OREGON, Ill. - Volunteering has many benefits. It allows an individual to be involved in their community, which can be very helpful if you are new to the area. Volunteering allows for new friendships to be made. It allows an individual to share their talents and abilities. Helping others also makes a person feel good and purposeful. Volunteering helps improve communication, teamwork, problem-solving, planning, and organizing skills. By volunteering, a person can learn new skills from others. It also helps develop confidence.

Ogle County 4-H celebrates 96 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, 2024. Project leaders, club leaders, camp counselors, judges at the fair, and guest speakers are all volunteers who help the 4-H members. Volunteers help plan events, help with projects, help in many areas at the fair, and serve on the Extension Advisory Council.

The Ogle County 4-H program seeks volunteers to lead and begin traditional and SPecial INterest (SPIN) clubs. Traditional clubs meet monthly, while SPIN clubs target your area of interest for six days. Volunteers are also needed to share their abilities to teach the club members through one-day workshops. To learn more about volunteering with Ogle County 4-H, contact the Extension office at 815-732-2191.

4-H is an informal youth education program conducted by University of Illinois Extension.  U of I Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.  If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in 4-H, contact the Ogle County Extension office at 815-732-2191.

Written by Lydia Sherburne, Ogle County 4-H member, Leaf River Soaring Eagles