Get Involved

How can I help?

Getting involved in the James City County 4-H program can be a rewarding experience.

The first step is to get in touch with the Virginia Cooperative Extension office in James City County as we coordinate the local 4-H programs and can provide detailed information about current volunteer opportunities. You can reach out via phone or email, or visit the office to speak directly with the 4-H agent.

Here are some ways to volunteer and participate in the community.

Become a 4-H Club Leader or Assistant Leader: 4-H clubs need adult leaders who can help guide and mentor youth members. Leaders typically organize and supervise club activities, meetings, and events. If you don’t feel ready to lead a club, becoming an assistant leader or a co-leader might be a good start.

Offer to Lead a Workshop or Skill Session: If you have a specific skill or hobby, such as photography, gardening, robotics, or cooking, you can volunteer to lead a workshop or a series of sessions. This is a great way to get involved without a long-term commitment.

Support Administrative Roles: Volunteering doesn’t only mean working directly with children. Many programs need help with administrative tasks, event planning, fundraising, and marketing.

Help at Events: 4-H frequently organizes community events, competitions, and fairs. Volunteers are essential for these events to run smoothly. Roles may include setting up, registering participants, overseeing specific areas, providing information to visitors, and cleaning up after the event.

Become a Mentor: Older youth and adults can volunteer as mentors for younger 4-H members, providing guidance and support in their projects and personal development.

Special Interest Volunteer: If you are interested in a particular area such as animal care, environmental conservation, or public speaking, you can volunteer to support or lead specific interest groups or project teams.

Promote 4-H in Your Community: Help increase awareness and membership by promoting 4-H at community events, schools, and online. Sharing your positive experiences can inspire others to join or volunteer.

Attend Training and Development Programs: To ensure that all volunteers are prepared and confident in their roles, 4-H offers training and development programs. Participating in these sessions can also help you understand the 4-H philosophy and improve your leadership skills.

Before you begin, consider the time commitment and responsibilities involved in each type of volunteer role. If it is already existing, it is also a good idea to attend a few meetings or events to "get a feel for it" and see where you might best fit in.

Volunteering with 4-H is not only beneficial for the youth but can also be incredibly fulfilling for you as a volunteer.

Volunteer Enrollment Short Form

The Short form may be used when volunteers are working in low-risk positions or performing their role along with and under constant supervision of the Extension staff or trained volunteer supervisor. Examples of use of this form would be for a person who will be making a presentation to a group, assisting with a contest, or serving on Extension Leadership Councils.

All Virginia Cooperative Extension volunteers complete this form annually and submit to the James City County Office by October 15 of the year.  This form is current from October 1 through September 30 of the current year.

Volunteer Enrollment Short Form

Volunteer Enrollment Long Form

The Long Form should be used if the volunteer role calls for the volunteer to work with vulnerable clientele (examples: youth, seniors, those with disabilities) without direct supervision. The form is also recommended when the volunteer will be asked to handle confidential information or manage funds. Examples of volunteer roles appropriate for the long form: 4-H club organizational leader, financial mentor volunteer, after-school program volunteer, adult treasurer.

All Virginia Cooperative Extension volunteers complete this form annually and submit to the James City County Office by October 15 of the year.  This form is current from October 1 through September 30 of the current year.

Volunteer Enrollment Long Form

Standards of Behavior for Virginia 4-H Volunteers Form 

The 4-H Standards of Behavior for Virginia 4-H Volunteers form is completed annually for any Virginia Cooperative Extension volunteer that works with you between the ages of 5 - 19.  This form is current from October 1 through September 30 of the current year.

Standards of Behavior for Virginia 4-H Volunteers Form

Virginia Cooperative Extension Risk Management Card

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Risk Management Card provides detailed information and steps to follow in the event of an incident resulting in serious injury and/of fatality and incidents that involve law enforcement/or may result in litigation.  This wallet-sized card and specific contact information may be obtained from the James City County Office. This card should be carried by all volunteers when conducting any programming on behalf of Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Risk Management Card