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4‑H educator: volunteers logged high hours and county youth placed well at state fair
Summary
University of Wyoming Extension 4‑H educator Natasha Holtmeier told commissioners volunteers contributed large amounts of time (survey respondents averaged about 37 hours during fair week; one volunteer reported 500+ hours) and Sweetwater youth posted strong results at county and state fairs.
Natasha Holtmeier, 4‑H youth development educator with the University of Wyoming Extension, told the commission that volunteers are the backbone of the county 4‑H program and that volunteer time and out‑of‑pocket expenses are substantial.
"On average, a single volunteer gave about 37 hours just during fair week," Holtmeier said, and she added that one volunteer reported contributing "over 500 hours" to fair programming. She described volunteers who took days or a full week off work to staff barns and events, and families who spent $100 to $500 out of pocket to support fair participation. Holtmeier also highlighted youth accomplishments: the county sent over 120 static exhibits and 18 youth to the state fair, and multiple participants placed in top classes; one youth earned a $500 scholarship to attend a national 4‑H event.
Why it matters: the numbers illustrate reliance on unpaid volunteers and family contributions to sustain 4‑H activities. Holtmeier asked for continued commissioner support for extension resources and volunteer training as the program launches junior-leader relaunches and workshops in livestock, STEM and life skills.
What’s next: extension staff will pursue volunteer training workshops and program-support activities backed by county support where available.
