4-H Junior Leaders
4-H members in grades 7-12 may enroll in the Junior Leader project. This program focuses on the development of leadership skills, as well as service learning and fellowship.
Members assist with local club activities, 4-H projects, and county events. Recent service projects include preparing backpacks for Operation: Military Kids and collecting books to distribute to children receiving immunizations at the Lake County Health Department. Other recent activities include an evening at Medieval Times, an overnight trip to a waterpark in Wisconsin, and a visit to Indiana Beach and cruise on the Madam Carroll with other Junior Leaders from around the state.
In the summer, Junior Leaders assist with 4-H project judging and they operate an ice cream stand during the Lake County Fair. Junior Leaders are encouraged to attend state conferences and workshops, especially the State 4-H Junior Leader Conference held in June at the University of Indianapolis and the Indiana 4-H Youth Congress held in October at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
The Indiana 4-H Foundation recognizes the accomplishments of Junior Leaders with the Key Club Award. Members in grades 10-12 who have completed at least five years of 4-H club work and three years of Junior Leader work are encouraged to apply.
Important Dates
Check the Lake County Handbook and Footnotes dates
Resources
Step Up to Leadership: Journal for Grades 6-8
Step Up to Leadership: Mentor Guide for Grades 6-12
Step Up to Leadership: Portfolio for Grades 9-12
* Manuals can be purchased at the Education Store
No manual required however, a record sheet must be completed (attached below)
Requirements
Record Sheet Required
Members in grades 7-12 may enroll in the Junior Leader project. This project focuses on the development of leadership skills as well as service learning and fellowship. Members assist with local club activities, 4-H projects, county programs, and Fair activities. Junior Leaders meet monthly and are encouraged to participate in state activities as well. Junior Leaders are strongly encouraged to take leadership roles in their own 4-H clubs. Special awards and trips are available. Junior Leaders are awarded completion pins at the annual 4-H Recognition Banquet.
Completion Record Sheet is due the first Monday after the County Fair. The following are requirements for project completion:
- Work a minimum of two fundraiser shifts (2 hr. shifts) in the Ice Cream Stand during Fair.
- Be a member of at least one Junior Leader committee.
- Complete at least one other 4-H project.
- Achieve a total of 200 points by completing a combination of activities including participation with state 4-H trips/workshops, service as Junior Leader officer, additional service on Junior Leader committee, county 4-H event assistance, Fair project check-in/judging assistance, additional concessions/fundraiser, a county or club fundraiser, etc.
- Complete a Junior Leader Record Sheet and submit by due date (first Monday after County Fair). To be eligible for the completion trip, the record sheet must be turned in either to the Extension Office or at a meeting before the first Monday after the County Fair. Ten points per week will be deducted for records turned in after that date, and record sheets will not be considered for completion if received after December 1.
