Story County 4-H is seeking volunteer club leaders to help guide youth through an exciting FIRST® LEGO® League experience. Volunteer leaders will partner with 4-H staff to provide positive youth development opportunities through hands-on STEM learning, robotics, teamwork, and problem-solving.
As a 4-H FIRST® LEGO® League Volunteer Club Leader, you will work directly with youth in either the Explore level (grades 2–3) or Challenge level (grades 4–8). Leaders will work alongside another FLL volunteer and Story County Extension staff to plan, facilitate, and support a successful season.
Extension staff members will help connect leaders with information and help with information on the 4-H and extension side, but will not run meetings unless they volunteer as a club leader.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteer Club Leaders will:
- Guide youth through the FIRST® LEGO® League curriculum and activities.
- Encourage teamwork, creativity, communication, and problem-solving.
- Support youth as they design, build, and prepare for their FIRST® LEGO® League experience.
- Maintain provided LEGO® materials, robotics equipment, and meeting supplies.
- Help coordinate competition or exposition details.
- Continue supporting youth through monthly 4-H educational experiences following the FLL season, such as exploring project areas, completing service projects, and preparing for county fair.
Club Details
FIRST® LEGO® League Explore (Grades 2–3)
- Designed for youth ages 6–10.
- Teams consist of 2–6 youth.
- Youth participate as a Clover Kids 4-H club (minimum of 5 youth from 3 families).
- Teams typically meet weekly during the fall leading up to the FIRST® LEGO® League Explore Exposition in the winter.
- After the season, clubs meet monthly for additional 4-H learning experiences.
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge (Grades 4–8)
- Designed for youth ages 9–14.
- Teams consist of 2–10 youth.
- Youth participate as a 4-H club (minimum of 5 youth from 3 families).
- Teams typically meet weekly during the fall leading up to regional competition in December. Teams advancing may participate in the Iowa State Championship in January.
- After the season, clubs meet monthly for additional 4-H learning experiences.
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers must:
- Register as a FIRST® LEGO® League coach and complete the required FIRST® background screening.
- Complete the Story County Extension volunteer screening process.
- Enroll as a Story County 4-H volunteer after September 1.
- Complete required Iowa 4-H volunteer training.
Meeting Space & Materials
Volunteer leaders will need access to a meeting space that can accommodate a 4-foot x 8-foot FIRST® LEGO® League table during the season. Ideally, the table can remain assembled throughout the competition period.
Story County FLL teams typically meet once per week for approximately 1–1.5 hours during the competition season.
Volunteer Support
There is no cost to serve as a volunteer club leader. Story County Extension will provide curriculum, resources, LEGO® materials, program guidance, and ongoing support throughout the season.
Experience with STEM, robotics, LEGO® building, or working with youth is encouraged but not required. We are looking for volunteers who are excited to help youth learn, create, and grow through FIRST® LEGO® League and 4-H.
