It takes just one spark! Tell a friend about 4-H and help them find their spark at ohio4h.org or at morgan.osu.edu. #OH4Hspark 

The featured picture was a display set up by the Lucky Bucks 4-H club for last year’s Ohio 4-H week.

Who Can Join?

Ohio 4-H membership is based on a child’s age and grade as of January 1 of the current project year. Eligibility for Cloverbud participation begins when a child is enrolled in Kindergarten and is five years old. Eligibility for participation in 4-H projects and competitive events begins when a child is age 8 and in the 3rd grade. Any youth age 9 or above is eligible for project membership, regardless of grade level. Membership requires enrollment in an authorized Ohio 4-H club or group under the direction of an OSU Extension professional or an approved adult volunteer. A youth’s 4-H eligibility ends December 31 the year he or she turns 19. Joining Ohio 4-H is a privilege and responsibility for individuals and is subject to the Ohio 4-H Code of Conduct and applicable policies of The Ohio State University

Where Do I Sign Up?

Join a club near your home or school. Experience 4-H with a friend, invite them to join with you. Contact the County Extension Office to enroll today

When Should I Sign Up?

Join anytime! But join by our county’s 4-H enrollment deadline (April 1st) to take advantage of all 4-H opportunities including participation in Fair.

Every 4-H’er pledges their “hands to larger service.” You can find your spark by sending a card to a senior community resident, helping a sibling or planning a service project with your club. What’s your service spark? #OH4Hspark

Community service projects provide an opportunity to connect with friends, fellow members, advisors, parents, and the community. By creating a fun, meaningful community service project where everyone plays an active role, 4-H clubs help members build stronger skills while helping those in need.

Did you find your spark at a club meeting, 4-H camp, completing a project or showing an animal? Show us your best 4-H photo! #OH4Hspark

The featured picture was from 4-H camp back in 2014.

4-H began in Clark County, Ohio. On January 15, 1902, Mr. Albert Belmont Graham, the superintendent of the Springfield Township Schools at that time, organized a meeting with some thirty boys and girls in the county courthouse basement. The intent behind the meeting was to learn more about harvesting corn, planting a garden, testing soil samples, tying knots in rope and identifying natural wildlife such as weeds and insects. Eventually, the group came to be called the “Boy’s and Girl’s Agricultural Club” with their research continuing well into 1903. Prizes were given to recognize the efforts of all the members in executing projects based upon the previously mentioned areas.

Given the success of Graham’s “out-of-school education program,” the Ohio State University created a plan to aid in the club’s research through the use of the Agricultural Experiment Station and the College of Agriculture. In time, the Ohio State University’s influence helped to establish additional youth agricultural clubs throughout Ohio. By 1905, there were over 2,000 youth within sixteen counties partaking in similar programs to that of the “original” Agricultural Club.

Ohio 4-H volunteers advise clubs, teach shooting sports, judge projects, serve at camp and more. Give your advisor a shout-out and thank them for helping you find your spark! #OH4Hspark 

Volunteers and parents help make 4-H possible. Without 4-H volunteers and parents, the program would not have the mentors and leaders that 4-Hers need to learn the new skills that 4-H has to offer youth. Each volunteer brings knowledge, experiences, and skills which can be taught to 4-H youth and shared with the 4-H program “to make the best better”.

To become a 4-H volunteer, you must complete an application. Once your application is received, you will be invited to a special training to orient you to the Ohio 4-H program. Once you complete the volunteer process, you will receive 4-H newsletters and materials to help you manage a 4-H club. Your county Extension Educator and current volunteers will serve as mentors to you.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact the Extension Office today!

High ropes, swimming, skits, crafts or singing around campfire…whether it was in-person or on Zoom, did you find your spark as a camper or a counselor at Ohio 4-H camp? #OH4Hspark 

Here is a short video on the exciting things we do at camp! https://youtu.be/Lw5oO558UGw

There are more than 200 projects in the Ohio 4-H Family Guide. You can find your spark in everything from archery to computers, genealogy to money management, pigs to weather. Where will you find your spark? #OH4Hspark 

If you would like to browse the list of projects offered by Ohio 4-H visit https://projectcentral.ohio4h.org/

Post a selfie wearing your green and white or favorite 4-H shirt! For tomorrow’s post, dig out your favorite photos of you and/or others participating in 4-H events! (camp, fair, etc.)

Along with eating healthy snacks, youth should be participating in recreation at club meetings! Check out this resource for recreation activities: https://ohio4h.org/sites/ohio4h/files/imce/BlueRibbonGamesfullbook1.pdf

For tomorrow’s post, we are going to show off our 4-H pride. Wear green and white or your favorite 4-H shirt!