4-H and Youth Program

4-H is a voluntary, informal educational program for boys and girls ages 8-18. It was established at the turn of the century primarily for rural youth, but has expanded to incorporate youth from urban areas as well. The goal of 4-H is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens.

4-H Organizational Leader (Traditional Community Club): Individuals work with a group of youth (ages 8-19) on a regular basis year-round. 4-H Clubs meet regularly, and frequency is determined by the membership. There is an emphasis on leadership development and "learning by doing" through selected projects, public speaking, and community service. Commitment includes 4-H leader training, attendance and support at club meetings, record keeping, and reporting. Applicants should enjoy working with youth.

4-H Cloverbud Leader:The description and commitment level for this opportunity is the same as an Organizational Leader. The only differences are that the youth are ages 5-7 and the meetings involve more skill development activities than an actual meeting setting. Many Cloverbud clubs are affiliated with traditional Community Clubs, but any Cloverbud club can meet on it's own. Cloverbuds are a precursor to traditional Community Clubs and help younger kids learn social and life skills. These youth do not take projects, but they are allowed to have a display at the 4-H Fair.

4-H Project Leaders: Individuals introduce projects to members and parents. They help members decide on things they want to do for their project work, review progress, and recognize their accomplishments. Individuals with experience in activities such as (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) cooking, gardening, photography, computers, and woodworking teach 4-H members using University of Illinois Extension project books. In addition, they conduct project workshops, one-on-one teaching, tours and/or field trips. They help members keep necessary records and prepare for exhibits. Commitment varies and is dependent on the time required for a youth or a group of youths to complete a selected project or activity.

4-H Project Exhibit Judges: Individuals review 4-Hers' projects using a project score sheet; assign blue, red or white rating to each project; and discuss ratings with members. Commitment includes a one-time training and the availability to work 4-6 hours at the Edwards-Wabash County Fairs scheduled the last week of July.

4-H Expansion & Review Committee: Volunteers serve as a resource in developing 4-H promotion & marketing plans, methods, and procedures to ensure all youth in Edwards-Wabash Unit have access to the 4-H Youth Program. Commitment is approximately three meetings per year, with the expectation that the Committee member will help as their schedules permit in activities where 4-H is being promoted.

School Enrichment Volunteers: This opportunity is open to all teenagers and adults. It involves presenting a lesson and/or activity in a classroom setting. The Extension office only has one educator, but there are 11 schools in the Edwards/Wabash Unit that could use School Enrichment programming. By teaching School Enrichment Volunteers the lessons and/or activities and having them share their knowledge in the schools, more grades and more youth can be reached. Virtually any topic can be a School Enrichment program, and volunteers can pick which topic and time committment suits their talents and availability the best. Please see the School Enrichment link for a list of opportunities currently available.

Special Activity Volunteers: Volunteers are needed throughout the year for various one-time, small commitment activities. These might be field trips, day camps, workshops, and similar activities that involve only a few hours of your time once a year!

Additional Volunteer Opportunities | 4-H and Youth