Each year, thousands of volunteers in Minnesota donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. 

 

Four volunteers are from Becker — Kim Kampa, Mary Gregory, Lynette Zima and Janis Brown.

 

One group that relies heavily on volunteers is the University of Minnesota Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program.  Minnesota 4-H supports nearly 11,000 adult volunteers annually who engage young people in a variety of hands-on learning experiences. Volunteers are critical to the success of 4-H programs and making a difference in the lives of youth.  

 

In Benton County,  260 volunteers — both youth and adult — serve as club leaders, project leaders, committee members, and in advisory capacities for the 4-H Youth Development Program.  Volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as mentoring a child with a 4-H project, leading a project with youth to serve the community, or helping organize an event at the county fair. 

 

The work of 4-H volunteers is continuous. Every day volunteers lend a helping hand to make 4-H programs more beneficial to the residents of Benton County.  

 

Those interested in joining the team of 4-H Volunteers are invited to contact the University of Minnesota Extension -  Benton County at 320.968.5077, or at z.umn.edu/3fji or contact Ann Olson by email at olso7616@umn.edu Ann Olson 4-H Program Coordinator