4-H Volunteer Training Series (VTS)

4-H Volunteer Training Series: The ABCs of 4-H: A Primer for 4-H Volunteers

Written by Keith G. Diem and Sarah Hensley. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Shreemoyee Ghosh, Jessica Emerson, Paula Davis, Nicole Crawson, Bailea Scarborough, and David Hafner.

This information sheet is the introduction to the 4-H Volunteer Training Series (VTS). The series contains a wealth of information, from how to start a club, to planning field trips, to how to work with youth. This part was originally published in July 2014 and then revised in July 2018. It was updated in the summer of 2023 and is now revised in September 2024.

Adopting 4-H Club Bylaws

Keith G. Diem, Judy Levings, and Ben Knowles

4-H Volunteer Training Series: How to Start a 4-H Club (for Youth Ages 5–18)

Keith G. Diem, Joy Jordan, Dale Pracht, and Judy Butterfield. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Nicole Crawson, Jessica Emerson, Shreemoyee Ghosh, David Hafner, Baliea Scarborough, Paula Davis, Melinda Souers, and Dallas Meringolo.

This is one part of the 4-H Volunteer Training series. It was originally written in 2005, adapted in 2014, and updated in 2023.

Making Learning Fun

Keith G. Diem and Judy Levings

4-H

Planning a Successful Field Trip

Keith G. Diem and Ben Knowles

4-H Project Learning

Judith Levings

Protecting Youth and Volunteers by Planning Ahead, Reducing Risk

Keith G. Diem

Running a Smooth 4-H Business Meeting

Chris DeCubellis

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Selecting a Name for Your 4-H Club

Keith G. Diem, Marilyn N. Norman, and Joy C. Jordan. Revised by Jessica Emerson, Candi Dierenfield, Shreemoyee Ghosh, David Hafner, Amber Norris, Melinda Souers, Paula Davis, and Heather Kent

This is one part of the 4-H Volunteer Training series. It was originally published in 2005 and revised in 2012. It was updated in the summer of 2023 and is now published in 2024.

Volunteer Training Series—4-H Cloverbuds Program: 4-H for Younger Members

Amanda Squitieri and Sarah Hensley

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Recognizing Young People

Originally written by Georgene Bender. Revised by Geralyn Sachs, Sarah Hensley, Andrew Toelle, Kelsey Cook, Marnie Ward, Shayla Reighter, Dallas Meringolo, Courtney Quirie and Christopher Decubellis.

Developing a sense of belonging is one of the Essential Elements of a positive youth development experience. Creating an inclusive environment in your 4-H club programs and activities can help you achieve this goal. Providing many forms of recognition for all, not just for those who excel in competition with other youth, supports this sense of belonging.