Volunteering with 4-H

Volunteers

Many of the 4-H programs here in Alachua County are managed by volunteer leaders. Many volunteers join us to help with programs and events. These Level 1 volunteers are always needed for events like School Tours at the Alachua County Youth Fair, Exhibit Judging, County Events, and more. Our other group of volunteers are our club leaders and those working directly with youth on a regular basis. These volunteers spend countless hours on 4-H programming and are extraordinarily valuable to our program. All Level 2 volunteers undergo background screening in accordance with Florida 4-H policies. Level 2 volunteers will need to regularly re-enroll in 4-H Online and have their background screening updated.

All volunteers (Level 1 & Level 2) should enroll in 4-H Online each year in September.

Exhibit Judging

Exhibit Judging is a pre-fair event for the Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show (ACYFLS). Youth submit their non-livestock exhibits and participate in a judging interview. An exhibit is the item or display that youth have made in a 4-H project. Posters, science exhibits, educational displays, photos, paintings, etc. are all exhibits. In some projects, the Exhibit List describes specific things you can enter (ex. in muffins: 12 regular or 36 mini; in flower garden: a garden plant, transplants, etc.). In other projects, it leaves it up to you to decide what to exhibit. Each exhibit entered will be judged. 4-Hers have the opportunity to meet with the judge in a "conference judging" situation. The judge will ask questions, such as how the exhibit was made or what problems were encountered and how they were solved, and they may offer suggestions on ways to improve it. 4-Hers can also ask questions of the judge. This is a great opportunity for youth to practice their interview skills.

County & District Events

Each year, Alachua County 4-H hosts County Events to give youth an opportunity to showcase their public speaking skills, as well as their talents in other areas. Youth are encouraged to prepare speeches or demonstrations, participate in the Share The Fun talent competition, and to submit photography/digital art pieces. Speech/demonstration topics can include nature & outdoors, healthy living, communication & expressive arts, animals and more. Share The Fun is a great opportunity for youth to showcase talents such as dancing, singing, comedy, and more. For each competition, local community members are asked to be volunteer judges. Participants are awarded ribbons based on their score sheets, and blue ribbon competitors are invited to participate in District Events. Seniors who receive blue ribbons at District Events are then given an opportunity to compete statewide at 4-H University in the summer.