"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 Colleen at the County 4-H Office at (858) 505-6538.
Eligibility
Volunteer leaders must be at least 18 years old, although additional age restrictions may 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 kids, all prospective 4-H volunteers are required to:
- Complete an Adult Enrollment Application which includes a code of conduct and confidential self-disclosure statements;
- Submit to and receive criminal record clearance from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) through LiveScan electronic fingerprinting; and
- Undergo orientation offered by the county 4-H program staff.
Following DOJ clearance, completion of orientation, and payment of a nominal fee volunteers are appointed for a one year term, renewable annually.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer leaders work with small groups of kids 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.
Section 800
One of the requirements to become a 4-H leader, volunteers have to go through training about 4-H policy. To help leaders go through the process, the state 4-H office as added an online training program for us concerning Section 800 of our policy manual. This section covers the safety guidlelines that all leader must know. The program can be found here.
Every year we like to hold a special gathering to thank our many volunteers who dedicate their time to 4-H. To make this occasion easier to plan we have divided responsiblity by year. The follow is a list of clubs that are responsible for the celebration.
Leader's Thank You celebration Rotation Schedule
Fallbrook - 2008
Jamul Chaparros - 2009
Bonsall - 2010
Sagebrush - 2011
Escondido - 2012
Golden Clovers - 2013
Homesteaders - 2014
Mt. Empire - 2015
Valley Center - 2016
Japatul - 2017
Valley Center Country - 2018
Alpine - 2019
Pauma Valley - 2020
Santa Ysabel/Julian - 2021
Olivenhain Valley - 2022
Warner Springs - 2023
San Dieguito - 2024
Ramona Wranglers - 2025
Poway - 2026
Ramona Stars - 2027
Coronado - 2028
Ramona Paisanos - 2029
Carmel Valley - 2030
Ramona Valley - 2031
San Marcos TERI - 2032