Wayne County 4-H recruiting new volunteers for 2026 program year

Do you have a passion for working with youth? Have you considered becoming a 4-H volunteer but are unsure of the requirements or time commitment?

Wayne County 4-H welcomes you to apply to be a 4-H volunteer. Though it is November, we have been busy already planning another jam-packed year in 2026.

The process involves an application, volunteer interview, new volunteer training (online), in-person volunteer training, Policy 1.50 (Youth Activities & Programs Policy) offered at annual training, enrollment in the 4-H online system, and completion and successful clearing of the Ohio BCI and FBI fingerprint background check. Each step of the process must be completed by the respective deadline to be an approved volunteer. All volunteers working with our 4-H youth must follow the processes to be in care/custody/control at any point during the program year.

Volunteering in the 4-H program can look different depending on your interest and time commitment. We welcome help on all different levels; our program would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers.

Volunteers can serve as organizational advisers and/or co-advisers that run a 4-H club, interview judges at the skillathon, or even run a station at quality assurance for the youth. We also need volunteers to help run our Cloverbud Day Camp in June. Volunteers make up our livestock and Building 10 committees, which are an integral part of our organization. Volunteer work is especially valuable during the fair, although preparations are year round.

Mandatory in-person volunteer training will be offered on three separate dates in 2026 to accommodate different schedules: Saturday, Jan. 31 from 9-11 a.m.; Thursday, Feb. 5 from 6-8 p.m.; or Monday, Feb. 9 from 6-8 p.m. Each volunteer is required to attend one of the dates as part of the process.

Individuals interested in becoming a volunteer must apply online at go.osu.edu/wc4h2026newvolapp by Dec. 1. More information regarding volunteer requirements can be found at wayne.osu.edu under Program Areas, 4-H Youth Development, Volunteers - New Volunteers.

It is important applicants provide a valid email address for each of the three references they list on their application. An email will automatically be sent to that reference to fill out the form. All reference responses must be received by Jan. 1, 2026, to be an eligible volunteer. As always, if there are questions, we encourage you to contact our office via call or email or even come visit if in the area.

Hannah Getz is an Ohio State University Extension 4-H youth development educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or getz.107@osu.edu.