Virginia Cooperative Extension reports 2,100+ youth served in Orange County 4‑H programming

Casey Daniel, unit coordinator and extension agent for 4‑H youth development with Virginia Cooperative Extension, presented the extension’s annual report to the Orange County Board of Supervisors and introduced 4‑H member Ryland Deeds to speak about her experience.

Daniel said the extension reached more than 2,100 youth this past year through leadership programs, school enrichment, year‑round clubs and special activities such as archery and homestead skills. The written report provided to the board lists 2,128 enrolled youth, volunteer hours that the report converts to an estimated $230,000 in value, and 16,628 face‑to‑face educational contacts.

Ryland Deeds, a 4‑H member and officer in local clubs, described her multi‑year participation — archery and shooting clubs, leadership roles, service as a summer camp counselor and participation in state competitions. “I’ve really enjoyed this. I’ve met a lot of people that I still talk with constantly,” she said, and noted the renovated kitchen has been an asset to culinary instruction.

Why it matters: county support for extension facilities and programming enables hands‑on educational experiences for thousands of youth, and the program reported measurable outreach and volunteer contributions.

Board members thanked the extension staff and the student presenter and accepted the written reports included in the board packet. Daniel said printed and electronic reports are available to supervisors on request.

Sources and attribution: Presentation comments and enrollment/contacts figures came from Casey Daniel and the written extension report distributed to the board during the February 2025 meeting.