STEP TWO: CHOOSE YOUR PROJECTS

A 4-H project lets you pick a topic you want to learn about and explore throughout the year. Whatever your interests are, there’s a project for you:

• Creative & Technical: Art, woodworking, computers, clothing design, small engines, and more.
• Animal Sciences: Care, raising, and study of animals like rabbits and livestock.
• SISU Endurance Team Running and XC Ski Clubs: Choose Outdoor Recreation

How to Find the Right Project

• Ask Local Leaders: 4-H Youth Development Educator Neil Klemme can guide you toward available local projects and resources.
• Browse Online: Check out the Wisconsin 4-H Project Guide to explore the full lineup of available options.

Have questions? Contact Neil Klemme, 4-H Youth Development Educator, using the details at the bottom of this page.

STEP FOUR: WELCOME TO 4-H!

Club level participation – Showing up to regular monthly meetings and events is the best way to stay in the loop with everything happening in Iron County 4-H. To stay even more connected, connect with your club leader to be added to your club’s official Facebook page for real-time updates and announcements.

Participate in county projects and events – Iron County 4-H occasionally hosts events that ALL CLUBS are welcome to attend. Examples include ringing the bells for the Salvation Army during the holidays, participating in community clean up events, volunteering in the 4-H Dairy Booth at the Iron County Fair, and more!

Participate in state and national events – Iron County 4-H members have access to a wide range of optional state and national events, camps, and leadership experiences. While most of these opportunities carry a registration fee, the Iron County 4-H Leaders Association offers financial assistance through scholarships to help make them accessible to every interested youth. You can browse all available programs on the Wisconsin 4-H Statewide Events Page.

4-H Projects –  While members explore a variety of topics during regular club meetings, Iron County 4-H also offers optional, specialized project meetings. Led by creative local leaders, these hands-on sessions cover specific subjects. At this time, Iron County 4-H offers woodworking meetings at Saint Maud’s and a Shooting Sports program. To participate in these specialized sessions, youth must be enrolled in one of Iron County’s three chartered clubs: the Iron County Green Team, the Penokee Range Livestock Club, or the Adventurers of the North.

Club Leadership – 4-H members have the opportunity to represent their clubs as elected officers! This is a great way for your 4-H’er to take on a leadership role in their club.

STEP TWO: REVIEW THE VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTIONS

Before enrolling in 4-H Online, review the position descriptions below to select the volunteer role that best matches your planned involvement. If you need assistance determining the right fit, contact Neil Klemme at 715-561-2695 or neil.klemme@wisc.edu.

Club Volunteer Roles

• Club Leader: Includes titles such as Organizational Leader, Co-Leader, or General Leader. Club Leaders coordinate overall group operations, partner with youth and adults, and foster a positive development environment.
• Club Enrollment Coordinator: Assists new and returning members and adult volunteers with the registration process.
• Activity/Event Volunteer: Plans, organizes, or assists with specific club events and committee activities throughout the year.
• Committee Volunteer: Serves on or leads focused committees to create meaningful educational experiences for youth.

Project & Program Volunteer Roles

• Project Leader: Directs and maintains a specific project area at either the club or county level.
• Key Leader: Oversees the overall coordination and management of a countywide project area.
• Resource Leader: Helps youth and families find educational materials and assets for their project areas.
• Overnight Adult Advisor / Chaperone: Partners with Extension staff to supervise overnight programs, camps (such as Iron County Summer Youth Camp or Outpost Camp), and travel trips to ensure a safe, positive experience.

Explore more details on the Wisconsin 4-H Volunteer Resources Page.

STEP FOUR: COMPLETE TRAININGS/SCREENING

Volunteering with youth in Extension programs is a vital role that carries the shared responsibility of keeping every participant safe. To support our leaders, Wisconsin 4-H provides annual training on best practices for youth protection and safety management.

What You Will Learn

• Reporting Requirements: All Wisconsin 4-H volunteers are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct occurring within Extension programs and complete training on the reporting process.
• Mandated Reporting & Youth Support: Learn your responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter, how to report concerns regarding child abuse and neglect, and how to best support youth through challenging situations.

How to Complete Your Training

This training is mandatory for all volunteers seeking approval for the current year. To access and complete the module:

• Click on the Required Annual Volunteer Training module in your list to begin.
• Log in to your profile at 4honline.com.
• Select Training from the left-side navigation menu.

Required Volunteer Screening Process

To ensure a safe environment for all youth, Wisconsin 4-H requires every adult volunteer to complete a background check as part of the enrollment process.

• Background Check Requirement: All new volunteer applicants must complete a background check. Continuing volunteers complete a updated background check every two years.
• How It Works: Once you submit your application in 4-H Online, you will receive an email invitation from HireRight (Extension’s secure background check vendor) to complete the screening online.

All volunteer screening steps and required safety trainings must be fully completed before an adult can be approved to lead or supervise youth activities.