It is important to note that the policies included in this Policy Handbook supersede any other Nevada state 4-H policies or guidelines otherwise printed or stated that may disagree or conflict with those included in this handbook.

Welcome to the world of 4-H Youth Development. This handbook expresses the policies and procedures for the administration of the University of Nevada, Reno, Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. The 4-H Policy Handbook is a guide for the management of the 4-H Youth Development Program in Nevada. Please note: Neither this handbook, nor the policies and procedures contained herein, creates any expressed or implied right to be a 4-H volunteer, member, or otherwise participate in the 4-H Youth Development Program.

Download the complete handbook & policy Guidelines (PDF)

Overview

Police were created to provide a consistent framework for the program and to ensure that 4-H Youth Development programming and outreach efforts are consistent, fair, and legal. To properly maintain program continuity and operate as efficiently as possible, it takes a great deal of structure and many procedures. As such, the Nevada 4-H Policy Handbook is designed as a resource for all Extension faculty, staff, and volunteers working with the 4-H Youth Development Program. It was developed with the input from 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and Extension staff.

It is expected that ALL individuals participating in the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program will adhere to the 4-H Code of Conduct (included in Appendices). Any suspected violations will be investigated and outcomes can vary, up to, and including removal from the program.

Application

The policies and procedures in all sections of this handbook apply to program activities under the direct purview of the Extension Director and Associate Dean for Engagement and the State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader. These policies cover state-wide programming, county programming, and statewide activities and events.
This handbook applies to all administrators, faculty, county Extension educators and coordinators, county 4-H professionals, advisory groups, volunteers, and youth associated with the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program.
The following policies and procedures clarify the roles and responsibilities of all people associated with youth development programs conducted as part of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension 4-H Youth Development program. All 4-H clubs and affiliates are subject to the authority of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension. All participants, including members at all levels, parents, volunteers, and all 4-H clubs and affiliates, agree to conduct their programs and manage their affairs in accordance with these policies.
A county may have policies that are more restrictive, but not less restrictive. The State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader should be notified of any policies that differ from the State 4-H policies and may disapprove a non-conforming policy if they determine it does not positively advance the mission, philosophy, or goals of the 4-H Youth Development Program or is contrary to law. A request to waive any of these policies or procedures must be directed in writing to the State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader.

Content

The contents of this handbook will be used to set forth policies and procedures that are specific to the program.
Information in this handbook is applicable to all aspects of the Nevada 4-H Youth Development program until superseded by revisions approved and distributed by the State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader.

Policy Interpretation Procedure

The 4-H Youth Development Program is a non-formal educational program planned and conducted at the county level in compliance with the policies, guidelines, and standards for 4-H activities and events outlined in this handbook.
The policies in this handbook are designed to ensure that decision making is based upon the agreed ethical values of integrity, excellence, accountability, and respect when enforcing the policies, procedures, and guidelines.
It is strongly encouraged that local policies are kept in writing and kept at the county office.
Policy changes must be publicized widely throughout the county and state.

Policy Development and Review Process

When a 4-H Policy issue is presented to the State 4-H Office, it will be referred to the State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader. The policy will be reviewed by the State 4-H Office and appointees as necessary, UNR Extension Administration, and UNR Legal.
Revisions to this handbook are established after careful review and analysis. The State 4-H Youth Development Leader will make all final decisions on policy and procedure modifications. All changes will take effect on October 1 of the new 4-H year.
Handbook sections will be reviewed and revised on a regular basis with approved revisions posted on the Nevada 4-H website.

Index

Section 2. General Information

Statement of Purpose of Nevada 4-H Youth Development
4-H Year
4-H Slogan and Philosophy
4-H Motto
4-H Pledge
4-H Emblem
The 4-H
Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem
Terms of Authorization
4-H Club Emblem Fraudulently Use
Alcohol, tobacco, and vaping at 4-H sanctioned events

Section 3. Membership and Enrollment

General Eligibility
4-H Membership and Enrollment
Membership in Another County or State
4-H Age Categories and Guidelines
Nevada 4-H Cloverbud Policy
Membership Implications for Fairs & Events
Types of 4-H Membership

Section 4. 4-H Clubs

What is a 4-H Club?
Naming of Clubs
Types of 4-H Clubs
Community Clubs
Project Clubs
SPIN (Special Interest) Project Experience
School Based Programs
Camping Based Programs
Individual Enrollment Based Programs
Military 4-H Clubs
Starting a 4-H Club
4-H Club Chartering
Requirements of Chartering
Process for Chartering a 4-H Club
Suspending or terminating a 4-H Club Charter

Section 5. 4-H Club Financial Management

4-H Club Money
Nevada 4-H Financial Guidelines
Fundraising
Sales of Products by 4-H Clubs
Sales and Income Tax Exemption
Grants
Financial Accountability
Club Assets

