Volunteers can make a huge difference in the lives of 4-H youth. At the same time, the experience of volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of those providing the service. In fact, research has shown that volunteering provides many benefits. It is associated with increased life satisfaction, reduced depression, enhanced self-efficacy and a greater sense of purpose, among other physical, social and emotional benefits. With April being National Volunteer Month, the 4-H Youth Development Program is encouraging those who have thought about volunteering to take the plunge.

“We have so many different ways that people can volunteer for our 4-H programs,” said Lindsay Chichester, director of the Nevada 4-H Program, which is run by University of Nevada, Reno Extension statewide. “We have such a variety of clubs and activities across the state now – specialized clubs, like rocketry, cooking or robotics, as well as after-school programs and our 4-H summer camps that are just around the corner. Volunteering with 4-H doesn't depend on the amount of knowledge you have about a particular skill or activity. It relies on your willingness to help youth learn and grow.”

Chichester says 4-H has many resources for volunteers to draw from, and there is staff to support their efforts. Right now, there are nearly 1,100 adults serving as 4-H volunteers in the state, plus almost 300 teens. Last year, they volunteered a total of almost 40,000 hours valued at more than $1.3 million. That resulted in more than 41,000 youth being able to participate in 4-H programs. Studies show that youth who participate in 4-H are twice as likely to make healthier choices, feel positive about their wellbeing, and participate in science activities outside of school. They are also four times more likely to make a positive contribution to their communities. More than 6 million youth in the country participate in 4-H programs, led by more than half a million volunteers.

“It’s really such a win-win, for the adults and teens who volunteer, and the kids who participate in our 4-H programs,” Chichester said. “I see it all the time. People decide to volunteer for a 4-H activity, and 10 or 15 years later, they’re still volunteering for 4-H because they are just getting so much out of it themselves.”

One such volunteer is Joe Nenzel, who with his wife Dawn, has built and ran the 4-H Carson Valley Shooting Sports Club for the past 13 years.

“I really enjoy working with the kids, more than anything else,” he said. “It just seems that these kids, they’re all well behaved, they listen to you, they take instruction well. I don’t think you could get a better group of kids than these 4-H kids.”

Joe was awarded the 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award, and one of the many youth who nominated him wrote, “Joe opened the door to opportunities I never knew existed. As someone from a single-parent household, I can say that Coach Joe’s kindness and consistency gave me something deeply meaningful – perhaps the closest I’ll come to having a strong, supportive father figure. His belief in me changed my life.”

Those interested in finding out more about volunteering for 4-H can find more information online, or contact the 4-H program in their county. Chichester said they’re especially in need of volunteers to staff their upcoming 4-H overnight summer camps at the Nevada State 4-H Camp at Lake Tahoe in Stateline, and at the 4-H Camp Alamo, about 100 miles north of Las Vegas. She encourages those interested in volunteering at those camps to get in touch soon, since background checks need to be performed to ensure camper safety, and those can take a while to process. Email Kenny Haack-Damon, 4-H Camp educational program coordinator, or call him at 775-682-9865 as soon as possible.