Michigan 4-H Youth Development


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4-H Youth Development Michigan State University 160 Agriculture Hall East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 USA Phone: 517-432-7575 Fax: 517-355-6748 Email: msue4h@msu.edu Disclaimer & Indicia

Keeping Kids Safe!

Guidelines for Supporting 4-H Chaperones

When involving young people in 4-H overnight events, state and county 4-H staff members must identify adult (aged 21 years old or older) male and female chaperones who have gone through the Michigan State University Extension Volunteer Selection Process. During events, chaperones are responsible for serving as role models for youth and for guiding youth behavior.

All adults serving as chaperones during 4-H events should receive information about their chaperone role before the event. This could take place at a face-to-face meeting, over the phone or via mail. This offers an opportunity for chaperones to review the role of and expectations for event chaperones and to raise any questions or concerns they might have. The 4-H Event Chaperone Responsibilities handout can be distributed to event chaperones to provide this information. Be sure to insert specific information about your event coordinator in the last line of this handout.

During county, multi-county, regional and state 4-H events involving chaperones, it is recommended that 4-H staff members provide some way for youth participants to easily identify adults who are serving as chaperones. One idea is to provide chaperones with a nametag in a special color. In addition, staff are encouraged to introduce chaperones at the beginning of an event so youth can easily recognize the adults who are present to help ensure they have a productive and safe experience.

For more information on the Michigan 4-H Youth Development Youth-Adult Housing Policy for 4-H Overnight Events, contact:

Betsy Knox, Program Leader
4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University Extension
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
Email: knoxe@msu.edu
Phone: 517-432-7603

Janet Olsen, Program Leader
4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University Extension
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
Email: olsenj@msu.edu
Phone: 517-432-7630