Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a 4-H volunteer. The following will help you realize this goal using all online resources. We do encourage those that are able to consider participating in the face-to-face trainings as an alternative to completing the online modules and online child and vulnerable adult safety presentation (even if your goal is “activity leader”). Face-to-Face training provides a much richer introduction to 4-H as we conduct it in Spokane County.
See our “Calendar of Events” at https://extension.wsu.edu/spokane/4h/calendar/ for the next scheduled training. For more information on this option, you may also contact Gary Varrella at gvarrella@wsu.edu (509-477-2163).
Online Volunteer Training – To Become an Activity Leader
Step 1: Navigate to https://campus.extension.org/course/index.php?categoryid=159
This will take you to a page that contains links to three volunteer classes:
- WSU Put the Child First
- Washington State 4-H Financial Management (only necessary to complete if you are a 4-H Club Leader, or serving as a 4-H Treasurer)
- Washington 4-H Volunteer Orientation Modules
Step 2: Log in or create an account.
Click the “Logon” button at the top right portion of the page. If you already have a campus.eXtension.org account, you will be prompted to login. If not, the right-hand side of the page indicates how to establish an account. If you are creating an account, be sure to check your e-mail and confirm your account.
Afterwards, you should be taken back to the screen with all the extension classes listed.
Click on “4-H & Youth”
Select “Washington” off the list.
Step 3: Enter enrollment key.
To access each class, you will be asked for an enrollment key. Spokane’s is as follows for each class:
WSU Put the Child First: SPOKANE4H
Washington State 4-H Financial Management AND Washington 4-H Volunteer Orientation Modules: SPOKANE
Step 4: Register through 4-H Online
If you are new to 4-H online, select “I need to set up a profile” then create a login.
Step 5: Complete letters of recommendation
The fillable PDF version is below: PDF
Letters of Recommendation ⇒ for every new volunteer ⇐
Instructions on completing letters of recommendations are included with each file.
Step 6: Confirm with the 4-H Team that your enrollment is complete, and complete your background check.
Reach out to Bob Kestell (rtkestell@spokanecounty.org 509-477-2160) confirming steps 1 through 5 are completed.
Bob will send you the link for our state required volunteer background check managed by Sterling.
Complete that background–which takes approximately 5-to-6 minutes—and you have completed the volunteer enrollment process
**Note: Background checks are good for 2 years.
Questions? Please contact:
Bob Kestell – Extension Office Assistant, rtkestell@spokanecounty.org, 509.477.2160
Kate McCloskey – 4-H Horse Program Coordinator, kmccloskey@spokanecounty.org, 509.477.2165
Jennifer Fees – Nutrition Education, General Projects, Small Animal Program Coordinator, jfees@spokanecounty.org, 509.477.2199
Gary Varrella – WSU Spokane County Extension Director & 4-H Educator, gvarrella@spokanecounty.org, 509.477.2163