Scott Stevens says working with young people at 4-H camp is a truly rewarding experience.

There are the times when being a 4-H camp volunteer means the days are long and the pace is fast and trying to keep up with more than 400 kids is a challenge.

But Scott Stevens wouldn’t have it any other way.

“To see and feel the excitement from the 4-H campers as they jump off the bus and to hear them share their stories is priceless,” he said. “Some of my favorite memories are from when I had the opportunity to spend time with campers who came from challenging family situations. To see the love in their eyes, knowing that others truly care for them, means the world to me. It is all about giving back.”

Stevens, a 1992 graduate in animal science, has been involved in 4-H since he was a fourth-grader growing up in Bedford County, Virginia. He started using the lessons he learned in 4-H to help his community long before he ever heard the words “Ut Prosim” (That I May Serve), and his years at Virginia Tech solidified his belief in volunteerism. He hasn’t looked back.

Stevens manages the retail and agronomy sectors at the Rockingham Cooperative store in Troutville, Virginia. In addition to volunteering for 4-H, Stevens is active in several local Botetourt County organizations. He gives back to the university and the college by serving on the boards of the CALS Alumni Organization and the Virginia FFA Foundation, and he is involved with the new CALS mentoring program.
Though Stevens gives freely of his time, he often feels as though he’s the one benefitting from his experiences.

“The emotional and mental return I get from working with so many young people is truly overwhelming at times. Volunteering has a way of re-energizing the soul,” he said.