Volunteers are a key part of the 4-H Youth Development Program. By volunteering, you are helping to grow the skills of 4-H youth to be future leaders.
Volunteering in 4-H is flexible and rewarding. Share your expertise and experience with the youth and other volunteers to make things happen!
Eligibility
4-H Adult Volunteers must complete enrollment BEFORE participating in the 4-H program. All 4-H adult volunteers must apply and be appointed annually. Please follow the steps below to apply to be a 4-H adult volunteer.
- Are at least 18 years old and have project-specific content knowledge or willingness to learn and teach others.
- Club Leaders and Chaperones must be at least 21 years old.
Enrollment Steps
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 enrollment year is now open! The 4-H year runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Enrollment is open year round, however the recommended tome to enroll un a Community Club is July through September, and clubs typically begin their meetings for the new program year in September.
Step #1: Contact the Community Club Leader
Find a local 4-H club: Kings County 4-H Clubs
In order to become a 4-H adult volunteer, you must contact a local 4-H Community Club Leader within Kings County to find out what volunteer opportunities are available that you could fill.
Step #2: 4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey
2025-2026 4-H New Adult Volunteer Interest Survey
As a 4-H adult volunteer, you will play an important role in the development of young people, helping them to identify their spark and develop the skills and positive outcomes that lead to thriving.
The University of California Cooperative Extension 4-H staff would like to find out a little bit more about you to help identify opportunities in the program that align with your interest(s), skills and background. Please complete this survey (also linked above). Once you complete the interest survey, information for completing the remaining steps in the application process will be emailed to you. Please follow the instructions in the email.
Step #3: Enroll Online (ZSuite)
- Go to https://4h.zsuite.org
- If you or your children have been in 4-H within the past 4 years do not create a new account. You can reset your password if needed.
- If you are new to 4-H, click "Sign up".
- Click "+Household Member" to add new individuals to the household. Their birthdate determines their role as a Youth Member or Adult Volunteer.
- Re-enroll members who already have a profile from previous years.
- Complete all enrollment sections including personal info, units, and waivers. Select the club you chose as your "Primary Unit".
- After all enrollment sections are complete, Click "Submit".
- The adult enrollment status will show as PENDING APPROVAL.
Help sheets and videos can be found on the CA 4-H Resource Center Enrollment page.
Step #4: New Adult Volunteer Training
2025-2026 New Volunteer Online Training
The California 4-H New Volunteer Course is a necessary resource for adults starting their first year or coming back after a break of a year or more. In this course, you will learn important parts of 4-H service, like an orientation, CANRA guidelines, and the 4-H Thriving Model for Positive Youth Development. You'll also learn about 2-Deep Supervision and the 4-H program's commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all youth, and how you can help achieve that vision.
Length: 1 hour, 35 minutes (Can be completed over multiple sessions)
Required Enrollment Key: Kings
Step #5: DOJ and FBI Background Check
All 4-H adult volunteers in California must complete a Live Scan background check with the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Live Scan may be completed at any location that provides Live Scan service; fees vary by location. You must take the Live Scan form (includes details that will allow California 4-H to receive your results) with you to have the Live Scan completed.
4-H office staff will provide you with the correct Live Scan form once your 4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey and Enrollment Applications have been reviewed.
Step #6: Enrollment Fees (None this year!)
There is nothing to do for this step since all Kings County 4-H youth member and adult volunteer enrollment fees are being paid for by the Kings County 4-H Sponsoring Committee for the 2025-2026 4-H year. Thank you to our generous sponsors who make 4-H free in Kings County. They have elected to cover our California 4-H Enrollment Fees which are $67 for youth members and $28 for adult volunteers.
Step #7: Wait for Approval
Enrollment can be approved after the Kings County 4-H office confirms:
- Submission of all enrollment forms
- Completion of enrollment requirements
The County Director reviews and approves 4-H volunteer appointments/re-appointments once the Adult Volunteer process is complete.
- If approved, notification of your 4-H adult volunteer appointment will be sent via email.
- If there are any limitations on the appointment, a letter will be sent from the County Director outlining the limitations of the appointment.
- If not approved, a letter will be sent to the application from the County Director.
Once you are approved and your membership is active:
- Start connecting with 4-H families about your new role
- Participate in 4-H events and activities
- Take advantage of 4-H resources:
- Skills development workshops
- Approved curriculum to plan your projects
- Volunteer leadership conferences
Welcome to 4-H!
