Arkansas 4-H Volunteer Training

Continued training is critical to having meaningful and productive 4-H meetings and experiences with Arkansas youth.  Our volunteer trainings are designed to not only give leaders the skills and tools to keep the youth in our 4-H programs safe, but also to provide protections for our volunteers.

Currently there are three mandatory trainings, that all 4-H volunteer leaders must take before working with our youth.  

Required 4-H Volunteer Trainings

Volunteers will get all the information needed to run an effective 4-H club.  With information on the history of 4-H in Arkansas, teaching models, rules for volunteering, and ideas for the day-to-day operation of a 4-H club, this resource is available at your county extension office, or for download it below.

Orientation to 4-H Leader Guide - downloadable version.

Knowing how to handle youth in an overnight environment, while traveling, or simply in a club surrounding is something that all volunteers with our 4-H need to know.  This self-guided 4-H power-point provides critical information for volunteers to keep not only youth in their care safe, but also to safeguard themselves as 4-H volunteer leaders.  Check out the resources below for getting your 4-H Chaperone Training.  

Chaperone Training/Youth Protection PowerPoint

Chaperone Training/Youth Protection PDF

 Administered by University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (U A M S) and the Arkansas Commission of Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence, this training is required of all volunteers to learn how to recognize evidence of child abuse or neglect.  This 60-90 minute self-paced training should be revisited periodically so that volunteers are aware of the steps they should take if abuse or neglect is suspected.  A printed Certificate of Completion needs to be kept on file in every county that you volunteer in.  This training is available at Arkansas Mandated Reporter.

 

Additional 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities.

This nationally recognized program provides positive youth development through addressing the eight (8) "Essential Elements" of youth needs. 

Topics covered include 4 core concepts of providing youth a sense of Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity.  Total time to complete this training is 10-12 hours, but it can be taken in a series of one-hour face-to-face trainings.  Check with your local county extension office for arranging this training.

Designed to provide practical skills for volunteers, the Volunteer Research, Knowledge, and Competency lessons are short instructor lead classes that a county agent can provide.  Lessons cover Communication, Organization, Program Management, Educational Design & Delivery, Positive Youth Development, and Interpersonal Characteristics.  These trainings are available though your local county extension office or can be found at National 4-H's website.

Learn more about the 4-H VRKC!

Whether you are interested in Animal Sciences, Wildlife, or even Robotics and Technology, your county extension office can provide guidance in finding additional trainings as they relate to the projects and programs your youth are involved in.

Date:  TBD

Time:  TBD

Cost:  TBD

Offered every fall, this national training is held at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia.  Lead by 4-h volunteers, county agents, and state staff from across the United States, this training is geared to provide practical hands-on experiences to bring back to your programs.

Date:  October 5-8, 2022

Cost:  Varies by Type of Registration (Virtual vs In-Person)

Location:  Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton, GA.

Volunteer Conference of the Southern States Website

All past virtual volunteer opportunities are available on the Arkansas 4-H YouTube Channel.  There you will find Virtual Volunteer Forums, Virtual Volunteer Conversations and 4-H 4th Thursdays.  Additionally, you will find interesting science, leadership, and healthy living videos!

4-H videos to help you grow

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Calendar of Events

4-H Events Calendar and Reference Guide

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Support 4-H

Your gift will help support the 4-H programs of your choice

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Join Arkansas 4-H

4-H Online Enrollment and Resources