Volunteer with 4-H

Volunteers make a difference in our programs!

Volunteering is a fun and rewarding opportunity that enables you to share your experience and knowledge with young people and hopefully “spark” a lifelong interest. Whether it’s birdwatching, cooking, gardening or working with animals, imagine a young person's satisfaction at learning a new skill through hands on experiences and learning. Imagine your own satisfaction at watching a young person grow. You can help our youth as they develop the confidence and self-esteem to thrive and develop intohappy, productive citizens by becoming a 4-H volunteer today.

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. 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.

Types of 4-H Volunteer Opportunities

4-H Club Leader

A 4-H Club meets regularly throughout the year, must always be staffed by (2) approved adult volunteers, and have a minimum of 5 youth members.

A 4-H Club Leader is the primary organizer of the clubin charge of scheduling the meetings and, along with input from members, determining what types of projects and activities the club will focus on.4-H Club leaders are also responsible for making sure that the participants in their club are current members of Putnam 4-H.In addition, a 4-H Club Leader is the primary liaison between the club and 4-H Staff at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office.4-H staff assist with the application and screening process, and provide orientation, on-going training and access to resources.

A 4-H Club Leader must submit a Volunteer Application, along with other required paperwork, go through a formal screening process and complete NYS Sexual Harassment Training to become an approved CCE Volunteer.

4-H SPARK(Short-Term Exploratory Project) Club Leader or Facilitator

A 4-H SPARK Club Leader may be an approved 4-H Volunteer, a community professional and/or CCE 4-H staff. A 4-H SPARK Club must always be staffed by (2) approved adults. SPARK clubs are focused exploratory programs that last between 4-8 weeks. The clubs are designed to introduce youth members to a particular topic/experience in hopes of “sparking” a lifelong interest. SPARKS are being planned for the 2025 Spring – Fall season. Check back on our website for more information in January of 2025.

4-H SPARK Club Leaders must submit a Volunteer Application, along with other required paperwork, go through a formal screening process and complete NYS Sexual Harassment Training to become an approved CCE Volunteer.

Short Term Volunteer (Activity or Event)

Putnam 4-H depends on parent and/or casual volunteers to assist with a variety of programs & events that take place throughout the year.

Types of Short-Term Volunteer Opportunities:

• Chaperone 4-H events & programs

• Evaluate youth presentations at 4-H Public Presentations

• Evaluate projects at the Fair and/or other 4-H special events

• Assist with set-up/clean-up and/or staff a table or booth at county-wide CCE 4-H events

• Participate in the 4-H Ag Literacy Week

4-H Advisory Committee

The 4-H Advisory Committee meets quarterly throughout the year with the 4-H Educator and helps to provide overall direction and support for the entire 4-H program.

Prospective volunteers please fill out this interest form. In addition, 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.

Last updated August 15, 2024