Volunteer for 4-H

Volunteer to help grow true leaders

A 4-H volunteer is many things, a mentor, advisor, teacher, coach, role model and much more. Most importantly, a 4-H leader genuinely cares about young people and wants to help them learn and grow. As a 4-H volunteer, you are important to help our youth “learn-by-doing”.

Anyone over 18 who cares about making a difference can volunteer! You don’t have to be a parent or an expert. You will need to complete a background check and attend basic trainings provided by Chaffee Extension.

Learn more at COlorado 4-H
A group of youth and an adult work together at a table building a small robotic model, with instruction papers and parts spread out in a classroom setting.
A group of youth wearing headphones work on laptops at a table during a 4‑H National Youth Science Day activity, with two adults leaning over to assist in a classroom.

What do 4-H volunteers do?

  • Teach young people important skills
  • Help plan and conduct events
  • Work in partnership (adults and youth) to lead 4-H clubs, activities, and events
  • Supports and creates community service opportunities
  • Shares their knowledge and interests with young people
  • Chaperone camps, field trips, contests and leadership conferences
  • Recruit other volunteers
  • Develop and evaluate 4-H youth development programs
  • Contribute by promoting and supporting 4-H

Chaffee County application process

There are five* required steps to becoming a Colorado 4-H volunteer in Chaffee County:

  1. Fill out our Contact Us form to begin the process.
  2. Complete the online application. The application will be completed through 4-H Online, our state 4-H database.
  3. Receive two positive references.
  4. Complete the background check.
  5. Complete an online 4-H orientation.

*There may be additional requirements depending on the volunteer position that you are applying for.

After you have completed the five steps, you will be notified by the county Extension office that your screening is complete. Your name will be activated in 4-H Online, our state database. Upon being accepted as a 4-H volunteer, you will meet with your county 4-H staff to discuss volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are the Heart of 4-H! Thank you for sharing your time and talent with Colorado youth. We look forward to you joining the 4-H team!

Volunteer resources