Section 6. 4-H Volunteer Management

Volunteers
Types of 4-H Club Leadership
Club/Organizational Volunteer
Project Club Volunteer
4-H Resource Volunteer
4-H Teen Leader
Volunteer Job Description
Training for 4-H Volunteers
Volunteer Policies and Protections
Youth Protection Procedure for Direct Volunteers
Being a 4-H Volunteer
Volunteer Termination/Suspension

Section 7. Risk Management for Clubs and Volunteers

What is Risk
What is Risk Management
Why is Risk Management Important?
What is a Risk Management Plan
What is the Risk Management Process
Risk Management – UNR Release of Liability Waiver Form
Incident Reporting
Employee/Volunteer Injury – “C-1 Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease”
Liability Incident Report
Vehicle Accident Report
Property Damage Incident Report

Section 8. 4-H Program Management

What is the University of Nevada, Reno Extension? What is the “chain of command” within 4-H
What can the 4-H staff do for me
When should I contact a 4-H staff person
If a problem occurs, can I get help?

Section 9. 4-H Activities and Events

4-H Transportation Policy
4-H Chaperone Policy
Youth/Adult Housing
4-H Overnight Lodging Permission
4-H Dress Code
Nevada 4-H Official Dress Attire
General Dress Code Guidelines
4-H Member Participation at National Events/Contests

Section 10. 4-H Code of Conduct

Youth & Parent Code of Conduct
Volunteer Code of Conduct

Section 11. Health Statement, Medical Information, & Insurance for Activities

Health Statement and Parents’ Release
Medical Insurance Procedures
Procedures in Case of Injury or Illness

Section 12. Civil Rights and Sexual Harassment Information

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
UNR Affirmative Action Policy
Policy against Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
Filing a Discrimination and/or Sexual Harassment Complaint

Section 13. Other Rules and Guidelines

4-H Privacy and Information Sharing Guidelines
4-H Social Media and Website Policy
Social Speech is Free Speech
Policies & Procedures are Subject to Change

Section 14. Appendices

Using the 4-H Name and Emblem
4-H Chartering Requirements and Definitions
Nevada 4-H Fundraising Approval Form
Nevada 4-H Club Apparel Approval Form
4-H Volunteer Leader Position Description
4-H Volunteer Terms of Employment.
UNR Waiver – Voluntary Activity
Incident Report – Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease
Supervisor’s Incident Investigation Form
Incident Report Form
Vehicle Accident Report Form
Property Loss Form
4-H Transportation/Overnight Travel Permission Form
Youth Code of Conduct
Parent Code of Conduct
Volunteer Code of Conduct

Chichester, L., Chvilicek, S., Luna, N., Mitchell, S. 2026, 4-H Handbook and Policy Guidelines, University of Nevada, Reno, Extension

Printable Version (PDF)

Extension Associated Contacts

Lindsay Chichester

Sarah Chvilicek

Nora Luna

Sam Mitchell

Also of Interest:


Clark County Area 4-H Market Livestock Record A 4-H livestock record book is a comprehensive, year-long document used by members to track project goals, animal care, financial data (expenses/income) and learning experiences for livestock projects like beef, sheep, swine or goats. Rocki Shaner 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Urban Clark County 4-H Volunteer Program Highlights (2024-2025) This report highlights the achievements of the Clark County 4-H volunteer program in the 2024-2025 year. Tesar, R. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
2023-2024 Clark County 4-H Volunteer Impact Report This report highlights the achievements of the Clark County 4-H volunteer program in the 2023-2024 year and looks at opportunities to further enhance our volunteer efforts. Tesar, R. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Reports
4-H 21st Century Community Learning Center Program at Valley High School Evaluation Report 2024-2025 The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension implemented the 4-H 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Program at Valley High School in Las Vegas for its fourth year in 2024-2025. In the 2024-25 school year, 252 students attended the program. The program was offered for... Christiansen, E; Saunders, S.; Lee, C., Luna, N. & Quan-Lopez, H. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno, Extension, Reports
4-H Shooting Sports T-Shirt Design Contest Show off your creativity by entering the Nevada 4-H Shooting Sports T-Shirt Design Contest! Submit your design for the new 4-H Shooting Sports t-shirt! Williams, Kristina 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno

Associated Programs

4-H Youth Development in Northern Nye County

Northern Nye County offers clubs and other activities for youth in Tonopah, Round Mountain and surrounding areas.

4-H Youth Development in Clark County (Las Vegas)

4-H programming in the general Clark County area.

4-H Youth Development in White Pine County

4-H is a learn-by-doing life-skills program that teaches youth communication, self-concept, team-building, problem-solving, decision-making, self-responsibility, conflict resolution, aspiration-building, goal-setting, community leadership and career development.

4-H Handbook and Policy Guidelines