Volunteers are integral to all parts of Tennessee’s 4-H program – from county to regional and state events, and in all 29 program areas.

“Adults often think working with youth will be difficult and require lots of time. Some may even think youth won’t be interested in what they have to offer. However, it is quite the opposite,” says Tonya G. Bain, Western Region Extension area specialist.

4-H focuses on life skills from livestock to leadership, community service to communication and fashion to photography. And volunteers are needed in county programs to serve as judges or team instructors; at regional and specialty camps, like Junior Camp or Central Region Culinary Camp; and at statewide camps and events, such as Electric Camp or Tennessee 4-H Volunteer Leader Council.

“A memorable volunteer experience for me was helping a teen leader offer a neighborhood cooking program for a food project group, providing basic cooking skills to 10 younger participants while enhancing the teen’s teaching skills,” says Martha Jo Tolley, Tennessee 4-H Foundation board member, professor emeritus and former state 4-H program leader. “I was rewarded by seeing the development and enthusiasm of the participants and the true value of the 4-H experience.”

Becoming a Volunteer

Whatever a volunteer’s personal interest or time commitment, 4-H can accommodate.

“Our volunteers have a passion to serve and a desire to work with youth,” Bain says. “They’re flexible, fun and caring, and they impart the wisdom and skills many of our youth desperately need.”

Tolley says volunteers may be surprised to find they receive more than they give.

Having a desire to make a positive impact on youth is the first step; setting out on the formal process is next.

Potential volunteers fill out applications, submit to background checks and participate in training programs at their respective county Extension office.

“The Tennessee 4-H program has varying levels of volunteer service, so the process will depend upon the level of service anticipated by the volunteer,” Bain says.

When that process is complete, volunteers work with their local Extension agents to plan activities.

“Then the real fun begins,” Bain says.

For more information, visit the 4-H website volunteer page at 4h.tennessee.edu/volunteers.

Coming Together at Roundup

2023 marks the centennial anniversary of Tennessee 4-H Roundup, and the event will include a special alumni and volunteer celebration on Thursday evening, July 20.

“Roundup is a strong tradition in our state 4-H program,” Bain says.

Many senior high 4-H participants spend years honing their experiences in one of 29 program areas. At Roundup, they present portfolios and take part in interviews that may lead to college scholarships and invitations to attend National 4-H Congress.

The work of alumni and volunteers contributes to the success of Tennessee’s 4-H program and its Roundup tradition.

“One reason Tennessee’s 4-H program is special is the tradition of encouraging successful 4-H members to pass their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm along to those youth who come after them,” Tolley says.

This Year’s Event

Roundup will be held July 17-21 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Registration for the Thursday evening reception begins at 4 p.m., with a brief program at 5:30 p.m. at The Foundry at the World’s Fair Site.

“Attendees will be able to tour the 100 Years of 4-H Roundup exhibit showcasing past and present 4-H members,” Bain says.

The exhibit will feature historic programs, photos and other 4-H Roundup memorabilia.

“This will be a time to reconnect with old friends and share memories,” Tolley says.

Following the reception, participants will be treated to a concert in World’s Fair Park amphitheater by the Red River Boys, a musical group of 4-H Alumni.

The event will conclude with its annual Vol State Ceremony.

“Because we are celebrating such a milestone in our 4-H history, it makes sense to involve those the 4-H program has touched over the past 100 years. We would love to see as many Tennessee 4-H Alumni at this event as possible.” Bain says. “We hope to continue to strengthen our 4-H program, stress the importance of 4-H Youth Development, and say thank you to those who have been – and still are – an active part of our program.”

For more information about the centennial celebration, visit tn4hfoundation.org/celebrate100.