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4-H Youth Development

Last modified 2008-04-01 13:12

4-H is a unique hands-on educational experience for youth aged 5-19. In Ohio, 4-H is led by professionals at the state and county levels and is grounded in the research based education of our state's Land Grant college - The Ohio State University. Ohio State Extension "Brings Knowledge to Life"!

Welcome to the Summit County 4-H program!

4-H is a non-formal, educational program for youth...

4-H clover that can be based in a traditional community club setting led by an trained adult volunteer, or as part of a school-based club, usually under ther leadership of a teacher. Individuals select from hundreds of projects as their focus for the year. Learning is guided by professionally developed 'project books' covering hundred's of different topics ranging from Aerospace Science to Writing and Reporting.

With roots in the agricultural communities, 4-H in Summit County continues that traditional focus with over half of our clubs heavily involuved in various aspects of the agri-business, including livestock, small animals and horse projects. However, you do not need a tractor and a cow to be in 4-H! Numerous projects are designed to enhance the learning experiences of all youth and are especially geared to bring the benefits of 4-H to youth living in more urban settings. Many youth choose to display their projects and offer them up for both county and state-wide judging. Judging begins in mid-July and culminates at the Summit County Fair held the last week in July.

School Enrichment programs developed by OSU faculty and Extension professionals is also available to systems and individual classrooms in the county.

4-H Mission

Our mission is to provide positive environments for youth and adults to reach their fullest potential as capable, caring and contributing citizens. Young people and caring adults participate in 4-H Clubs, project work, county and state fairs, camps, learning activities and much more!!

4-H Membership

Eligibility for 4-H membership begins when a child has reached age 5 and is enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1 of the current year. These, our youngest 4-H'ers are called Cloverbuds. The Cloverbud program is non-competitive, age and developmentally appropriate. Membership to the 4-H club program begins when a child is at least age 8 and enrolled in 3rd grade as of January 1 of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership ends December 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19. Membership begins when an eligible individual is enrolled in a club or group that is under the direction of a trained adult and within the scope of Ohio State University Extension.

4-H Volunteers

Our volunteers complete an application process as well as volunteer orientation and on-going educational experiences. We both need and welcome new volunteers willing to assist in the development of our young people. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or in beginning a new club, contact the office for more information. 330.928.GROW or krieger.50@osu.edu

Information for current 4-H'ers & Advisors

College 101 -- free program for Summit and Portage County 4-H'ers! If you are heading to college in the fall it is not too early to prepare for the transition from senior to freshman (yikes)! This award winning program will be offered on April 28, from 6-8 PM in the Stow/Munroe Falls Library!

Please pass this on to any and all! Seating is limited so register early.
POULTRY NEWS!! If you have an interest in poultry put http://4hpoultry.osu.edu on your favorites list and visit it often. Some great opportunities are scheduled!

Information for 4-H'ers ---
1. It is time to begin selecting your projects! You may search the 2008 Family Guide on line at http://ohio4h.org and click on Family Guide.
2. Officer Training was held Thursday, January 17. If you missed this opportunity, resources are available on the 4-H web site.
State-wide opportunities - http://ohio4h.org
2008 Schedule -
Summit Co. --
Project Judging / "Grade and Exhibit" (non-animal) July 19, judging times will be post in July
County Fair -- July 22-27 SEE YOU AT THE FAIR COME TO CELEBRATE OUR GREAT 4-H'ERS!
State-Wide
Be on the lookout for State Horse Bowl, Groom & Clean and other big dates!
Ohio State Fair begins July 30!
Information for Advisors
New Advisor's Information - Taining and Packet -- We are always looking for new advisors. To become a 4-H Advisor, applicants must submit an application, undergo a BCI fingerprint/background check, attend a new advisors orientation session, provide references, be interviewed and approved.
Advisor's On-line Handbook -- http://ohio4h.org
Advisor Educational Opportunities -- coming soon, new ways to enhance your work with 4-H'ers
Forms - coming soon
Securing your club EIN http://ohio4h.org/policies Thanks for your cooperation in securing EINs!
Equine Safety / Permission to participate - http://horse.osu.edu and click on 4-H
Ohio 4-H Volunteer Fact Sheets coming soon