We’re glad you decided to join us! As a volunteer, you decide the level of involvement that fits your skills and  schedule such as: 

  • Lead community clubs, school-based or after-school programs, and camp settings
  • Serve as a chaperone, 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

Volunteer certification provides you with liability protection while serving as a 4-H volunteer.

MD State 4-H Volunteer Handbook                            

New Volunteers

Adults who want to enroll as 4-H volunteers must apply and go through an orientation with the 4-H educator prior to becoming volunteers.

UME 4-H Volunteer Process

To become a Certified UME 4-H Volunteer, contact Gretchen Sumbrum, 4-H Educator. All volunteers must be on-boarded through our local 4-H Program. The onboarding/ certification process includes:

- an application
- reference and background check
- new volunteer orientation
- interview with local 4-H Educator
- appointment paperwork (appointment agreement, position description, and code of conduct

* Additional training may be required depending on the volunteer role.

UME Certified Volunteers

To continue to serve as a 4-H volunteer the following guidelines should be followed:

- annual enrollment in the online system
- if volunteering for 5yrs or more, complete the refresher course

Additional Volunteer Information

Click here for additional volunteer resources & information

Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee

The Maryland 4-H Volunteers' Association transitioned into the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee in 2022. The purpose of the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee is to support the needs of the Maryland 4-H program throughout the state working directly with the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Specialist as a state committee.

  • Interested in joining the advisory committee? Sign up through theAdvisory Committee Survey and come join the conversation! Meetings are held monthly alternating on the 2nd Tuesday and Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
  • Want to share information with other volunteers or with the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee? Submit to the Volunteer Voice.
  • Have a volunteer you want to celebrate on social media? Submit a Volunteer Celebration.

Volunteer Resources:

For more information, contact: Jamie Morris, Maryland 4-H Volunteer Specialist, at jkenton@umd.edu or a member of the Maryland 4-H Volunteer Advisory Committee.