Volunteers needed to support growing Jefferson County 4-H Program

FAIRFIELD — With a surge in enrollment for 4-H and Clover Kids this year, the local Extension Office is putting out a call for adult volunteers to help meet the growing demand for youth programming. Jefferson County 4-H is currently seeking individuals to fill two key roles: Dog, Cat, and Pet Superintendent and Dog Project Leader. The Superintendent will oversee the Dog, Cat, and Pet Show during the Jefferson County Fair in cooperation with Extension Staff and the Fair Board, while the Dog Project Leader will coordinate dog practices and provide educational support to young exhibitors in the weeks leading up the county fair.

In addition to these roles, the Extension Office is looking for enthusiastic adults to lead several new 4-H project clubs. Opportunities include heading up the Livestock Club, Outdoor Adventures Club, Cooking Club, Plant Club, and Business Club. These clubs are designed to give youth hands-on experience in areas that spark curiosity and build life skills.

“This increase in enrollment is exciting — it means more kids are eager to learn and grow,” said Abby Dingman, County Youth Coordinator for Jefferson County Extension. “But we need more leaders to make sure every child has a chance to participate meaningfully.”

Interested volunteers must have a passion for working with youth, must complete a background check, meet with Abby at the office, and attend New Volunteer Training. For more information or to express interest, community members are encouraged to contact the Extension Office at 641-472-4166, email jefferson4h@iastate.edu, or stop by the office during business hours, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Jefferson County Extension Office is located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at 2606 West Burlington Avenue, Fairfield.