Getting Started in 4-H!

What is 4-H
Community 4-H clubs are organized with at least one adult volunteer leader and three or more youth members. In San Diego County, clubs range in size from five members with two leaders to 150 members with 18 leaders. In 4-H, members are encouraged to set their own goals and make their own plans and decisions. Kids conduct their own business meetings, learn how to provide leadership for younger members, and get involved in community service activities. They also participate in projects to develop knowledge and skills around a specific subject matter. Volunteer leaders are integral to the success of the 4-H program. Leaders coach the members in these activities and projects, guiding them as they mature, build self-confidence, and acquire leadership skills. Click here for list of Clubs in San Diego County

How to Join
To join a 4-H club in San Diego County, please call the County 4-H Office at (858) 694-2861.  You will be provided with contact names and numbers for Community Club Leaders of a 4-H club near you.  These Community Club Leaders, can provide information about meeting schedules and locations, describe the projects offered in their club, and help you with online enrollment.

Age Eligibility
Youth are eligible to participate in 4-H clubs as primary members if they are five years old or in kindergarten as of December 31 of the program year.  Youth enroll as regular members once they are nine years old or entering 4th grade by December 31 of the program year.  (For home schooled kids, go by age.)  The San Diego County program year runs from September 1st through August 31st.  Youth remain eligible for membership until December 31 of the year in which they turn 19 years old.

Cost
There is a minimal insurance fee for the 4-H program.  In San Diego County, it is $25.00 for youth and $10.00 for adult leaders/volunteers.  This annual statewide insurance fee is utilized to cover the cost of insurance so that 4-H can  train volunteers, support the development of new educational materials, and cover any accidents that occur during 4-H activities.

It is rare that a group or club can do anything without funds.  Money may be collected from members to cover the costs of project materials and 4-H events.  To prevent misunderstandings, it is a good idea for a parent/guardian to stay informed about any 4-H work that requires funds from a member.  Local clubs raise money in various ways, however 4-H policy forbids gambling, wagering, or raffles of any kind.

Insurance
4-H accident and illness insurance is mandatory and included in the cost of enrollment.  The Community Leader in your club can tell you about this insurance and provide an informational leaflet.  The leaflet explains what medical costs are covered in case of an accident or illness that occurs during any 4-H work or while traveling to or from official 4-H meetings and events.

How to Volunteer
"When adults take time to help young people through 4-H, they exert an enormous, postitive influence on the lives of youth."

~ Retired General Colin Powell

The 4-H program depends on adult volunteers -- often the parents/guardians of members -- who are willing to invest their time, energy, and resources to lead projects and provide educational experiences for youth in their community.  Kids and adults spend time together learning new skills, developing hidden talents, making new friends, and having fun.  One of the best things 4-H offers is an opportunity to enjoy learning with family and friends. For more information about volunteering with 4-H in San Diego County, please call Carol in the County 4-H Office at (858) 614-7614.

Eligibility
Volunteer leaders must be at least 18 years old, additional age restrictions apply for certain roles and responsibilities.  (For example, event chaperones must be at least 25 years old.)  In order to provide a safe environment for youth, all prospective 4-H volunteers are required to:

• Complete online enrollment;
• Complete California Department of Justice (DOJ) background screening via the LiveScan electronic fingerprinting; and
• Complete orientation and child safety training online at http://ucanr.org/4-hvolunteers/

Volunteers will need to submit a Volunteer Confidential Self-Disclosure form and re-enroll annually.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer leaders work with small groups of youth to carry out experiential learning ("learning-by-doing") activities.  These activities enable youth to develop life skills, build competencies, explore career options, contribute to their communities, and prepare them for a positive and successful place in society.  At the club level, adult volunteers may take on the following positions (download Adobe Acrobat Reader free at http://www.adobe.com to view and print these PDF files):

• Community Leader or Assistant Community Leader -- Click on Organizational Unit Volunteer Description
• Project Leader or Assistant Project Leader -- Click on Project Volunteer Description
• Activity Coordinator or Event Coordinator -- Click on Activity or Event Volunteer Description

There are also volunteer opportunities at the county level where your time and talents would be greatly appreciated.

Enrichment Programs
The University of California 4-H Youth Development program is committed to providing research-based, hands-on educational programs to all youth in San Diego County.  To this end, these programs are available to afterschool programs, educators, and youth development program staff. Click here for a list of the enrichment programs available in San Diego County. For additional information about these enrichment programs, please contact the County 4-H Office at 858-694-2861.

• The 4-H Experience -- A brochure providing an overview of the 4-H program in San Diego County
• Welcome to 4-H -- A publication for families with a message for parents/guardians on how to help their child get the most out of 4-H
• Bienvenidos al 4-H -- The same content as above, translated into Spanish
• 4-H Member's Guide -- A publication for youth about project work, leadership opportunities, and recognition of achievement