Volunteer adults who serve as 4-H leaders are considered volunteer faculty members of Washington State University. As a volunteer, you have access to research and information from the university by contacting personnel in your county Extension office. If you would like a copy of this or other references listed, they are available at county Extension offices. This, in a nutshell, is the main objective of the 4-H program. In 4-H, volunteer leaders encourage youth to gain knowledge and learn practical life skills, and to apply both in their project area.
Members learn to work together as a team and develop a sense of fair play.
As 4-H members mature, they have opportunities to learn and practice leadership skills within their own club, at county activities, and during state events. They also begin to develop an appreciation and understanding of their community through individual or club service projects. Members improve their communication skills through working together and interaction in the club, presentations, and 4-H record keeping. They also develop positive attitudes about themselves and others, learn basic health and safety practices, have educational and vocational experiences, and learn how to set and achieve realistic goals for themselves through individual time management. All of this doesn't happen at once, but develops gradually as members continue their involvement in 4-H under the guidance of their leader.