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.
Register Here (4-H Volunteer Registration) Register Here (Extension professionals, outside participants)
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.
Amanda Sinkey, UADA
Just Imagine with LEGO®: Explore Your Imagination Through STEM!" Unleash creativity and critical thinking with hands-on LEGO® challenges designed to spark imagination and inspire learning. This interactive session offers engaging STEM activities that will keep your 4-Hers excited, curious, and fully involved. Perfect for youth of all ages, these challenges promote teamwork, problem-solving, and endless fun—all through the power of play. Get ready to build, explore, and imagine like never before!
Gerald Hewitt, UADA
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.
Sarah Jones, Louisiana 4-H Volunteer
Learn about connecting youth with agriculture in a way that they can relate. Not all youth have an agricultural background and may not realize just how much ag products are used on a day to day basis. We will look at ways that agriculture is used in sporting events. National Ag in the Classroom lessons will be used as the main base of the lesson. We will look at how everything from uniforms to baseball bats to the food you eat at a game is tied to agriculture. We will also briefly touch on other activities that will tie daily life and agriculture together. Kids like pizza, pizza is sold at a lot of sporting arenas, why not plant a pizza garden or how about a garden in a glove. Agriculture and our youth go hand in hand.
Cally Huggins, Kristen Thomas, Child Protection Center
The Children’s Protection Center (CPC) serves as the child advocacy center for Pulaski County, Arkansas, leading the community’s coordinated response to child abuse. For more than a decade, CPC has been a safe place where children can share their stories, families can receive support, and professionals can work together to ensure justice and healing. This presentation, Recognizing, Responding, and Reporting Child Abuse, equips community members, educators, caregivers, and professionals with the tools they need to protect children. By learning how to identify warning signs, respond appropriately, and understand the reporting process, participants help strengthen the safety net around children in Pulaski County. Mission and Community Impact At the heart of CPC’s work is its mission: to provide a safer community for children by leading the coordinated response to child abuse and providing hope and healing for families. This mission is carried out daily through teamwork, advocacy, and compassion. CPC operates with a primary location in Little Rock and a satellite location in Jacksonville, making its services accessible to families across the county. The Children’s Protection Center is one of 18 child advocacy centers in Arkansas. These centers collaborate to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for children and their families. Locally, CPC’s impact is significant — in the past year alone, the center served over 1,300 children. Each case represents a child whose voice was heard, a family who was supported, and a community that was strengthened against the cycle of abuse. Comprehensive Services for Families CPC ensures that children and their families receive the care and services they need at no cost. These include: Forensic Interviews: Conducted in a safe, child-friendly environment by trained professionals, these interviews allow children to share their experiences in a way that is sensitive, developmentally appropriate, and legally sound. Advocacy Services: Families are guided through the legal and social services system, receiving emotional support and practical resources from trained advocates who walk with them every step of the way. Mental Health Services: Healing from abuse requires more than legal resolution; CPC connects children and families with therapy and counseling services designed to foster long-term recovery and resilience. Medical Services: Specialized medical care is provided for children when needed, ensuring that their physical well-being is addressed alongside their emotional health. By offering these services under one roof, CPC reduces trauma for children and families and ensures they do not face this difficult journey alone. Leadership and Expertise This presentation features two leaders from the Children’s Protection Center: Cally Huggins, Director of Forensic Interview Services, who also has six years of CAC experience. Cally leads the forensic interview program, ensuring children are able to safely share their stories while protecting the integrity of investigations. Kristen Thomas, Director of Advocacy Services, who brings over six years of dedicated service within a child advocacy center. Kristen oversees the critical support systems that provide families with guidance, reassurance, and practical help during their most difficult times. Building a Safer Future Together, Kristen and Cally represent the compassion, professionalism, and dedication that define CPC’s work. Their leadership, combined with the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, and mental health providers, makes Pulaski County a stronger, safer place for children. The Children’s Protection Center believes that every child deserves safety, hope, and healing. Through prevention, intervention, and community education, CPC continues to build a future where children are protected, families are supported, and the cycle of abuse is broken.
Kamella Neely, UADA
Let's Learn about Creepy Crawlies! Are you afraid of or disgusted by creepy crawly things? Does it make your skin crawl to see a spider or centipede scamper across your path, get grossed out when you get bit by a tick or do you flap your arms when a bee buzzes around your head? Did you know only ONE of those I mentioned is an Insect? Or maybe you want to help youth learn about and appreciate insects but don’t know how to engage them or you feel that you don’t know enough about insects to make learning about them fun, interesting and easy. Well come with me as we learn what an insect is and how insects ARE COOL, IMPORTANT, NECESSARY, and yes, even CUTE! Join me as we discuss and learn together why it’s not only FUN but IMPORTANT to teach kids about insects and how easy it can be and the multitude of things you can use to learn about them with and from! Insects offer amazing ways for kids to learn and develop skills. As the most abundant animals on our planet, they are incredibly diverse and adaptable and offer a multitude of accessible ways to explore valuable concepts in different discipline areas. Not only limited to the Environmental Connection insects provide, there are many STEM concepts that that come to life when studying insects, Interdisciplinary Art skills are explored through creative insect art expressions, and help in fostering the development of Life Skills in areas such as critical thinking, awareness, problem solving, observation, understanding interdependence, and a respect for all living things. Physically hunting for bugs while learning about bugs is also a great way for younger aged kids to work on their motor skills both fine and gross. Older youth will have fun keying out the insect they caught and finding out more about its lifestyle and importance to humans. All youth will learn how to identify what a true insect is vs a “creepy crawly” cousin! As Volunteers, you can learn to lead youth in these areas of discovery through interactive and informative programs, live insect hunts, identification sessions, artistic creations, fun games and activities, and getting serious and studying orders and identifying characteristics of insects they’ve found! There are also many ways youth can use insects in exhibits at fairs and various contests, including photography. Insects magnified show us the beauty we may not be able to see with our naked eyes as well, so additionally there are opportunities for youth to use scientific tools. These areas are all areas that can be 4-H Project Work! Collecting and researching even one insect or non-insect arthropod can help youth become more aware of the complex role these often-overlooked creatures play in our environment.
Jessica Street, UADA
LifeSmarts, the nation’s premier consumer program, has never been more relevant. Entering its 30th year, LifeSmarts provides real-world education for students who learn about core consumer topics and develop critical thinking skills. Participants focus on five key topic areas: consumer rights and responsibilities, the environment, health and safety, personal finance, and technology. The goal of LifeSmarts is to create consumer savvy young people who will be well equipped for adult life in today’s complex, global marketplace.
ACE Wrapped Introduces Volunteers to the innovative world of agricultural technology through a fun, interactive presentation designed to promote ACE Ag-Tech Career Exploration Program. Participants will gain perspective over what the Youth Experienced in the 2025 Year and compete in trivia challenge about the program.
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
Amanda Sinkey, Emilee Moody; UADA
A Relaxing Celebration of 4-H Volunteers Our 4-H program couldn’t shine without the incredible dedication of our volunteers. This is a chance for you to take a moment just to relax 4-H style. Because when it comes to making the best better, our volunteers are truly SPAtacular! This fun shop is designed to pamper, refresh, and recharge those who give so generously of their time, talents, and energy to make 4-H possible. Just like a day at the spa, our program will focus on relaxation, renewal, and recognition.
Tech Changemakers Team, 4-H
Come join the Tech Changemakers team and build your own glowing birthday card! Participants will learn how to design and assemble a birthday card that has a special twist- lights! You will also get to learn about the Tech Changemakers program and how to get involved, no skills required!
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.
