Lancaster County 4-H presents a Heart of 4-H Award to a Lancaster County 4-H volunteer each month in recognition of outstanding volunteer serice. The purpose of this award is to recognize volunteers who are, indeed, the heart of 4-H.
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A 4-H volunteer for nearly a decade, Rodney has been involved with the Rabbits 'R' Us Club for six years (four years as co-leader), a member of the Rabbit VIPS Committee for 10 years (seven years as president), and helped organize spring/fall rabbit clinics and shows. He is superintendent of the 4-H Rabbit Specialty show at the Lancaster County Fair and he helps other 4-H rabbit superintendents.
Rodney says "I like being a 4-H volunteer because I like seeing the light come on when a child understands what they have learned and use it -- whether it be for their project, contest, or in their everyday living. For me it is all about the kids. I believe any good volunteer will say the same. I didn't volunteer to get anything out of it, but the kids have made it a very rewarding experience.
My favorite experience as a 4-H volunteer came after a brother and sister came up to have their names taken off the showmanship list at county fair. After some persuasion and coaching by another 4-H'er, they went on to get a purple and blue in the contest. The next year, the girl won senior showmanship. That is what it is all about for me: encouragement, coaching, and seeing the results."