4-H Volunteers

Giving time and commitment directly from the heart

Volunteers are central to 4-H programming.  From clubs to fairs, to special events, there is a place for you to serve the youth in your community!

Section links for this page:
Application Process
Tools for Volunteers
Places to Serve as a Volunteer
Starting a 4-H Club

Application Process
For the protection of 4-H members and volunteers, all volunteer applicants are screened for child abuse and neglect and criminal records prior to their acceptance for the volunteer position.  This screening and application process is completed each year.  Screening Policy

Volunteers are required to take a one time volunteer orientation.  We recommend the face-to-face orientation; however, an online version is also available.  Check with your local Extension office or 4-H youth specialist.

Missouri 4-H Volunteer Application Form LG636 (PDF fillable)
Adult Health Form (PDF)

Places to Serve as a Volunteer
4-H is always looking for enthusiastic parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, etc. who enjoy working with youth.  4-H offers a variety of opportunities for adults and youth to volunteer.

• Organizing 4-H clubs
• Leading 4-H project groups
• Leading 4-H advisory groups
• Being a 4-H council member
• Chairing a committee such as shooting sports or horsemanship
• Helping at a camp, fair, judging or state event
• Teaching 4-H school enrichment programs
• Assisting with fundraising activities
• or in many other ways........

County
Opportunities abound for county level councils, committees and events.

• 4-H Council/Committees - Advisory group related to all county programming.  Most counties have an organized group that meets on a regular basis to discuss the county's 4-H program, review 4-H activities and plan 4-H programs and events.

• County Fair - The fair is the time of the year that members get to display what they have made in their projects throughout the year.  Planning committees, volunteer organizers, contest coordinators, workshop presenters, etc. are some volunteer opportunities.

• County Contests - Many counties sponsors contests such as the public speaking and demonstration contests and the fashion revue for 4-Hers who exhibit clothing items.

• Social Activities - Counties may hold extra social activities such as picnics, Clover Kid day camps, lock-ins, etc. where members can meet others throughout the county.

To help locally, check with your county Extension office.

Regional
Many regional areas offer 4-H camp that give 4-Hers a chance to live in cabins to gain new experiences.  There are a variety of different camps such as 4-H camp, teen camp and aerospace camp.  All these events welcome the help of volunteers!

To help regionally, check with your county Extension office.

State
The Missouri State 4-H offers a wide variety of events for 4-Hers throughout the year.  One of the largest events is the Missouri State Fair where 4-Hers display their projects and/or animals, participate in demonstrations and much more. 

See Events for a complete listing.  Contact the state 4-H staff to volunteer for any of these events.

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Starting a 4-H Club
Frequently asked questions about starting a 4-H Club are answered in this helpful guide. Getting Started With a 4-H Club LG902 (PDF)

Step by Step Procedure

1. Consider where you might like to serve

3. Read the volunteer Screening  Process

4. Fill out the Missouri 4-H Volunteer Application Form LG636 (PDF fillable)

5. Fill out an Adult Health Form (PDF fillable)

6. Contact your county Extension office or your county 4-H staff for your area

7. Ask about upcoming volunteer orientation training and additional training opportunities

4-H clubs are adapted to fit the particular group.  General volunteer roles in 4-H clubs are:

• Club Organizational Leader
  Responsible for a club and oversees club activities.

• Volunteer Leader
  Responsibility to lead individual project groups and committees such as a project leader or coordinator, activity leader, resource leader, etc.

• Youth Leader
  Older members who carry out adult roles as leaders in  project groups, special interest groups, etc.  Youth leaders can also assist with 4-H events where needed.

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