The 4-H Center & Montana State University Extension wants your participation in 4-H programs, events and activities to be filled with exciting experiences, new friendships and fun. To ensure a positive experience for all participants, it is expected that all 4-H’ers and their families be considerate of others, participate fully in the programming and observe the following expectations. If a situation or question arises which is not clearly covered by this list, ask an Extension Faculty/Staff member, volunteer leader, or chaperone before acting.

While attending 4-H activities and events at the club, county, state and national level, I will:

  • Obey all rules established by the 4-H program, the local 4-H program and all local, state and federal laws.
  • Conduct myself at all times in order to be a credit to the club, school and community.
  • Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion and in accordance with the activity dress code.
  • Show respect for the rights and property of others; be courteous at all times.
  • Be honest and not take unfair advantage of others.
  • Refrain from disruptive behavior and swearing.
  • Demonstrate sportsmanship, modesty in winning and generosity in defeat.
  • Attend meetings and sessions promptly and respect the opinion of others in discussion.
  • Be respectful of the authority of adult volunteers, youth leaders, 4-H staff and others in leadership roles.
  • Not use, accept or carry alcohol, drugs or tobacco, or associate with others using the substances.

While attending overnight events, I will also:

  • Not leave the activity or event unless permission is secured from my agent or chaperone.
  • Not use my personal vehicle when it is not allowed by an event or trip.
  • Care for the lodging property and respect the rights of other guests of the facility and observe all rules instituted by the property.
  • Be in my sleeping area and stay there after curfew time and be out each day by the set time. 
  • Not enter the sleeping areas of members of the opposite gender and not invite non 4-H participants to the sleeping areas.
  • Respect supervision at all times, being responsible to all adults connected with the trip or event.
  • Be prepared to report to my local 4-H program knowledge gained by attending these activities.

General Behavior Expectations For Families

  • Work cooperatively with youth, families, volunteers, Montana State Extension Service faculty and staff and others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating behaviors appropriate for a positive role model for youth.
  • Provide a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment; do not harm youth or adults in any way, whether through sexual harassment, physical force, verbal or mental abuse, neglect or other harmful experiences including divisive and slanderous statements through email and social media.
  • Accept the results and outcomes of all 4-H contests and events with grace and empathy for all participants.

Consequences

I understand, if I violate the General Behavior Expectations in the Code of Conduct, I will be asked to leave the event including 4-H meetings, fair and other 4-H activities/events. If dismissed from an event, it will be at my own expense.  Repeat violations may result in loss of privilege to attend future 4-H activities, events or the ability to serve as a 4-H Volunteer.