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Kent County 4‑H reports membership rebound, volunteer hours and grants to commissioners
Summary
Kent County 4‑H told commissioners its membership and volunteer numbers have rebounded since COVID; the group reported enrollment up from 136 members at the end of 2024 to 'already up over a 41' and said volunteers self‑reported more than 5,000 hours in 2024 and the program brought in over $30,000 in grants and donations.
Beth Hill, speaking for Kent County 4‑H, told commissioners the program is recovering strongly from COVID disruptions and reported higher membership, volunteer engagement and outside funding.
Hill said, "for the end of 2024, we had a hundred and 36 4‑H members. We're already up over a 41, which is more than we've had in over a decade," and highlighted the program’s volunteer base and service activities. She told the board that 65 volunteers self‑reported more than 5,000 hours in 2024; using independent sector volunteer valuation that equated to nearly $170,000 worth of donated time, she said. Hill also noted the program had brought in over $30,000 in grants and donations, most from outside the county.
Hill described program highlights including a large annual toy drive that supplied gifts for more than 500 county youth, an archery grant and equipment purchases that support hosting state‑level practices and potential state matches at the Kent County Ag Center, and partnerships with the Kent Cultural Alliance on arts programming.
Why it matters: the 4‑H program provides youth development, agricultural and arts activities across the county and partners with county facilities. Commissioners expressed appreciation and encouraged continued engagement with the fair and community events.
Provenance: Beth Hill’s remarks are recorded at s≈642–1328 with statistical details and program examples.
