Junior/Teen Leader

How can I become a Junior or Teen Leader?

Prior to the beginning of the project, you should talk to your project leader about the possibility of becoming a Junior or Teen Leader.

Junior leaders (intermediate members): To become a junior leader, members must be at least 11 and no more than 13 years old by December 31st of the program year.

Teen leaders (senior members): To become a teen leader, members must be at least 14 and no more than 19 years old by December 31st of the program year.

What is a Junior or Teen Leader?

Junior and Teen leader positions allow 4-H members to learn about the qualities and competencies needed to be a leader. Junior leaders provide assistance to other members and the project leader as discussed at the beginning of the year. Teen leaders may assume more challenging roles as discussed with the project leader at the start of the project year. Junior and teen leaders may assist with specific projects or with more general 4-H activities and events. A 4-H member may be a junior or teen leader for one or more projects during the year.

What will be my main role as a Junior or Teen Leader?

The primary duties of a junior or teen leader are (varies by age, experience, and other factors):

Work collaboratively with the adult leader to set goals, develop lesson plans, teach skills, and evaluate activities.
Coordinate logistical details such as meeting times, locations, materials, supplies, and expenses with the adult leader.
Communicate with the adult leader and members about group expectations, responsibilities and expected outcomes.

At the beginning of the year, the 4-H member and the adult leaders should meet to discuss the project and define each of their roles. The 4-H member should complete the pre-project part of the Leadership Development Form Report form. At the end of the year, the 4-H member must complete the post-project part of the form and include the entire form in his/her Record Book to receive credit. Please see 4-H Record Book for more details.