Volunteer with 4-H

Volunteers make a difference in our programs!

Did you know that more than 300 adults volunteer with St. Lawrence County 4-H programs each year? Volunteering is fun and rewarding, and enables you to share your experiences with others. Do you like birdwatching, cooking, gardening or working with animals? There are many interesting projects and fun things to do in 4-H.

Imagine a young person's satisfaction at learning a new skill, or at doing a job well. Imagine your own satisfaction at watching a young person blossom. You can help our young people as they gain confidence and self-esteem - essential ingredients for happy, productive citizens.

Whether you want to be a club leader or work with kids on a short-term project, there's a role for you in 4-H. Many volunteer roles involve working directly with youth while others do not. Some volunteers are engaged with the program for a long period of time, such as leading a 4-H Club for several years. Others volunteer on a one-time, short-term or even an annual basis, for example, being a homework helper at an after school program, volunteering at a special interest workshop, serving as a judge for public speaking or for an event at the 4-H Youth Fair. In whatever role you may choose to volunteer, our 4-H office can provide training, resources and support that can help make your volunteer position as rewarding as possible for everyone involved.

Please note that all volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application, code of conduct, and interview process. Other forms may be required depending on the volunteer position you wish to hold. Those who volunteer to work directly with youth will be asked to consent to a criminal background screening at Cooperative Extension's expense, as a means of ensuring the safety and security both of our volunteers and of the people we serve through our programs. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the following interest survey here or contact Tamara Hill @ tlh233@cornell.edu or 315-379-9192 ext. 261 to begin the screening and paperwork process.

Types of 4-H Volunteer Opportunities

4-H Club Organizational Leader

An adult volunteer who works with a 4-H club assists the club's members in planning their annual club program, conducting club business and enrolling individually or as a group in one or more 4-H projects. Members of a club are often from a small geographic area and may share an interest in a particular topic, but there must be a minimum of five members, and two volunteer leaders. 4-H staff assist with the application and screening process, and provide orientation, on-going training and access to resources.

4-H Club Project Leader
4-H project leaders help the Organizational Leader "teach" the educational component of the club program. They help organize and facilitate a series of project lessons, usually 4 - 6 meetings. Project leaders help members complete project record books and prepare work for evaluation at the 4-H Youth Fair.

Short Term Volunteer (Activity or Event)
Lead an activity at Environmental Appreciation Day or assist with the Lansing Fishing Derby. Share a skill or interest you have with an existing club or after school program, or help out at an organized workshop. Or you may choose to be a chaperone, provide transportation or simply accompany a youth group to a special event or activity.

4-H Committee Member
Individuals may participate as members of standing (long-term) or special (temporary, ad hoc) committees. Committee members often have less direct involvement with youth and serve in more of an administrative role in the 4-H program.

The 4-H Program Committee meets monthly with the 4-H Program Leader and provides overall direction and support for the entire 4-H program. Other committee opportunities include 4-H Consumer and Family Science, Livestock, Plant Science, and Public Presentations Program Development Committee (PDC), 4-H Youth Fair Board, and local town youth commissions.

Youth Volunteer
This position is for teen 4-H members with an interest in leadership development within the 4-H program. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, mentoring younger 4-H members, serving on the 4-H committees, 4-H Youth Fair Board, Jr. Camp Counselors, and internships. Developing leadership and fostering responsibility are two fundamental components of this position.

Last updated December 19, 2024