What is a 4-HLeader?

A 4-H Leader is a volunteer who spends time helping youth learn different skills , techniques, teamwork, & leadership in their projects from livestock to rocket science.

Leadership in 4-H does not depend upon how much you know about a certain subject.  Rather, it is your ability to get along with people.  It is using techniques that stimulate and encourage youth to want to learn.  Leadership is the on-going process of helping others learn and develop.

As a Leader you play a key role in carrying out the 4-H mission.  When you have helped a boy or girl grow into a responsible member of the community, you have given the finest kind of leadership.  The satisfaction you gain is deep and lasting.

Volunteer 4-H leadership offers you a challenging and rewarding experience.  There is great satisfaction from watching girls and boys grow and develop.  Boys and girls will look to you as a friend, teacher, counselor, pal, helper and much more.  You, too, will learn and grow in the process of being their leader.

In the Ada County 4-H program there are different kinds of Volunteer Leaders.

Organizational Leader- Leader over a 4-H club who is the main point of contact      for the club with the County Extension Office. They get information to their project leaders and make sure that all club paperwork and money transactions are completed correctly. They are a certified Leader.

Project Leader- Leader who helps instruct the youth on their project and makes sure that each project is completed. Sometimes these leaders will have special knowledge about a subject like livestock or cooking. They are a certified Leader.

Volunteer- Leader who is not certified, but will help with events activities or instructing and supporting youth. Must have another volunteer or certified leader with them when working with children.

Teen Leader-Leader who is 18 and under who helps younger youth in the group, and supports the organizational and project leaders.

Being a successful 4-H leader means fulfilling your own needs and helping others fulfill theirs.  The Cooperative Extension System personnel and other 4-H leaders are willing to help you.