Preparing Youth for Success

4-H is a non-formal educational, youth development program offered to individuals age 5 and in kindergarten to age 19. Ohio 4-H youth development reaches more than 240,000 youth each year – helping kids “learn by doing” through hands-on activities.

All 4-H programs focus on active involvement and quality experiences which stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills. 4-H members learn valuable lessons in leadership, communication and collaboration while increasing their knowledge in math, science, technology and a variety of other topics.

4-H creates fun while learning in a variety of ways. Kids can participate in 4-H through community clubs, camps, in-school and after-school activities, and summer programs. They increase their self-confidence and personal life skills while learning about specific subjects - anything from animals or computers to public speaking, cooking, art, gardening and environmental sciences, just to name a few project topics.

In Summit County, 4-H has many looks: traditional clubs; school enrichment; youth gardens; camps; special events; junior fair and trips!  Over 500 4-H club members find learning, friendship, and fun in approximately 40 clubs in Summit County. These clubs are organized by 200 screened and trained volunteer club advisors. Annually, club members chose individual projects as their focus for the year. The Ohio 4-H Family Guide and Project Central found on the Ohio 4-H website, give a great introduction and overview of over 200 projects.  You don’t have to have an animal or live on a farm to participate in 4-H. Projects include a wide range of topics. For example, leadership development; welding; rocketry; scrapbooking; creative writing; photography; cooking….the choices are endless.  If you are interested in joining a 4-H Club email Imani Scruggs at scruggs.34@osu.edu. Include your city of residence, age, interests and school district.  

Check out the 4-H   2023 Family Guide (.pdf) 

School enrichment programs bring various science lessons to several school systems. Annually, over 2,000 Summit County students learn basic physics, egg embryology and nutrition. Financial literacy education is also available. Interested teachers and schools should contact the Extension office.

You can also learn more about all OSU Extension 4-H youth development programs at http://ohio4h.org.  For information on 4-H Projects click on the link to The Family Guide and Project Central.

Special Needs Accommodations

Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan. Visit https://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.