The Voice of the Vols, an award-winning apple pie baker and 4-H supporters from across the state all gathered at the Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair in the summer of 2024 with the same goal in mind. Everyone in attendance at the third annual 4-H Picnic at the Fair wanted to provide more educational opportunities for the state’s 4-H members, and that’s exactly what they did.
“We had a good meal, a good time and we raised some money to send some youth to 4-H camp and other educational events throughout the year,” says Ryan Hensley, executive director of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation. “More than 400 people were in attendance, and more than $71,000 was raised.”
This year’s event was particularly special. Aside from the famous 4-H barbecue chicken, the organization added two new aspects to the picnic. First included the auction of an apple pie baked by the winner of the 2023 state contest, which sold to Farm Credit Mid-America, the purple ribbon sponsor of the event, for $2,600. The other notable change was that the event’s emcee was Bob Kesling, the Voice of the Vols, who was proud to show his support.
“4-H is the backbone of any state, I think, especially young people who get so involved and are so dedicated,” Kesling says. “I’m so glad that so many kids after today will get to go to camp, learn more about 4-H and give back to our state.”
The money raised and donated at the picnic goes towards the 4-H Camp Scholarship program through the Tennessee 4-H Foundation. That program allows 4-H members from all counties to partake in the enriching and educational experience of attending 4-H camp at one of the four 4-H centers. At the initial picnic, enough money was raised to send one member from every county to camp. This year, that number has more than doubled as more than 200 members will now receive the opportunity. Hunter Isbell, an extension agent in Franklin County who works in 4-H youth development, says this generosity will create more than just lifelong memories.
“The best gift we can give our kids is to empower them with skills that will last a lifetime,” Isbell says. “4-H is grounded in a deliberate, research-backed development and delivery model, which means that at 4-H camp, kids learn critical life skills like resilience and independence. Teaching resilience is vital if we want our kids to be able to bounce back from adversity, stress, challenges and failures.”
Allie Welch of Franklin County was a recipient of the 4-H Camp Scholarship program this past year. During the picnic, she shared, “In only one week, I learned many things and made many memories. 4-H camp will forever be one of my most incredible memories. I learned and did so many things that I would not have been able to do without this camp. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
Save the Date
The 2025 Picnic at the Fair will be on Aug. 15 at 3 p.m. For more information and register, visit tn4hfoundation.org/picnic.