Join as a Volunteer
4-H Volunteers are a key component of the 4-H program, which focuses on citizenship, leadership, and life skills development using a “learn by doing” educational model. With each volunteer comes knowledge, experiences, and skills that can be taught to 4-H youth and shared with the 4-H program.
No matter your background or expertise, you can join the 4-H community. As a parent, a project leader, or in any other leadership capacity, you can offer your unique talents and perspectives. You decide the level of involvement that fits your skills and schedule, such as:
- Lead community clubs, school-based or after-school programs, or serve as an activity leader
- Serve as a committee or board member, event judge, or camp counselor
- Create community service opportunities for youth in your area
- Work with other adults to create fun and exciting programs
It’s important that we maintain a team of quality volunteers to administer our Frederick County 4-H programs and work with our youth. We want the best experience possible for our 4-H’ers, as well as for our volunteers which is why we have the following process.
Here are the steps for becoming a Certified UME 4-H Volunteer:
Enroll in 4-HOnline - If you already have a family profile, while in your "Member List" click on "Add Member" and then complete "New Volunteer" as your Volunteer position. If you are brand new to 4-H please create a new account.
Volunteer Orientation Training
- Please watch this 4-H Volunteer Orientation Video.
- Once you've watched the video, please complete the Orientation Survey.
- Our office will receive notification of your completion of the 4-H Volunteer Orientation Training Survey.
Background Check
- Once you complete your 4-HOnline enrollment (see above, Enroll in 4-HOnline), and have completed the Volunteer Orientation Training and survey (see above), the Maryland 4-H office will send you an invitation email through Sterling Volunteers.
- Please check your spam/junk folder around the time the email will be sent.
- In the email there will be an online portal that will run a Commercial Criminal Background Check, a data driven check using your social security number.
- There is a $15.00 fee for this service that will be paid online using a credit card.
- This background check will be required every five (5) years.
References
- An Adobe Sign email will be sent to your 3 references listed in your 4-HOnline Screening, so they can complete the reference form digitally.
- Please let them know in advance so they can watch for the email coming from kkrasaus@umd.edu.
Phone Interview - Please schedule a time at https://bit.ly/4-HVolunteerInterview for a short 15 - 20 minute phone interview.
Signing an Appointment Agreement and Position Description via an Adobe Sign email that will be sent to you after the above steps are completed.
Take a look at our 4-H Volunteer Handbook available on the 4-H State- For Volunteers web page under Volunteer Information Resources and Links drop-down menu. We recommend printing it out, as it is a handy resource which can be referred to frequently.
If you have any questions, please contact Kim Krasauskis at kkrasaus@umd.edu or 301-600-1595.