Submitted By: Quinn Martin, Franklin County 4-H Youth Development Educator
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Franklin County 4-H program, making a lasting impact on local youth and the community as a whole. As the program continues to thrive and expand, the contributions of these dedicated individuals are more crucial than ever.
The Franklin County 4-H program, a branch of the national 4-H organization, empowers young people to develop leadership skills, learn about agriculture, and explore a variety of hands-on projects. However, without the support of passionate volunteers, these opportunities would not be as accessible or effective for local youth.
Key Role in Youth Development
Volunteers play a central role in the personal and professional growth of Franklin County’s youth. With a focus on hands-on learning, 4-H encourages participants to explore diverse areas such as livestock care, gardening, community service, and more. Volunteers mentor youth, share their knowledge, and lead workshops, helping young people build confidence, responsibility, and teamwork skills.
Community Engagement and Support
In addition to supporting individual development, volunteers help foster a sense of community. By participating in local events like fairs, fundraisers, and club meetings, volunteers strengthen the connections between 4-H participants and the broader Franklin County community.
Volunteers are essential in organizing 4-H events and ensuring they run smoothly. From the county fair to small group meetings, volunteers provide the support and resources needed to make these events possible.
Building Lifelong Skills
Many volunteers are former 4-H members who return to give back to the program that shaped their own lives. Their experience gives them a unique understanding of the impact the program can have. Volunteers not only help children and teens learn about agriculture, STEM, and leadership but also equip them with skills that extend beyond 4-H.
Volunteering helps adults stay connected with the next generation, while also offering youth role models who can inspire and motivate them. The skills learned through 4-H translate into real-world success, whether it’s in college, the workplace, or in the community.
Volunteer Recognition
Franklin County 4-H recognized volunteers at the 2024 Franklin County 4-H Recognition Night on Monday, November 25 in Chambersburg, PA. This year thirty-five adults served over one hundred fifty youth. Together they offered sixteen different 4-H Clubs to the community for which youth could be involved.
Every volunteer in attendance was presented with a certificate and token of appreciation. 4-H Volunteers receive pins for their years of service after completing their first year and every five years following. This year we were pleased to present John Garber – Eastern Dairy 4-H Club, Pete Mazzone – Cloverbuds, and Christy McClellan – Junior Gardener Club, with a one-year volunteer pin. Melanie Bowman – Tractor Club, and Trisha Wagaman – 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Club, have served the program for ten years. Amanda Andrews completed her twentieth year of service as a leader of Chambersburg Horse & Pony Club and Franklin County Teen Leadership Council. Karen Goodman – eSports Club, and Tonya Reichard – Pump House Gang and Thimble Gang, have served the youth involved with Franklin County 4-H for thirty-five years. Jenevieve Keller has volunteered for forty-five years as a leader of the St. Thomas 4-H Club. Receiving a fifty-year pin in acknowledgement for her fifty years of service, Nina Hill has contributed to Franklin County 4-H in a variety of ways over the last five decades. Currently Nina is serving as a leader of the Clover Kids Club, is a member of Franklin County 4-H Horse Council, and is the chairman of the Franklin County 4-H Program Development Committee. Nina has also volunteered time with the Teen Leadership Council and the Therapeutic Riding Center while serving the Franklin County 4-H program.
Every volunteer has played a crucial role in the positive development in the lives of the youth that they serve. We are eternally grateful for the work they have done to “Make the Best Better.”
A Call to Action for New Volunteers
The Franklin County 4-H program continues to grow, and with it, the need for new volunteers. There are many ways to get involved, from leading workshops and mentoring youth to helping with administrative tasks or supporting fundraising efforts.
We’re always excited to welcome new volunteers and encourage anyone interested in making a difference in the lives of young people to reach out. For those who are eager to join the ranks of dedicated volunteers, please contact Quinn Martin, Franklin County 4-H Educator, at qxc114@psu.edu or 717-263-9226.
Conclusion
The Franklin County 4-H program is a testament to the power of volunteerism in shaping the future of young people. Through the time and effort of volunteers, 4-H continues to provide an enriching environment for youth to explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and become engaged citizens in their community.
As the program continues to grow, so too does the opportunity for individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Franklin County’s youth.
