-H Volunteer and Parent Conference held this previous Saturday! With over 40 attendees from across the West District, nine workshop opportunities, a keynote speaker, and good food, how could it not be great?!

The 4-H Volunteer Leaders team wants to say a special thank you to our participants, speakers, and sponsors who made this day an excellent one!

What is the 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association and why is it important?

Did you know if you are an adult enrolled in 4-H Online, you are automatically a member of the 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association? You are! The association is responsible for providing programmatic trainings, volunteer-to-volunteer support, and selecting individuals who work with 4-H for awards/scholarships!

The West District Volunteer Leaders came together to provide this particular conference to accomplish the purposes above, a way to connect and offer programmatic training!

Thank you to our sponsors who contributed to making a great event! 

Formed in 1936, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation is a non-profit general farm organization that advocates for North Carolina’s farm families and rural citizens before the North Carolina General Assembly, Congress, and state and federal regulatory agencies. North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation is the largest general farm organization in the State with more than 620,000 member families.

• Livestock Judging Program - Abby Whitaker, Livestock Agent Abby has led a livestock judging team for two years at the State Contest and taught what the program is and best practices in order to prepare for competition.
• 4-H Ages and Stages - Nicki Carpenter, 4-H Agent Nicki taught the importance of the ages and developmental stages of a 4-H group when planning projects and activities.
• 4-H Target Shooting Sports - Travis Plemmons, Sandy Mush Club Leader 4-H Target Shooting Sports is the fastest-growing program in the Nation. 4-H uses an extraordinary amount of safety, stem, and expectations in this program. Travis shared some of their own expertise personal gained through this program.
• W.H.E.P - Ranae Worrell, 4-H Club Leader Ranae shared on the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program is a State 4-H program and competition where youth learn about wildlife, forest management practices, and how to identify wildlife!
• 4-H and Technology - Amanda Mohammed, WD VL President Have you ever been a part of a Club and think...there has to be a better way to communicate? Yeah, so have we. This workshop shared new communication channels that are 4-H-approved and work well for Club settings!
• Horse in the West - Tamera Talley and Shannon Coleman Attendees got to learn from the best about what is being offered in the West for horse programming. A horse is not always required to be involved in horse projects in 4-H!
• Magic of electricity in 4-H! Did you know that 4-H has a HUGE program focused on electricity for Cloverbud youth up to upper high school? And! That it does require you to know everything electric? In this workshop, individuals learned some activities to start incorporating into their Club, programs, and County!
• Teen opportunities in 4-H - Jacob Hanlon, 4-H State Officer Often we hear that 4-H just does not keep the teenagers. The older one gets the busier life is and interest is lost. But, not all is lost, knowing the programs specifically designed for our teenagers is huge for keeping them engaged!
• Forestry and Compassing - Ranae Worrell and Tamera Tally Get out to explore the great outdoors with trees and go on a treasure hunt! Attendees learned about the forestry 4-H program and getting youth involved in their environment and by learning how to use your compass

Save the Date for the State Volunteer leaders conference in Raleigh!

North Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference is an annual event where 4-H Volunteers from across the state come together to participate in interactive workshops, learn together and elect and install new officers for the North Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association. Contact your 4-H Agent to register to attend!