University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
4-H Youth Development Program
4-H Youth Development Program

For Adult Volunteers

University of California Extension welcomes you!

waterproject
We hope you'll be a part of extension as a 4-H volunteer. As a volunteer, you will partner with youth to discover their passions, adopt a growth mindset, practice self-reflection and set goals.  4-H projects and programs are focused around the core content of citizenship, healthy living, and science, engineering, and technology using a "learn-by-doing" educational model. Our mission is to help youth to succeed and thrive while advancing academic knowledge in positive youth development.

You can find resources for leading 4-H Projects at: Training Modules

You can find safety information at ANR Environmental Health and Safety 4-H Resources.

Think about participating in the 3-day State 4-H Leaders' Forum!

New 4-H Volunteer Orientation

To prepare new leaders to carry out their role as volunteers and agents of the University, they are to complete an orientation through their county 4-H office staff. Please check with your office regarding the requirements to become a 4-H volunteer. The orientation includes a twenty-seven minute video that is available as a DVD through your office, as well as online at 4-H Volunteer Orientation.

To supplement this video, a seventeen-page training guide with interactive group sessions is available in staff resources. This guide helps increase understanding and knowledge of adult leadership and positive youth development. The sessions are designed to be conducted in-person, with the entire series approximately two hours in length.

Other resources to support volunteer development are available in this site and through your County 4-H Offices.