Arkansas 4-H Volunteer Conference
November 7-9, 2025
Get ready and mark your calendars for November 7-9, 2025! This conference is designed
specifically for Arkansas 4-H volunteers, with the goal of providing quality resources,
impactful workshops, engaging social programs, hands-on learning, and so much more.
We want volunteers to not only learn new skills and ideas to take back and use with
their own programs, but to network with fellow volunteers and have an amazing time.
Located at the beautiful Vines Center in Ferndale, this conference is the perfect opportunity to relax, learn, and engage. Topics will include best practices, Healthy Living, STEM, Agriculture and Civic Engagement programming, youth safety, research-based modeling, volunteer mental health and so much more. Join us, you won't want to miss it.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Submit a Workshop Proposal
Keynote Speakers
Ken Culp, III
Dr. Ken Culp, III is Principal Extension Specialist for Volunteerism, Evaluation, and Curriculum Development for Cooperative Extension at the University of Kentucky. He supports 146 4-H Agents who involve 16,418 youth and adult volunteers. A native of Rensselaer, IN, Ken was born and raised on a 2000-acre livestock and grain farm. He received his B.S. and M.S. in Animal Sciences and his Ph.D. in Educational Foundations and Administration, all from Purdue University. Ken has 37 years of experience in volunteer administration, volunteer development and leadership development. He is a consultant, educator and keynote speaker and has presented more than 400 workshops and seminars since 1996 in 43 states, Canada, England, Japan and South Korea and has published 46 articles in six professional journals.
He developed a series of graduate courses in volunteer administration and was the principal investigator in a national, longitudinal study that created the Volunteer Research, Knowledge & Competency Taxonomy. Ken served four years on the Kentucky Commission of Community Volunteerism and Service and four years on the Ohio Governor’s Community Service & Volunteerism Council.
Ken and his wife Nancy have three daughters, a granddaughter and two grandsons. The Culp girls are actively involved in the family farm and also have farms of their own; raising and showing Chiangus, Chianina, Angus, Hereford and Maintainer cattle nationwide.
Lisbeth Bello
Lisbeth Bello is a bilingual education professional and community advocate committed
to expanding opportunities for youth and families across Arkansas. She currently serves
as the TRIO Talent Search Student Development Specialist at the University of Arkansas
at Little Rock, where she supports first-generation and underserved students in achieving
their educational goals. With a background in ESL instruction, student leadership,
and program coordination, Lisbeth has led initiatives ranging from college readiness
workshops to food security programs. Her passion for positive youth development is
rooted in her own lived experience and the mentors who shaped her journey.
Lisbeth holds a Master's in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership. She has been recognized for her leadership and teaching and actively contributes to community efforts as Co-Chair of Communications for Bien Pilas through the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, among other volunteer roles. Whether in the classroom or the community, Lisbeth leads with purpose, creativity, and a belief that every young person deserves a champion.
Workshops
Workshops will be updated here as they are submitted.
Dr. Amanda Terrell, University of Arkansas
Join Dr. Amanda Terrell, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Arkansas, for an interactive workshop exploring how Positive Youth Development (PYD) principles can be applied to prepare youth for an increasingly complex future. Drawing from cutting-edge research on youth development in changing social and educational landscapes, participants will learn a conceptual framework for supporting youth through four essential components: tangible skillsets, developmental competencies, balanced pathways, and growth-oriented mindsets. The workshop begins with an overview of current youth development trends and challenges, followed by collaborative discussions where participants will apply these concepts to brainstorm innovative 4-H activities and identify resource needs. Whether you work directly with youth or develop programming, you'll leave with practical strategies to help young people thrive in rapidly evolving educational, social, and workplace environments.
JeAlberne Smith, UADA
The Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge is an exciting, fast-paced cooking competition that challenges youth to think on their feet, work as a team, and apply nutrition knowledge and culinary skills to create a delicious dish from a surprise set of ingredients. More than just a cooking contest, the Food Challenge teaches critical life skills like decision-making, communication, budgeting, and healthy meal planning — all while building confidence and creativity in the kitchen. This fun, hands-on workshop is designed especially for volunteers who want to help youth teams succeed. Participants will learn the ins and outs of the Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge, discover tips and tricks for coaching young chefs, and gain practical ideas for guiding teams from practice sessions to competition day. To put these skills into action, volunteers will take part in a mock Food Challenge, experiencing firsthand the teamwork, time management, and creativity that make this event so rewarding for 4-H’ers and mentors alike.
