Adult Advisors

Apply today for an adult advisor position with Wisconsin 4-H! Adult advisors travel to many different cities across the United States with youth participants to serve as mentors, guides, and support for the youth on the programs. Adults are responsible for the well being of all youth participants and must work as a team to ensure that an experience runs smoothly. You can find out more about being an adult advisor below.

What opportunities exist?

• Space Camp (April)
• Summer Academy (June)
• Ignite (CWF) Washington, D.C. (March)
• National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia (late November)
• Beyond Wisconsin (February)
• American Spirit (June and July)

Who can apply?

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old (25 for some experiences) at time of program.
• Applicants must have completed all required volunteer/chaperone trainings (including the supporting youth mental health training) at least 30 days prior to the first day of travel.

What are the expectations of Adult Advisors?

• Applicants must be in good physical condition to withstand rigors associated with the program. Expect much walking on hard surfaces, handling luggage, and sharing a sleeping room. Sleep deficit is common.
• Space Camp, Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), and American Spirit Experience leaders can expect long bus rides.
• CWF participants usually experience high temperatures with humidity in Washington D.C.
• Public speaking is required.
• Adult leaders must work cooperatively with fellow Adult Advisor Team Members and remain with the delegation at all times during the program.
• Adult leaders are required to submit a report and evaluation upon completion of the program.
• Participation at scheduled Zoom or in-person orientations is mandatory.

How much time does it require?

• Advisors are required to attend both Adult Advisor and delegate orientations.
• Preparatory time and time to complete a follow-up report and evaluation must also be scheduled.
• Most programs are for three to seven days but international programs are four to eight weeks, depending on the program.

What does it cost?

Registration, lodging, and travel expenses are covered for national programs; some meals are at the Adult Advisor’s expense.

Selected international Advisors will need passports and physicians’ reports; some fees apply.

What are the criteria for Advisor selection?

• Motivation: An applicant’s first and foremost reason for applying must be motivated by a genuine desire to lead a youth group, attending to the group’s welfare and education, not for a vacation or to experience a son or daughter’s program.
• Experience: An applicant must have previous experience chaperoning local, county, district, or state overnight or extended programs, whether for 4-H, school, Scouts, or other youth groups.
• Gender: Youth must be represented by adults of their same gender.
• Geographic location: Bus travel for CWF, Space Camp, and American Spirit originate in Eau Claire where an Advisor is needed at the initial loading site for each program. If a leader is not from that area, it should be noted on the application if he/she is willing to board/disembark at Eau Claire. National Congress requires Advisors at three or four widely dispersed airports.
• Interpersonal communication: Leaders must be team players who work together.
• Leadership ability. Effective teams unify a variety of talents: organization, “people skills”, guiding, etc.
• Previous travel experience: National Congress leaders must have flight experience.
• Sense of humor! A vital part of state and national 4-H programs is having fun, both for youth and adults.

How do I apply?

A complete application must be submitted to WI State 4-H by 4:30pm January 30. (Summer Academy applications due April 26th.) A reference is required, it is included in the application packet. A phone interview may also be conducted. All applicants will be notified of their status in early March (except for National Congress, notified in July). If you would like a paper copy of the application, please contact pydadminteam@extension.wisc.edu.

Each program has a different focus with different desired attributes for leaders. If someone doesn’t fit into one position, they might be great elsewhere. If you are not selected this year, please don’t be discouraged! Apply again next year!

2025 Wisconsin 4-H Adult Leader Information

The Lead Adult for the Adult Advisor Team is the primary contact with the program staff and the State 4-H Office Staff, they register the group on-site, and help with some logistics.

All Adult Advisors work closely with the other Advisor Team Members to carry out the duties necessary for a successful group experience. This includes monitoring the conduct and health of delegates, enforcing rules/expectations, working closely with Adult Advisor Team Members and/or youth advisors, working in cooperation with the program staff, and serving in a leadership role as a Day Coordinator.

Logistics for being an Adult Advisor:

• Adult Advisors must be active Wisconsin 4-H volunteers who have completed all required volunteer screening and training requirements.
• Adult Advisors assist with monitoring youth activities, conducting meetings, supporting program operations, and carrying out other assigned responsibilities.
• The approximate adult-to-youth ratio is 1:10.
• Health support is provided by volunteers and/or staff with first aid and/or nursing training.
• Meals may be provided through cafeterias, restaurants, conference facilities, boxed meals, or hotel breakfast services. Because meals are prepared in commercial or institutional kitchens, individual dietary accommodations may not always be possible.
• Lodging may include dormitories, hotels, conference centers, or other group facilities. Accommodations may involve shared rooms with same-gender roommates and shared restroom facilities with private showers.
• Male and female participants are housed separately. To the extent practicable, Adult Advisors will be assigned to lodging areas near their designated delegates.

Traveling with youth is an adventure of its own, you can expect: 

• Adult Advisors are expected to maintain a positive, professional, and youth-focused environment.
• Programs may include educational sessions, discussions, public speaking, team-building activities, performances, service projects, and hands-on learning experiences.
• Expect physically active days that may include extended walking, climbing stairs, carrying luggage, and spending long periods standing or sitting.
• Travel schedules can be demanding and may involve shared accommodations, changing itineraries, limited sleep, and unexpected situations requiring flexibility and problem-solving.
• Transportation varies by program and may include private vehicles, school buses, motor coaches, public transportation, commercial airlines, airport shuttles, taxis, rideshare services, ferries, and walking between program locations.
• Adult Advisors work closely with youth, fellow volunteers, program staff, and members of the public throughout the experience.

See https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/statewide-events-and-opportunities/ for detailed individual program descriptions.