4-H Project Leaders Needed in Morris County

Every year, thousands of young people across the country take part in 4-H, a youth development program that helps them build skills in health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement. 4-H believes in the power of young people to make a positive difference in their communities. To keep this program thriving, dedicated adults are needed to guide and support these youth. Becoming a 4-H Project Leader is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute.

What is 4-H?

4-H is a nationwide program focused on youth development. It encourages kids and teens to complete hands-on projects in a supportive environment. These projects cover a wide range of topics including health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement. The program emphasizes learning by doing, with adult mentors providing guidance while encouraging young people to take leadership roles.

The goal is to help youth develop life skills such as responsibility, communication, and problem-solving. These skills prepare them for future success in school, work, and community life.

Why 4-H Needs Project Leaders

4-H depends on volunteers to function. Project Leaders play a crucial role by teaching and leading small groups of 4-H members in specific subject areas. These leaders share their knowledge and passion, helping youth learn new skills and grow in confidence.

Volunteering as a Project Leader offers a chance to:

• Share expertise in a subject you love

• Learn alongside youth in a new area of interest

• Make a direct, positive impact on young people’s lives

• Build connections within your community

  
  

Without Project Leaders, many 4-H projects would not be possible. Their leadership helps youth prepare for events like the County Fair and complete important project record books.

Current 4-H Projects that Need Leaders

• Agronomy

• Astronomy

• Building Block Engineering

• Communications

• Computer Science

• Fiber Arts

• Foods & Nutrition

• Geology

• Interior Design & Architecture

• Performing Arts

• Robotics

• Self-Determined

• Sewing and Textile Design

• Shopping in Style

• Swine

• Veterinary Science

• Visual Arts

Morris County 4-H Project Leader Description

Purpose: Provide leadership/teaching in a specific subject area to a small group of 4-H’ers and assist 4-H’ers to develop life skills.

Responsibilities:

1. Organize the project group. (Start early, give yourself plenty of time before the fair.)

2. Communicate with 4-H members and their parents.

3. Arrange for and schedule the project meetings.

4. Conduct/teach project meetings. (1-2 meetings during the year is the minimum, 4-6 would be amazing.)

a. Become familiar with the purpose of 4-H and the 4-H project.

b. Use the 4-H project manual and record book.

c. Use hands-on teaching activities and the experiential learning model.

d. Use your own knowledge and community resources.

5. Help 4-H’ers prepare exhibit(s) for the County Fair or other 4-H exhibit opportunities. 6. Help the 4-H’ers complete their project record book.

7. Occasionally attend 4-H club meetings.

8. New project leaders must complete the full Kansas 4-H volunteer screening process, which is started by enrolling in 4-H Online.

9. Continuing leaders must complete re-enrollment yearly, and re-screening every three years.

Training and Assistance:

1. 4-H Project Manual, record books, and leaders guides.

2. 4-H Club community leaders.

3. Other 4-H project leaders.

4. K-State Extension Office. We are here to help, as a volunteer you are not alone and will be fully supported by our staff. We can help coordinate communication, secure meeting locations, provide project resources, and more.

Time Commitment: One 4-H year (October to September). Project meetings take place at a time, location, and frequency determined by the project leader. Average time per meeting is an hour to an hour and a half, not including preparation time. Estimated total commitment of a minimum 3-6 hours per year, but more would be an amazing benefit to youth in the project.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to help youth and the community.

• Opportunity to learn more about the project subject and share subject knowledge with young people.

• Get to know and positively interact with young people.

• Opportunity to contribute to the future of the community and its youth.

• Sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Qualifications:

o Interest in helping youth. o Interest in 4-H educational programs.

o Knowledge in or willingness to learn about program subject matter.

o Ability to organize and coordinate.

o Ability to communicate with youth and adults.

o Complete the Kansas 4-H volunteer screening process.

o Must be at least 18 years of age.

How to Get Started as a Project Leader

Contact the K-State Extension Flint Hills District office located at 315 W Main St Ste A in Council Grove, KS or call them at (620) 767-5136.