Older Youth Opportunities
Senior 4-H Member Opportunities
County Level
Hi 4-H
Who: 8th grade and older
When: Once per month
What: Social activities, learn techniques, develop skills, gain information that will help you to be a better leader. This group is meant to be a resource for older members.
Jr./Teen Leader
Provide leadership for club or project level. Assist in leading a project, help new members, work with members on demonstrations, do club promotion, or other ideas. Planning and report forms available at state 4-H reports.
Camp Staff
Where: Camp will be held at Camp Sylvester, Pinecrest
When: June 22-27, 2024
When: June 22-27, 2024
Who: 9th grade graduates (by camp) and older
When: applications and interviews are held in early-March
Trainings, meetings follow each month with several held in June. Camp staff is housed in cabins (2 or so per cabin) with members. Camp staff leads sessions and directs activities, educational sessions, campfire, canoeing, and other camp programs. Adult chaperone's are housed in cabins with the members and are support to the camp staff and supervise campers. Applications are available from Club leaders or contact the Merced County 4-H office
DEADLINE FOR COMPLETED APPLICATIONS
MONDAY, 11/27/2023- NO EXCEPTIONS
Must be dropped off at the Merced County 4-H Office.
Other Opportunities
Teen Presenters
There are opportunities for teens to be teachers of younger youth. The junior and teen leader roles in club and projects are examples. Other roles are the teens in the 4-H SERIES, SET and YES programs. Both of these programs are geared to presenting in an inquiry method. That is one of asking questions and letting the kids explore in finding the answers.
Board Positions
Teens with an interest in the guidance of Merced County 4-H Program areas are encouraged to apply for board positions. Board positions include promotion, small and large animal science, advocacy, evaluation, plant science, social science, leadership, science and technology, and others. Check with the 4-H office on current vacancies.
Focus Groups
California Focus- COMING BACK 2024
Service learning has always been a part of California Focus. This year only, we are introducing the Civic Engagement Academy as a statewide event so youth and adults can see what it’s about. This curriculum was developed over 4 years. It is designed as a Teens as Teachers model for counties to host. Youth will be trained to lead the CE Academy in their county, supported by 4-H Adult volunteers.
Washington Focus
Minimum Age: 16 years old, Youth Fee: ~$1400.00 to $2000.00
A unique citizenship educational experience that combines hands-on participation in workshops, debates, and simulations with speakers and visits to historical, cultural, and governmental sites at the federal level.
Programs include visits to Washington DC, Gettysburg, New York City, Philadelphia or Williamsburg.
Information Washington Focus: Pat English at pnenglish@ucdavis.eduhttp://ca4h.org/citizenship/dcfocus
or 530-754-8520 or
Leadership Conferences
Date TBD
Registration Deadline: TBD
Intermediate Program Track- Ages 11-13
Registration Deadline: TBD
Intermediate Program Track- Ages 11-13
Senior Program Track- Ages 14-19
FOCUS: To provide youth with leadership and service skills, peer and adult networks, encouragement, and opportunities necessary to improve their well-being, and that of their family and community.
Delegates participate in five workshops, listening to keynote speakers, and meeting new people!
State Level
CA 4-H State Leadership Conference
Complete a State wide Service Project
Represent 4-H Youth Development at all levels and to other organizations.
Application Deadline: Varies: March through August. Minimum Age: Most awards are 14 years old
The California 4-H Foundation Board of Directors (Youth Member)
Application Deadline: May 31
Term: One year (optional second year), July to June; Travel and other costs covered
Participate in Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings as assigned, and Foundation events.
Accompany Foundation staff and board members on visits to current and prospective donors
Information: Contact the State 4-H Office at 530-757-8740