Participation of Individuals Aged 18, 19, and 20 in 4-H
DOWNLOADAugust 4, 2025
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Individuals aged 18, 19, or 20 years old, (as of January 1 of the current program year) who are within the 4-H age eligibility may choose to apply as MSU Extension Gold or Silver level 4-H volunteers. However, if accepted, they forfeit their status as 4-H youth members for the remainder of their 4-H involvement.
Key Points to Understand
- Individuals who are 4-H age 18, 19, or 20 and become an MSU Extension Gold or Silver level 4-H volunteer are no longer eligible to participate in county, state, or national 4-H experiences as a 4-H youth member.
- After becoming an MSU Extension Gold or Silver level 4-H volunteer, individuals are not eligible to return to 4-H youth member status.
- MSU Extension Gold or Silver level 4-H volunteers who are ages 18, 19, or 20 should not be intentionally placed in a position of authority over peers of their same age, however, it is recognized that when an individual is acting in a volunteer capacity, they are responsible for youth who are engaged in the 4-H program, event, or activity.
- Individuals who apply to become an MSU Extension Gold or Silver level 4-H volunteer and are not accepted, may revert to their status as a 4-H youth member with staff discretion.
MSU Extension Gold or Silver volunteer roles for individuals ages 18, 19, and 20
If accepted as an MSU Extension Gold or Silver level 4-H volunteer, individuals who are ages 18, 19, or 20 may serve in the following volunteer roles as appropriate to the volunteer level:
- Project Leader
- SPIN Club Project Leader
- Sports Coach
- PEP Volunteer
- Camp Counselor
- Volunteer roles that are program-specific as approved by 4-H staff
MSU Extension Gold or Silver volunteer roles that require individuals to be age 21 or older
Some MSU Extension Gold level volunteer roles require individuals to be chronologically age 21 or older, including:
- Chaperone (regardless of whether the activity is overnight)
- Shooting Sports Volunteer operating without a certified instructor over 21
- Club Administrative Leader
- SPIN Club Leader with administrative responsibilities
- Responsible party for a 4-H entity
- Bank account signatory for 4-H funds
4-H Online
MSU Extension Gold or Silver level 4-H volunteers aged 18, 19, or 20 must not enroll in 4-H Online in any capacity. 4-H Online will not allow volunteers with ages 18, 19, or 20 to enroll in a volunteer capacity based on their age.
