Chaperone
Adult chaperones play an important role in supporting safety and security for 4-H'ers at overnight 4-H events.
"There’s always something you can bring to a conference or an event that will help improve, even if you just stand back and learn yourself, it’s a good experience wherever you go."
~ Amy, first time chaperone
Chaperones and 4-H youth experience events together!
Qualifications
Current 4-H adult volunteer at least 21 years old, in good standing with their county and the state office.
At least 12 months of volunteerism in California 4-H.
See Chaperone Role Description (PDF)
Please read and review the role description for overnight state and national 4-H events. Please download and save the copy. Chaperones need to connect to and fill out the acknowledgement form in the role description to certify that you agree to the guidelines.
Key Duties (4-H Vision and Values)
A passion to help youth achieve key positive youth development outcomes:
Academic motivation and success
Social competence
High personal standards
Connection with others
Personal responsibility
Contribution to others through leadership and civic engagement.
Create an environment where safe, meaningful, impactful educational opportunities exist, and positive youth development principles are utilized to help members grow and learn.
Time required
Chaperone orientation meetings are often scheduled prior to the event.
Events range from 3-10 days, and may involve out of state travel by airplane.
4-H youth at the national
Ignite by 4-H Conference
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of University of California 4-H Youth Development Program, its mission, core values and policies.
Able to work as a member of a team.
Able to guide middle school and/or high school aged youth through a prescribed itinerary and timeline in an event setting, during travel, and free time.
Understand and practice developmental relationship building and belonging skills with youth.
Understand and practice exemplary youth-adult partnership strategies and techniques.
Able to function in a variety of environmental conditions (noisy, walk long distances in seasonal weather, outdoors, indoors with variable lighting, large groups of people, sharing overnight accommodations with another adult you may not know, etc.)
Essential Functions of the Chaperone
Accompany and supervise youth in all program areas in both structured and unstructured activity.
Ensure that youth and adult participants are safe (both emotionally and physically) for the entire experience including pre-event planning, preparation, and travel.
Act as a positive role model for youth (stay with the group, be solution-oriented, refrain from cell phone use, etc.).
Model the behavior expected from youth. We expect youth to be kind, so you must be kind. We expect youth to follow guidance, so you must follow guidance. And so on and so forth.
Participate in all meetings and webinars—before and during the event.
Supervise all youth assigned to you, regardless of county affiliations.
Chaperone and youth on the bus, returning from the Leadership Washington Focus trip.
Chaperone Essentials
Adults volunteering as chaperones for state 4-H sponsored overnight events, including state and national conferences, must complete this course once. It is also recommended for chaperones of all 4-H sponsored overnight events.
Chaperones at Ignite Conference 2023
Chaperone Application Process
All chaperones for overnight 4-H events apply using one form. Chaperones are selected based on the timeline and needs of the event. Please do not register for the event until you are notified if you are chosen as a chaperone.
One-on-One Chaperones
Sometimes, 4-H youth members might have unique needs due to physical, social, or developmental differences. If they meet the criteria of needing necessary accommodations, they may need someone to support them one-on-one.
If you would like to apply for this role, please select the 'chaperone one-on-one' option on the application form. You will have an additional phone interview requirement with the event organizer and the young person's parent or guardian, if you’re not the same person.
Please note: There is no discount on registration fees for adult chaperones in this role. However, scholarship support may be available for the youth member.
Questions about Event Chaperones?
Please contact the Event Contact for the event you are interested in volunteering with.