VALLEY — The 4-H youth development program that I manage locally relies on our more than 70 adult volunteers to succeed. These adults provide caring support to 300 local youth to help them build life skills and explore topics that interest them. The program is looking for new volunteers to help provide the spark that ignites youth curiosity and personal growth.

Our volunteers are essential to help youth make the most of a wide variety of learning experiences we offer, such as club and project work, camps, conferences, workshops and afterschool programs. Volunteering is an opportunity for adults to share their personal interests by demonstrating expertise in subjects as varied as robotics, food and nutrition, public speaking, agricultural science, community service and more. Our volunteers leverage their experiences and skills to help young people find their own passions and interests.

We provide a variety of options for adults to volunteer with us, so they can decide on the level of involvement that fits their skills and schedules. Volunteers can serve as club or afterschool leaders, planning meetings and learning opportunities for a group of youth. They can also serve as daytime or overnight chaperones to provide kids opportunities to do things like attend officer trainings and leadership conferences.

Our biggest need is for adults to serve as project leaders, sharing their knowledge in areas that interest them, like rocketry, gardening, sewing or cooking. Our office provides support and curriculum for leaders to use for long or short term learning opportunities. We can use volunteers who are willing to offer a one time workshop on a subject, as well as folks who are interested in teaching on-going classes. Our focus is matching volunteers to opportunities that meet their needs and interests.

There are lots of opportunities for volunteers to work with other adults and our office staff to develop fun new programs, community service opportunities, and events. It’s a great way to build relationships while working towards a goal. We also provide training and recognition for our volunteers, which many people appreciate. The biggest benefit for our volunteers though is seeing the impact they have on the youth they work with. Watching a kid learn and grow is truly some of the best medicine out there.

Consider investing your time and energy in our local youth by serving as a 4-H volunteer. Browse our website at http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu to learn about our program and some of our volunteer opportunities. Drop by our office in Monte Vista (1899 E Hwy 160) weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or give us a call at 719-852-7381 to discuss how you might fit in our program.

Amy Henschen is the 4-H Youth Development Agent for Colorado State University Extension. To find out more about Extension and the 4-H program visit http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu or call 719-852-7381. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.