Alabama 4-H Volunteer Training

Making The Best Better!

Special Thanks To:Patricia Bryant

Kim GrahamMolly Gregg

Chuck Hill

Jennifer KerpelmanMaggie Lawrence

Joy MaxwellLamar Nichols

Nancy Alexander, Extension Specialist, 4-H Volunteerism

Mario Lightfoote, Extension Video & Multimedia Specialist– Extension Communications & Marketing

Alabama 4-H Vision Alabama 4-H is an innovative, responsive leader in developing youth to be productive citizens and leaders in a complex and dynamic society.

Alabama 4-H Vision

Our vision is supported through collaborative, committed efforts of Extension professionals, youth, and volunteers.

Alabama 4-H Major Program Areas

Natural Resources & Environmental Education

Family and Consumer Sciences Science, Engineering and Technology Plant and Animal Sciences Citizenship, Leadership & Communications

Alabama 4-H Volunteer Training

Volunteer Rules of BehaviorPatricia BryantAlabama 4-H Volunteer

Final Reminders Thou Shalt Not

Use alcoholPromote your religious or political

preferencesSteal, pilfer, or commit fraudUse tobacco outside designated areas

…in front of 4-H kids during 4-H activities.

Final Reminders don’t…

Make sexual advances toward youthWillfully damage propertyLet passengers in vehicles without seatbelts or in the backs of trucksEngage in illegal behaviors

Alabama 4-H Volunteer Training

Ages & Stages of Youth DevelopmentDr. Jennifer KerpelmanProfessor and Extension Specialist

Auburn University – Human Development and Family Studies

Ages and Stages of Youth Development

• Physical• Social• Emotional• Intellectual

Ages and Stages9-11 Year Olds

Quite activeGirls mature faster than boysSee adults as authority figuresSee punishment as direct

consequenceFeel loyalty to the group

Ages and Stages9-11 Year Olds

May prefer to be with the same sexNeed to feel acceptedPrefer concrete ideasWant to explore the worldHave interests in hobbiesMay express themselves in writing

Ages and Stages 12-14 Year Olds

Exhibit a wide range of sexual maturity and growth patterns

Experiencing rapid changes in physical appearance

Ages and Stages12-14 Year Olds

Concerned about appearance and clumsinessInterested in activities that involve opposite sexLook more to peers than parents

Ages and Stages 12-14 Year OldsSeek acceptance and trustSearch for adult role modelsSex is depersonalizedReject ready-made solutionsQuestion authority and valuesMood swings

Ages and Stages12-14 Year Olds

Justice and equity are importantThink abstractlyCan solve complex problemsChallenge assumptionsCan imagine consequencesCurious about the environment

Ages and Stages 15-18 Year Olds

Concern about body imageSmaller range in size and maturityRealistic view of limitsTend to romanticize sexualitySearch for intimacyTest sexual attractiveness

Ages and Stages of 15-18 Year Old 4-HersCan follow throughKnow that adults make mistakesReject goals set by othersFocus on independence and identityImagine impact on the futureDevelop theoriesImpatient with meaningless activities

Alabama 4-H Volunteer TrainingBe Kind – But Be Firm: Your Role In

Enforcing the RulesMary Lucile Jordan

County Extension Coordinator, Etowah County

Enforcing the Rules

Justice – punishment matches misdeeds

Consequences – a result of choices Encourage future behavior A learning experience

Alabama 4-H Volunteer TrainingSafety and First Aid Guidelines

Joy MaxwellRegional Extension Agent –

4-H Youth Development

Alabama 4-H Volunteer TrainingRisk Management

Nancy Alexander Extension Specialist - Volunteerism

4-H Youth Development