NDSU Extension Center for 4-H Honors Volunteers Who Strengthen Communities
The NDSU Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development honored two Devils Lake residents, presenting Doug Darling with the Salute to Excellence North Dakota 4-H Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer award and Candace Berg with the Salute to Excellence North Dakota 4-H Volunteer of the Year award for 2021.
“Our North Dakota communities are stronger because of NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development volunteers,” said Rachelle Vettern, NDSU Extension leadership and volunteer development specialist. “Our 4-H volunteers connect communities by building relationships, improving community health and increasing overall civic involvement.”
As a volunteer for the Ramsey County 4-H program, Darling has dedicated 16 years to the 4-H shooting sports program. He coached youth since the beginning of the county program in 2004, qualified seven teams for national competitions and one shotgunner achieved national grand champion trap honors. Darling empowers people to be the best they can be and encourages everyone he coaches that “Every clay counts. Never give up.”
Candace Berg has been a parent volunteer with Ramsey County 4-H for 15 years. She has led her club in annual community service projects including painting fire hydrants, baking goodies for the local nursing home and raising funds for foster care emergency kits. She is dedicated to continually making a positive impact on 4-H members by helping others and lifting spirits with her endless smile.
According to the North Central Region (NCR) 4-H Volunteer Impact Study conducted by the NCR Volunteer Extension Specialists in 2019, on average, each N.D. 4-H volunteer gives seven hours per month to help youth learn, lead and make a difference, and over 90% said they help youth serve their communities and make communities stronger.
“North Dakota volunteers come into the 4-H program hoping to support youth and make a difference, but they also gain skills in teaching, leadership and communication,” said Vettern. “These skills transfer to other environments in which volunteers work and live.”
For more information about volunteering with the North Dakota 4-H Youth Development program, contact the NDSU Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Rachelle Vettern, 701-231-7541, rachelle.vettern@ndsu.edu