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
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!
Partnering with Teens in 4-H: Empowering Youth and Volunteers   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.
Meat Quality Assurance Isn't Just for Youth   There can be a disconnect between what we educate youth on in the Quality Assurance Program and our expectation for volunteers, parents, fair boards, etc. This workshop will discuss some common issues seen and   solutions. The idea is to provide volunteers resources to help educate adults in their own county on the importance of doing their part for Quality Assurance.
Record Books, Project Books and Resources   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.