2026-2027 enrollment will open July 14, 2026 @ Noon for adults!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Contra Costa County 4-H.
Adult volunteers help youth learn new skills, build confidence, and grow as leaders. Volunteers lead projects, support clubs, and help create a safe and welcoming environment for young people.
This page explains who can volunteer, what steps are required, and how to get started.
Who Can Volunteer?
Adults age 18 or older are eligible to become appointed 4-H volunteers. Volunteers can serve in a variety of roles, including club leader, project leader, event volunteer, committee member, or county-level leader. No prior 4-H experience is required, training and support are provided.
Please note: overnight chaperones must be at least 25 years old and appointed as 4-H volunteers prior to serving in that role.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with 4-H gives you the opportunity to:
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people
Share your skills and interests
Strengthen your community
Support positive youth development
Many volunteers also find that they grow personally through the experience.
Volunteer Expectations
As a 4-H volunteer, you are expected to:
Provide a safe and inclusive environment
Follow 4-H policies and procedures
Communicate clearly with youth and families
Model positive leadership and behavior
Volunteers are also expected to participate regularly and follow through on their responsibilities.
Become a 4-H Volunteer!
Below are the steps to becoming a volunteer. We look forward to working with you as a valuable asset to the 4-H Youth Development Program.
Step 1: Submit a 4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey
Available July 1, 2026
Each new 4-H Adult Volunteers to submit a brief interest survey. Tell us how you would like to participate in the 4-H program as a volunteer.
Complete the 4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey
Step 2: Submit Online Enrollment in ZSuite
Available July 14, 2026 @ Noon
The next step to enrolling as a 4-H adult volunteer is to submit an online application using ZSuite.
You will be asked to choose a Primary Unit. This is the club that you have chosen to be your 4-H home base. Select one for now, you can always change it later.
Adult Volunteers do not need to add a project at this point. If you are going to be a project leader, your project will be added to ZSuite once your membership is made active and your Annual Project Plan has been submitted to the 4-H Office. Projects can be added at any time through the year.
Once you click submit you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received and is waiting for approval.
Step 3: Complete Screening Requirements
4-H Adult Volunteer must complete and pass a Live Scan background check for DOJ and FBI clearancebefore working with youth.
Live Scan fingerprinting
You will receive the required Live Scan form after previous steps are completed. Once you receive the form:
Live Scans may be offered at County Events
You may choose your own fingerprinting location and submit a check reimbursement form with your receipt, up to $35.
If you are in East County, you may use Diablo Live Scan in Antioch/Brentwood and ask them to bill the county 4-H office directly.
Step 4: Complete Required Online Volunteer Training
Available July 1, 2026
New adult volunteers must complete a New Volunteer Online Training course. This course is designed to teach new volunteers about the 4-H program and cover materials mandated by the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. Course Completion Time: 1 Hour, 20 min.
4-H Volunteer Orientation Course
2-Deep Supervision
CANRA for Volunteers
UC 4-H Core Values & Acknowledgement
ACCESS NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING COURSE - Link available July 1, 2026
Find your county's Self-Enrollment Key to enroll in the online course.
Step 5: Pay the Volunteer Enrollment Fee
Available by July 15, 2026
Adult volunteer fees for 2026-2027 are $30, and that fees must be paid online by credit card. If cost is a concern, contact your club leader.
Pay adult volunteer enrollment fees - Link Available by July 15th
Step 6: Submit a Project Plan (Project Leaders Only)
If you are a 4-H Project Leader, your last step is to submit a project plan for each project that you will be leading. Once your project plan has been received, your project will be added to ZSuite for members to join.
DOWNLOAD PROJECT PLAN TEMPLATE and email completed plan to your club leader.
Enrollment Completion
After the county 4-H office reviews the enrollment, you will receive an email sent via ZSuite to your Family email account to confirm your enrollment status as Active. Once your enrollment is active, you may begin 4-H activities! You may access your 4-H profile at any time of the year to change what projects you are involved in, update your health information, etc.
Note: The project leader and second adult for the project must complete enrollment before their project will be made available to members.
Need Help?
If you have questions about volunteer roles, enrollment, screening, training, or fees, contact:
Need Help?
If you have questions about volunteer roles, enrollment, screening, training, fees, joining 4-H contact your club leader, club enrollment coordinator or the County 4-H Office for assistance.
Contra Costa County 4-H Office
Phone: 925-608-6690
Email: info@contracosta4h.org
We’re here to help you get started.