Leanna Martin, Norfork School District & Amanda Rychtarik, UADA
Knowledge is Power! This session will help you be successful in involving kids with exceptional needs in club activities and projects. This workshop is meant to be an open conversation, and there are no dumb questions! Leanna will present a PowerPoint explaining Autism Spectrum Disorder and give an account of having a child with Downs Syndrome, specifically a child with Downs Syndrome that is very active in showing livestock and working with his hands on projects.
Amanda Sinkey, UADA
Canva is a user-friendly design tool perfect for creating engaging 4-H presentations, posters, flyers, and social media graphics. With customizable templates and drag-and-drop features, 4-H members and leaders can easily showcase projects, promote events, and share club achievements. It supports teamwork with real-time collaboration and helps bring 4-H stories to life with creativity and professionalism—no design experience needed! Bring you laptop and creativity to explore the world of Canva!
Cindy Dabbs-Phillips, UADA & Amanda Sinkey, UADA
This workshop focuses on Paper Circuits, where participants design greeting cards with embedded LED's to learn about electrical concepts. Our approach makes STEM fun and accessible, aiming to reduce anxiety, highlight its enjoyment, boost engagement, and teach essential skills.
Kristin Lehmann, UADA
Your 4‑H club is making a difference — building skills, serving the community, and helping youth shine — but does the broader community see all the good you’re doing? This workshop will empower volunteers to confidently use social media and simple storytelling techniques to showcase their club’s activities, successes, and spirit. You’ll leave with practical tips, examples, and even some ready-to-use templates, so you can start posting meaningful content that excites youth, engages parents, and raises awareness of the 4‑H mission.
Rachel Chaney, UADA
Get ready to move, laugh, and learn! In this high-energy workshop, leaders will explore quick, engaging activities that promote healthy living. Participants will leave with a ready-to-use toolkit, fresh ideas, and the confidence to inspire healthy habits at club meetings, camps, and events.
Dr. Austin Jones, UARK Bumpers College
What is the ENTO-ROADSHOW?
It is a mobile entomology classroom and exhibit of insects and other arthropods developed for educational outreach, extension, community engagement, public awareness, and Entomology & Plant Pathology (ENPL) Department recruitment and enrichment. The ENTO-ROADSHOW aims to bring education to communities across the state, on their terms, by visiting all 75 counties of Arkansas!
Who is the ENTO-ROADSHOW for?
Everyone! The Entomology and Plant Pathology department receives dozens of outreach and extension requests annually from schools, 4-H, community events, Master Gardner programs, Master Naturalist programs, summer and outdoor camps, state parks, museums, gardens, event centers and even businesses. The lessons and content available to visitors of the ENTO-ROADSHOW are designed for audiences of all ages and interest levels from bug-nerds to pest-conscious growers. There is currently no cost associated with the ENTO-ROADSHOW.
ENTO-ROADSHOW offers:
- Full accessibility for mobility devices
- Hundreds of preserved insect and arthropod specimens
- Integrated outdoor "theater" for attracting bugs at night events or projecting media
- Informational posters and displays, student-generated insect art and exhibits
- Live insect interactions & bug hunts
- Lessons and workshops catering to stakeholder needs
Come learn about the ENTO-ROADSHOW and how you can request this program in YOUR county!
Dr. Ken Culp III, University of Kentucky
Come join Dr. Culp to learn about the UK Livestock volunteer program and its resources!
Dr. Bryce Daniels, UADA
Explore the core principles of physical activity and exercise in this dynamic, hands-on session designed for all experience levels. Participants will engage in interactive physical activity breaks that demonstrate foundational movement patterns, promote active lifestyles, and reinforce key concepts such as frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT). Whether you're new to exercise or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session offers practical strategies to incorporate movement into daily routines and empower others to do the same.
Alicia Hugen and Cindy Dabbs-Phillips, UADA
If you are looking for fundamental knowledge on food security, how people are impacted locally and globally and how youth can co-create more food secure communities, this session is for you. This workshop will be utilizing the 4-H STEM Challenge – Food for Thought curriculum. Bring your love of board games and engineering skills to this session.
