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4-H Leaders & Volunteers

Join Us!

There are over 200 4-H leaders in Clark County, and we are always looking for people who have what it takes to become a 4-H leader. If you have a passion for working with young people, an interest in using principles of youth development to help them grow and learn, and time to make a difference in a few young lives, then you have what it takes to become a 4-H leader.

No Farm? No Problem!

Some people hesitate to become a 4-H volunteer because they don’t live on farms. We understand why lots of people think you need to live on a farm to be a 4-H leader: When 4-H started in the early 1900s most people lived on farms, so some of the most important life skills for young people to learn were related to animal and plant sciences. Some 4-Hers still choose animal and plant projects, but you don’t have to have animals or live on a farm to be a 4-H member or leader! On a nationwide basis, there are more 4-Hers who live in cities than in rural areas!

Any place that young people and adults can gather to have fun through hands-on learning is a good place to start a 4-H club. There is a long list of 4-H projects, many of which have nothing to do with animals or plants. Both short-term activities and year-long 4-H projects take place in all kinds of settings. Leaders hold 4-H meetings in apartments, houses, garages, and backyards. You’ll find the Clover in parks, gardens, playgrounds, stables, and forests. You can also spot 4-H leaders and their members in classrooms, churches, and community centers, as well as in bus windows on their way to conferences and field trips.

Let Us Help You Get Started

We’d love to talk more with you about the possibility of becoming a 4-H leader, and answer any questions you might have.  Applicants must fill out an application, give consent for a background check by the Washington State Patrol, receive approval from WSU Extension faculty, and complete a basic training workshop. We look forward to hearing from you!

Become a Leader Checklist

  • Complete both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Volunteer/Leader Application  and return the paperwork to us via US Mail: 1919 NE 78th Street Vancouver WA 98665 or email to chantal.krystiniak@wsu.edu
  • Undergo a national background check, and a personal reference check
  • Complete three online trainings
    • Extension Foundation Campus
    • You will need to create an new account if you have not already accessed the eXtension training portal. Once you have created your account, then the three training portals will be available to you.  You will need the County enrollment code for each class the codes are:
    • WSU Put the Child First: CLARK4H
    • WSU 4-H Volunteer Orientation Modules and 4-H Financial Management: CLARK
  • Participate in a face-to-face interview with the 4-H Program Coordinator
  • Attend New Leader Training, held every month. Contact the WSU Extension 4-H office for the next training date.

Current Leaders

 

End of Year Paperwork

This year, all of the paperwork has been combined into a single form. You can choose from a fillable PDF or complete the digital form. If you would like hard copies mailed to you, contact the 4-H office. As a reminder, New Year paperwork is due DECEMBER 1st, 2021. 

Fillable PDF File: End of Year Paperwork

Be prepared by viewing the PDF of the paperwork and gathering your club financials to know your

    • Starting Account Balance in October of 4-H Year
    • Total Combined Income from the 4-H Year
    • Total Combined Expenses from the 4-H Year
    • Ending Account Balances as of September of 4-H Year
Here’s a video to help log those valuable Volunteer Hours!
Want to be a Key Leader or Superintendent? Here are the job descriptions:

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