Kansas State University

Volunteer Screening of 4-H Camp Counselors and Youth Volunteers

Submitted by Sarah Maass

A focus group comprised of Extension staff met in July 2014 to review current camp counselor recruiting, screening, training, and risk management practices. Based on their input and our revised volunteer screening policies, the following guidelines should be used to ensure that camp counselors (and youth volunteers) are properly screened and, that as Extension professionals, you and the 4-H program are protected.

Definition of a registered volunteer: A volunteer, adult or teen, with authority to independently plan and conduct educational experiences for youth with other adults present or in a public setting OR a volunteer whose position puts them in close, ongoing, interaction with youth.

Clarification regarding Camp Counselors:

• Youth must be 14 years of age by the time the camp is held to be a camp counselor.

• It is recommended that all camp counselors go through the full volunteer screening process. However, if the Extension Board determines that the camp counselor application process (application, interview and training) is sufficient, the registered volunteer screening process can be waived.

• All camp counselors must complete a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry form annually. This review is conducted within the state of Kansas. The application fee is waived for Kansas 4-H and has an average two week turnaround. The process would be handled the same way as it is currently done through the revised volunteer screening process.

• Youth 18 years of age or older must complete both a criminal background check (CBC) and the Child Abuse & Neglect Registry form in addition to the camp counselor application process. It is recommended that they complete the full registered volunteer screening process.

Clarification regarding Youth Volunteers:

• All youth volunteers must complete a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry form annually. This review is conducted within the state of Kansas. The application fee is waived for Kansas 4-H and has an average two week turnaround. The process would be handled the same way as it is currently done through the revised volunteer screening process.

• A youth volunteer that is 16 years of age or above and fits the definition of a registered volunteer must complete the full registered volunteer screening process.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Maass, semaass@k-state.edu. --Sarah Maass