REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Grow. Learn. Inspire.
Get ready to connect, recharge, and gain fresh ideas at the Montana 4-H Volunteer Institute! This statewide event welcomes all Montana 4-H volunteers—whether you’re brand-new or have years of experience. Spend the weekend learning from inspiring guest speakers, participating in hands-on workshops, and sharing ideas with fellow volunteers who share your passion for helping youth thrive. Together, we’ll build skills, spark creativity, and strengthen the 4-H experience in every corner of Montana.r essential training and meaningful connections with statewide 4-H Volunteers!

This event is open to all Montana 4-H Volunteers & are encouraged to come! 

Event Information:

Dates:

October 3-5, 2025

Location:

Billings Hotel & Convention Center

1223 Mullowney Ln, Billings, MT 59101

(406) 248-7151

Registration & Accommodation:

Registration Fee: $75

Workshops: Register for workshops at the event

Hotel Information:  

Billings Hotel & Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Ln, Billings, MT 59101

(406) 248-7151

$129 Double Queen Room Call and ask for the 4-H Room Block 

Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 21st at 11:45pm. 

Volunteer Registration Link (must be logged into Zsuites to register)

Agent Registration Link (must be logged out of Zsuites to register)

Silent Auction – Let the Fun Begin!

Ready for some fun??? At our last Leaders Institute, the silent auction was a hit—some items became hotly sought-after treasures!

To help keep registration costs as low as possible, we’re bringing the silent auction back! The funds raised will help offset event expenses, and we need your help to make it a success.

What Can You Donate?

We’re asking each county and participant (if possible) to contribute an item to the auction. Some ideas:

  • Something that represents your community or council
  • A unique item related to a hobby or skill you have
  • A themed gift basket with items donated from local businesses or your own collection

The sky’s the limit—be creative and have fun with it!

How to Donate

  • Bring your auction item(s) to the registration table
  • Include a description of the item and who it was donated by

Auction Details

  • The auction will be set up Friday evening and will run through Saturday
  • It will close at the end of the banquet on Saturday evening

Let’s come together to raise some funds, showcase our communities, and have a great time doing it!
Thank you in advance for your generosity and creativity!

 

2025 Agenda is here!

 

2025 Sessions

GENRAL SESSIONS
Beyond Ready: Helping Youth Thrive in Life and Work Tracey Robecker & Brett Schomer Come learn about the Beyond Ready and how it connects to the heart of 4-H—Positive Youth Development. This session will introduce program ideas and planning tools that volunteers can use to keep making a difference with young people. Together, we’ll explore how Beyond Ready can help youth discover their spark in 4-H, build confidence, and get prepared for life and work.
Thriving Volunteers Kellie Kahtani Join us for an interactive workshop that brings to light the ways you are putting the Thriving Model to use in your 4-H program. Find new activities or revitalize current activities to bring out the Sparks, Belonging, Relationships, and Engagement we all want in our 4-H programs. Come with ideas to share, openness to learn, and be ready for fun!

Saturday, October 4th @ 10:45am 
Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again. Amy Kelley  Unintentional residue contamination is a major concern in the livestock show world. In today's world our livestock show families are getting advice from places like social media that don't always match the Meat Quality Assurance Program we promote in 4-H. Additionally, there are so many unforeseen circumstances that expose animals to residues that may have lasting consequences. The intention of this workshop is to help educate volunteers, so they can help educate our youth and parents.
From Yawn to Yay, Using 4-H Curriculum to Bring Excitement Back to Club and Project Meetings Josie Evenson Learn how to use and supplement 4-H Curriculum to enhance learning and fun in your 4-H program. Learn how 4-H Curriculum is designed to follow the experiential learning model and why the model is vital youths success in their 4-H work. Gain understanding on how Curriculum prepares youth to be "Beyond Ready."
Science Behind Motivation & Volunteerism Samantha Ferrat Discover what inspires people to give their time and energy, and learn practical strategies to engage and acknowledge volunteers. This interactive workshop explores the science behind human motivation and the power of volunteerism. Participants will uncover the internal and external factors that inspire people to act, from intrinsic rewards like purpose and belonging to external influences such as recognition and community impact. This workshop will equip you with tools to build motivation and strengthen commitment.
Gracious Space Jennifer Saunder Difficult conversations are challenging to have. Gracious Space will teach you how to invite the "stranger" and learn together and build stronger relationships.

Saturday, October 4th @ 2:15pm
Meat Quality Assurance Isn't Just for Youth Amy Kelley  In this session, the instructor will incorporate the THRIVE Model while walking through how to use books throughout the year to encourage learning, promote problem solving, independent thinking and the value of record keeping.
Partnering with Teens in 4-H: Empowering Youth and Volunteers Brett Schomer Learn practical ways to partner with teens in 4-H! This interactive session will help adult volunteers understand adolescent development, give youth a stronger voice in planning, and identify responsibilities teens can take on to boost engagement and ease volunteer workload.
Active Listening: Tools for Conflict Resolution Tracey Robecker Conflict! Whether you are a person who would rather spend hours in the dentist chair than confront an issues, or you are someone who lives for the thrill of the battle, conflict is something we all face in our daily lives. While unavoidable, conflict can be successfully navigated and can even help improve relationships and organizations when approached in a healthy way. Active listening tools are one method to increase understanding, diffuse tensions and strengthen connections in the face of conflict. This interactive workshop will explore common ways that conflict can arise, what happens physically and emotionally when we face conflict, and will introduce you to the basics of active listening tools. You will end the workshop with the opportunity to practice using the tools you have learned to decrease anxiety and increase confidence to communicate through the conflicts of life.
Volunteers and Boundaries: Balancing Enthusiasm with Limits Jenn Volkmar  

Saturday, October 4th @ 3:30pm
Record Books, Project Books and Resources Roni Baker In this session, the instructor will incorporate the THRIVE Model while walking through how to use books throughout the year to encourage learning, promote problem solving, independent thinking and the value of record keeping.
Reflecting and Applying to Grow Kelton Jensen

Do, Reflect, and Apply - We are great at "Doing" hands on activites for youth members. The real learning comes in the reflection and applying what they learned. Come and learn how you can help youth "Reflect" and "Apply" to learn more from their 4-H activities and grow

Smarter, Not Harder: Digital Tools for 4-H Event Planning Sadie Woller Discover simple digital tools that save time, reduce stress, and keep your 4-H events running smoothly. From registration to communication, learn how to plan with ease and focus on what matters most—your members!
115 Years of Montana 4-H and Beyond Luke Duran Let's celebrate Montana's 4-H legacy with an exhibit at the new Montana Heritage Center! Join Luke Duran, graphic artist at the Montana Historical Society, as he seeks to curate a museum exhibit that tells the story of 4-H culture, history, events and milestones. This workshop will provide a short presentation on museum exhibit design and Montana 4-H history. But let's hear from 4-H alumni and leaders from around the state! This workshop will also host a roundtable discussion to hear your ideas on what would make an effective exhibit. The launch of this exhibit will coincide with the 2027 4-H Citizenship Seminar and Montana 4-H Legislative Breakfast, which is anticipated to be hosted at the new Montana Heritage Center and Museum on the Capitol grounds in Helena.