4-H Volunteer Leadership Training Series

The 4-H Leader Training Series is the official source of orientation and training materials for all 4-H volunteers in South Carolina. It is especially valuable for 4-H club leaders. Below are the topics currently offered. They can be viewed and downloaded as PDF files.

Section I: Introduction to 4-H

• The ABC's of 4-H: A Primer for 4-H Volunteers (PDF 591KB)
• There's More to 4-H Than Clubs: Ways 4-H Reaches Youth (PDF 447 KB)
• 4-H Cloverbuds: 4-H for Younger Members (PDF 448 KB)

Section II: Starting Your Own Club

• How to Start a 4-H Club (PDF 617 KB)
• Selecting a Name for Your 4-H Club (PDF 476 KB)
• Adopting a 4-H Club Constitution (PDF 534 KB)
• 4-H Club Officers Make the Meeting (PDF 490 KB)
• Running a Smooth 4-H Business Meeting (PDF 494 KB)
• What Makes a Good 4-H Club Meeting? (PDF 448 KB)
• 4-H Project Materials for Learning and Fun (PDF 462 KB)

Section III: Enriching the Club Experience

• Ten Steps to a Successful Service Learning Project (PDF 518 KB)
• Getting 4-H'ers Involved in Public Speaking (PDF 497 KB)
• Planning and Conducting a Successful Program or Activity (PDF 484 KB)
• Planning a Successful Field Trip (PDF 497 KB)
• Promoting 4-H and Getting More Members for Your Club (PDF 554 KB)
• How to Write a News Release (PDF 489 KB)
• How Effective is Your 4-H Club? A Checklist for Success (PDF 469 KB)

Section IV: Understanding Youth and Their Needs

• Learn by Doing the 4-H Way (PDF 550 KB)
• Making Learning Fun (PDF 496 KB)
• Recognizing Your 4-H Members'Achievements (PDF 478 KB)
• Positive Discipline for Children (PDF 478 KB)
• Valuing Differences, Celebrating Diversity (PDF 469 KB)

Section V: Volunteers and 4-H Program Management

• Liability of 4-H Volunteers (PDF 491 KB)
• 4-H Club Treasuries (Draft version) (PDF 545kB)
• 4-H Fundraising (Draft version) (PDF 545kB)

Be sure to speak with your county 4-H staff about volunteering for 4-H where you live. Contact your County Extension 4-H Office.

Written by Keith G. Diem, Ph.D., 2005.