MISSISSIPPI STATE – About 200 4-H youth program volunteers with the Mississippi State University Extension Service will gather in Starkville for two days of leadership training in late February.

The annual 4-H Volunteer Leaders Conference will be held Feb. 24 and 25 at the Bost Extension Center at MSU. This volunteer development event, supported by Monsanto and National 4-H Council, will bring 4-H leaders together to network and learn about innovative programs that can bring fresh perspectives and activities to 4-H programs across Mississippi.

“This year’s conference will provide an excellent opportunity for 4-H volunteers, Extension faculty and friends of 4-H to participate in outstanding funshops, workshops, great fellowship and enlightening entertainment,” said Harvey Gordon, Extension 4-H youth development specialist. “This conference will give them the skills and resources they need to help our young people reach their potential and become better decision makers.”

There are 8,000 adults in Mississippi who volunteer their time to teach the state’s 95,000 4-H club members important life skills through a variety of clubs and activities.

This year’s conference theme is "Mississippi 4-H: It’s a Natural." Funding for the leadership training was made possible in part by a $3,500 grant from Monsanto. Last year, more than 13,000 volunteers were trained nationally through the Monsanto 4-H Volunteer Initiative.