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.
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 14 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 2024 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.
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 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.