Georgia 4-H programs across the state relay on outstanding volunteers to reach youth, support program efforts, led clubs, assist at camps, and provide staff with valuable feedback.
Georgia 4-H loves to work with community members who have a passion for working with youth. A great aspect about 4-H is that county programs and installations leading 4-H Clubs can plan programming to fit the needs and interests of the youth. To support these efforts club leaders and staff can reach out to community members, military members, teachers, and business’ that can support the effort in a variety of ways. Community members interested in healthy living can assist program efforts by teaching youth their favorite stretches or teaching youth how to make a healthy snack. A business can promote healthy living by providing a behind the scenes tour of their restaurant to showcase safe food practices and food prep. A military member can connect staff with the recreational department to showcase the variety of outdoor activities and even coordinate a program to use the facility equipment for a day of fun and exercise. As you can see there are many connections we can make within our communities to support the educational development of youth.
Another benefit of reaching outside of our normal club leaders for teaching or carrying out programs is that it brings variety to the overall 4-H Program. We all enjoy variety in our lives and youth are no different. Sometimes when we hear something from someone new or experience it in new way we understand it better. Also, taking youth outside of the normal teaching environment is an attention grabber and provides new possibilities for learning along with a new environment to stimulate the brain.
As a military installation or County Extension employee remember partnering with your local 4-H program/installation can led to great rewards. Both entities can provide a unique youth experience, expand program reach, and alleviate program planning pressure when we work together. The County Extension 4-H program offers programs year around to all residents ranging from competitive teams, camps, afterschool programs, weekend events, leadership training, and the like. We will highlight more about local and state programing in the future, but always feel free to reach out for ideas, partnership, and support.
If you have a volunteer interested in not just teaching one lesson but carrying out an entire program or event, it is recommended to screen that individual to ensure the safety of the youth and also protect the volunteer as well. Be sure to follow correct practices within your entity. In Georgia 4-H volunteers are asked to go through a screening process including an adult agreement, background check, and online training before working with youth alone, managing a club, driving youth, or before handling money. Addiotnal training will be needed to prepare the volunteer for taking on the role as a club leader or event coordinator. Consider providing the volunteer with a tour of the facility, introducing them to people who can assist them, if money is involved go over management practices, and invite them to attend 1-3 existing clubs/events so they can see an idea of how the club/events are managed. To learn more about the Georgia 4-H Screening process check out: https://georgia4h.org/programs/focus-areas/citizenship/military-programs/volunteer-for-military-programs/
Remember volunteers and community partners can make a major impact on the educational experience and success of activities. Consider partnering with an organization, business, or volunteer for your next project.