Working with Youth Guidelines for Master Gardener Volunteers

Virginia Cooperative Extension is organized around four main program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Community Viability (CV)

4-H Youth ANR Horticulture FCS Families Youth Gardening E2 Mattey’s Garden Therapeutic Gardening Food to Table Community Garden Plant, garden, harvest, canning CDR EXTENSION

What is 4-H? Youth development program of VCE An experiential education program for boys and girls ages 5-18, which stresses learning by doing Diversity in curriculum, delivery modes, and participants 6 or more hours of learning within a year

The 4-H Mission “The mission of 4-H is to assist youth, and adults working with those youth, to gain additional knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will further their development as self-directing, contributing, and productive members of society.”

Objective: to increase awareness and understanding of the value of horticulture and landscaping to young people; to gain the knowledge and skills needed to conduct horticultural based activities in such a fashion as to meet the goals of the individuals and professionals ( i.e. SOL for teachers); and, to use horticulture as a tool to increase leadership and responsibility for youth. NOTE: This objective should be addressed while working in COOPERATION with the VCE 4-H Youth Gardening

4-H Enrollment Policy Youth completing 6 or more hours of VCE educational programming (including programs conducted by MGs such as E2, Mattey’s Garden and Therapeutic Gardening) are always enrolled in 4-H. For shorter term programs (such as Seeds of Learning), 4-H enrollment for the youth, is not required. Individual, Group, or Group Summary (numbers only) may be most appropriate, depending on situation.

Reporting to 4-H Extension “counts” youth programming by Master Gardeners twice: –In local Master Gardener program –In local 4-H program 4-H reporting is easy: –enrollment forms to 4-H agent –4-H agent aware of project –number of hours is not required by 4-H

“ Above Suspicion” Policy When working with a group of children, at least two adults should be present at all times. Never allow yourself to be alone (one-on-one) with someone else’s child. Anticipate scenarios to avoid problems.

Other Youth Policies 4-H does not work with youth below the age of 5. Volunteers working with youth under age 5 should ask their supervisor to verify that they have liability coverage for this work. All Extension youth programs should use approved, age-appropriate curriculum. Volunteers should set a good example for youth at all times – in language and actions. Use of alcohol or drugs during Extension activities is prohibited (for volunteers and participants). No physical or emotional disciplinary measures may be used with youth in Extension programs.

Suspicion of Abuse or Neglect By law, anyone who works with children and suspects abuse or neglect has a legal responsibility to report it: , or call Social Services in the county/city where the child lives or where the abuse/neglect occurred Do not confront or accuse anyone. Keep things confidential.