4-H volunteer leader training opportunity

Many ways to provide positive, fun, and educational activities for area youth will be included in 4-H Volunteer Leader Training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the WSU Extension Office in Ritzville. The new location (since last April) of the office is 205 W. Main Ave., Ritzville, WA 99169.

4-H works directly with youth today, so that tomorrow they will be better citizens. 4-H volunteers have the opportunity to invest in their own future by positively influencing future adults, neighbors, employers, employees, and leaders. Bridget Rohner, WSU Extension Family and Community Educator for the Lincoln-Adams area will conduct the training for adults interested in working with youth through the 4-H program. Lauren Hrncirik, the new 4-H Youth Development Regional Specialist, will assist as she continues to assume oversight for the 4-H program in the Grant/Adams/Lincoln counties area. The 4-H program depends on certified volunteers to provide positive activities for youth locally, across the state and country.

The current 4-H Volunteer Leader Training (VLT) consists of two sessions: Parts 1 and 2 that total approximately six-and-a-half hours of training. Both will be held on Saturday with a short lunch break in the middle.

In VLT Part 1, Bridget will give an overview of the history of 4-H and the current programs. Many people who think they know what 4-H is about may be surprised at the versatility and scope of today’s 4-H program. VLT Part 1 also contains an excellent introduction to the rights and responsibilities of the 4-H volunteer including providing a safe learning environment for all. It introduces the philosophy of teaching “life skills” through hands-on learning. VLT Part 2 covers the “learn by doing” 4-H philosophy in more detail and provides specific teaching skills and resources.

Nationally, 4-H is the premiere youth educational delivery system for USDA and the land grant university system. In this state, Washington State University cooperates with faculty and staff regionally and in each county to provide resources for volunteers and grant funded educators to work safely with youth and other adults. To assure that youth in 4-H benefit from quality time with adult volunteers, 4-H training and screening is required for any adult planning to lead or assist with 4-H activities.

To R.S.V.P for training, contact Karen Robertson at 509-659-3209 or robertk@wsu.edu. To find out more about 4-H, visit http://ext100.wsu.edu/lincoln-adams/4h/

Voice mail is available for after-hours messages. WSU Extension Programs are available to all without discrimination. Requests for special needs accommodation can be made 10 days in advance by calling 509-659-3209.