It’s National Volunteer Week April 23rd – 29th Thanks to our Jackson County 4-H Volunteers!

It’s National Volunteer Week

April 23^rd – 29^th

Thanks to our Jackson County 4-H Volunteers!

Did you know that 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the world? That’s right, the largest and that means that we have the largest work force that works without monetary compensation. They work because they have a passion for what they do!

Jackson 4-H Volunteers

Youth from Graceville Elementary visit scarecrow (Muriel Turner) during Ag Adventures.

4-H volunteers are the heart of any 4-H program and the Jackson County 4-H Youth Development Program could not reach the nearly 8,000 youth that have been served since this agent started in September, 2013 without them. From scarecrows in a corn maze, teaching youth to raise livestock, how to cook and sew, overcome stage freight, or helping them see the beauty of themselves inside and out and the gifts they have, our 4-H volunteers have guided youth in educational programs in club, camp and classroom settings. Countless other community volunteers have joined our ranks as well and in doing so, have given youth the opportunity to grow, learn valuable life skills, and feel included.

Volunteers and youth from ASK Jackson County 4-H Club – Always Support Kids

Our programs include Poultry Education, Embryology, Gardening, Lego Robotics, SeaPerch Robotics, Archery, Livestock, Horses, Public Speaking, Youth Leadership and serving youth and families affected by Autism and other learning disabilities. We have active participation in school and club programs in Malone School, Cottondale Elementary, Graceville Elementary, Sneads Elementary, Grand Ridge School, Marianna Middle School, Gholson School, Dayspring Christian Academy and Jackson Alternative School.

Jackson County 4-H Livestock Club Members comprising three junior teams and one senior team.

Youth from Jackson Alternative School learn about peanuts.

4-H Horse Club Members at State 4-H Horse Show.

4-H Club Members (L-R) – Ava Knowlton, Nikolas Halling, Josiah Huggins, Myra Miles, Faith Hardin, Matthew Speros, William Speros, Jeremy Speros and Beau Miles

The Jackson County 4-H Program continues to grow because of our great volunteers and with community support. Our programs receive no formal funding and operate on money generated by donations, fundraisers and grants that are applied for. Our volunteers give countless hours of their personal time and work tirelessly to educate these youth and raise money to help them participate in activities at the club level and well beyond. For that we are eternally grateful!

So if you are a volunteer, I solute you! If you know a volunteer, give them a hug and say “Thank You!” If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, give Angel a call at the 4-H Office!