Priscella Thomas-Scott, UADA
Come join us to learn about all things O-Rama! What is O-Rama? How can my youth get involved? Where can I find resources? Bring all the questions you may have!
Andrew Bolton, UADA
Join this workshop to learn about all things poultry science! We will be covering Poultry Chain and State Fair Broilers, Poultry Judging, BBQ contest, Poultry Skill-a-Thon, Incubation Projects, and more.
Jesse Bocksnick, UADA
Come learn about the shooting sports programs available in Arkansas! From contests, training, requirements and everything in between, learn the basics here.
Quadarius Whitson, Rachel Chaney; UADA
This training equips 4-H volunteers with essential knowledge and practical skills to ensure safe food handling and allergy awareness during youth events. Participants will learn best practices for preventing cross-contact, managing food allergens, and responding to allergic reactions. The session emphasizes the importance of clear communication, proper sanitation, and inclusive food service to protect the health and well-being of all 4-H members. Ideal for volunteers involved in food-related activities, camps, and community programs.
The 4-H welding contest is designed to give youth an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in arc welding, with the opportunity to simultaneously receive their welding certification. Targeted life skills include wise use of resources, planning/organizing, goal setting, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, learning to learn, self-esteem, leadership, cooperation, social skills, time management, and career exploration. The contest is based on the reference source: Arcs and Sparks, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (4-H 573) from The Ohio State University Extension. After youth participate in the State O-Rama welding contest, there is a welding certification opportunity, evaluated using American Welding Society criteria by a Certified Welding Inspector. The goal of this workshop is to give volunteers the knowledge they need to prepare youth to successfully compete in the State 4-H O-Rama welding contest and obtain a welding certification.
Funshops
Topics will be updated as they are submitted.
Step into the shoes of 4-H youth and experience the excitement of archery firsthand! This interactive session is designed for volunteers who want to better understand the appeal and educational value of archery in 4-H programming. While this workshop does not provide certification, it offers a safe, guided opportunity to try archery, learn basic techniques, and explore how this sport fosters focus, confidence, and discipline in young people. Whether you're new to archery or just curious, come ready to have fun and hit the target!
Karen Michelle Collins, Anna Grace McCarty; UADA
Curriculum & Share Fair
Topics will be updated as they are submitted.
Beyond Ready is a national 4‑H program designed to help youth develop the confidence, skills, and mindset to thrive beyond high school — whether in college, career, or life. This poster will highlight how volunteers and educators can implement Beyond Ready to support positive youth development (PYD) by focusing on decision‑making, goal‑setting, and critical life skills.
Kristin Lehmann, UADA
Come join us to learn about the Arkansas 4-H Alumni Association and how you can get involved!
Kim Harrison, 4-H Volunteer
Conference Schedule
*tentative, final schedule will be sent to participants in October*
Friday, November 7th
9:00am- Check-In
10:00am- Opening Assembly with Dr. John Anderson and Dr. Debbie Nistler
10:30am- 11:45am- Workshop/Funshop Sessions 1 & 2
12:00pm- 1:00pm- Lunch
1:00pm- 5:15pm- Workshop/Funshop Sessions 3, 4, 5 & 6
5:30pm- 6:30pm- Dinner
6:30pm- 7:30pm- Keynote Speaker- Dr. Ken Culp, III
7:30pm- 9:30pm- Evening Social and Curriculum Share Fair
Saturday
8:00am- Breakfast
9:00am- 11:45am- Sessions 7 & 8
12:00pm- 1:00pm- Lunch
1:00pm- 5:30pm- Sessions 9, 10 & 11
5:30pm- 6:30pm- Dinner
6:30pm- 7:30pm- Keynote Speaker- Lisbeth Bello
7:30pm- 9:30pm- Evening Social
Sunday
8:00am- Breakfast
9:00am- 10:00am- Closing Assembly and Giveaways
Support this conference!
Programs like these cannot happen without the support of amazing donors. Every dollar you donate goes towards programs that not only help volunteers succeed, but benefit and enhance youth safety, positive youth development and positive community enrichment.
