Many can remember the days of being involved in 4-H throughout their schooling years.

The Penn State Extension honored those who volunteer their time and energy in 4-H Thursday night at the Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association.The Annual Awards Dinner is sponsored by the Carbon County Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Penn State Extension Carbon County, and the USDA Farm Service Agency.Penn State Extension is an outreach program of practical agricultural education. They teach about youth and family, natural resources, animals, plants and pests, community and business and food and health.The annual awards banquet for the Penn State Extension Carbon County honored those who have donated to the program."Everyone is looking to recruit volunteers right now," said Nancy Grotevant, District Director of Penn State Extension Carbon County. "We are so lucky to have faithful volunteers and to recruit new volunteers."Many volunteers were 4-H members themselves as children. The 4-H program has 84 members and 30 leaders."We are very, very appreciative for the time and energy of the 80-plus volunteers here tonight," Grotevant said.The Penn State Extension does more than 4-H. The organization is adding the Strong Women program and has recently added ServSafe certification and Cooking for Crowds. The program also encourages physical activity.A group of volunteers and members were geocaching in October in Mauch Chunk Lake Park and plan to do their own next year. The girls that went on the hike learned how to use a compass and GPS equipment.HonoredThe Carbon Conservation District honored Robert Miller for his 30 years of service as a board member.Master Gardener Volunteer awards were given to Marlene Green, Janet Minnich and Valerie Neal for 150 hours of volunteer work. Eileen East and Ed Knittle were recognized for 1,000 hours of service as Master Gardeners.Justin Dages of Jim Thorpe and Rachel Knoblauch were given the Rachel W. Hoffmeier 4-H Scholarship Award. The scholarship includes a $250 check and a certificate. Both recipients are members of the Mahoning Valley Community Club.Outstanding 4-H Volunteer awards were presented to Laura Kennedy of Tamaqua and Shawn Tonkin of Lehighton.The Beaver Run Rod & Gun Club, Houser Auctioneers and Mahoning Valley Lions Club were given awards for their 4-H support.Several members were given awards to recognize their many years of service to Penn State Extension.Any person interested in volunteering can call 570-325-2788.