Preparing Youth for Success
In Ohio 4-H, we empower youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime! 4-H inspires curiosity, builds lifelong skills, fuels adventure, and grows leaders through fun, hands-on activities, that include clubs, projects, service, and camps. Kids can be a 4-H project member when they are 8 and in the third grade, and they can participate in competitive events like projects and judging at county fairs. 4-H project members select from 200+ projects based on their interest—what we call sparks in 4-H.
Younger children age 5 and in kindergarten are Cloverbuds who enjoy group-centered, non-competitive activities until they are eligible to be a project member. All 4-H members engage in hands-on learning in clubs, camps, and other settings with approved adult volunteers. 4-H volunteers are critical to the success of the 4-H program and undergo a thorough selection process.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in the 4-H program and/or would like to talk more about becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact us today!
You also can learn more about all OSU Extension 4-H youth development programs at ohio4h.org.
Research shows that youth who volunteer just one hour per week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or engage in destructive behavior. Teen leaders involved as Junior Fair Board members, camp counselors, Junior Leaders and 4-H CARTEENS instructors provided more than 6,620 hours of volunteer service valued at $56,866 (based on student minimum wage of $8.59 per hour) to our county. The benefit of preventing destructive behavior by youth to the community is much greater.
Special Needs Accommodations
Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan. Visit ohio4h.org/about/join-4-h#winning-plan for more information and to download the request form.
Extension has been helping all Ohioans build better lives, better businesses and better communities since 1914.