Last Call for Kids College Registration

Registrations for Kids College are due Friday, April 21!
Kids College is hitting the road! Join us at Shawnee State Park on Saturday, April 29 for a day of outdoor activities and FUN! Register for one or two of our electives. Cost is just $15 for lunch and one elective or $20 for the entire day!
Each member will gain knowledge and skills related to the elective(s) they choose. Sessions are taught by experts in their field and assisted by Adams County 4-H Camp Counselors and Teen Leaders. Kids College participants will leave with a cinch sack, takeaway to assist with the project area explored, and judging requirements for the project.
Space is limited. First come-first served. Course descriptions and registration at https://go.osu.edu/KidsCollege

Quality Assurance Test Out Dates

12-14 year-old and 15-18 year-old 4-H and FFA members may test out of their annual quality assurance (QA) program. Youth ages 12-14 who pass the QA test can test out of their annual QA program for up to 3 years. Youth ages 15-18 years who pass the QA test can test out of their annual QA program permanently. These ages are as of January 1, 2023 – a youth’s 4-H age.

Pre-registration is not required. If you wish to test, please be sure to be on time, take a pencil, and plan to spend 30-45 minutes on the test.

Please note the March 21 Quality Assurance session has been canceled.

Those who attended either the Beef Clinic or Small Animal Clinic in the fall of 2022 have completed their Quality Assurance requirement for the year. If you have questions, please call the Extension Office at 937-544-2339.

Scholarship Applications Due February 24

The Adams County 4-H Scholarship and Chad Downing Memorial Scholarship application is now available!

Applicants must be high school seniors with a minimum 2.5 gpa that have been enrolled in 4-H for at least four years, including the current and immediate past year. A completed application, current high school transcript including gpa, and a letter of reference from an Adams County 4-H volunteer that is not a relative are required to apply.

The number of 4-H scholarships vary each year depending on the success of the annual fundraiser and range from $500 – $1,000. Five Chad Downing Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $500 and two $1,000 Burley Growers scholarships will be awarded. Scholarships are paid upon proof of completion of the first semester or quarter of post-secondary education or training following high school graduation. Adams County 4-H Scholarship deadline is Friday, February 24 by 4 p.m.

Teen Winter Retreat

Join us February 4th and 5th for the 2023 Teen Winter Retreat.
TEEN WINTER RETREAT REGISTRATION IS LIVE and open until February 1st.
Open to youth ages 13-18 as of January 1st. Complete Your Online Registration at go.osu.edu/TeenWinterRetreat
The cost is $40 and can be paid via check (brought to camp) and payable to: Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp or by Credit Card at: go.osu.edu/GalliaExtensionPayment
A current health form must be completed online at go.osu.edu/CantersHealthForm

4-H Camp Counselor Applications Due February 1

Applications for 4-H Camp Counselors are available now!  Must be at least 14 years old as of January 1st to apply.  Counselors will be responsible for completing 12 hours of counselor training including some onsite hours. Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp Counselor College will be held on March 4 and 5, 2023 and is mandatory for first year counselors and strongly encouraged for all counselors.

Interested teens should apply online at https://go.osu.edu/ALPCounselorApp.  Applications are due February 1st.  First time counselors must include two personal references that are not family members. Applicants should include and email address and phone number where they may be contacted.

Registration is now open for Making eXtreme Counselors, a state-wide training held at the Ohio 4-H Center that will apply towards the required hours.  Find out more at http://go.osu.edu/mxc. Must contact the Kristy to register no later January 27.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Kristy at watters.92@osu.edu.

4-H Grad Cords Available Now!

4-H Seniors – Grad cords are available for purchase in the Extension Office. If you would like to purchase cords, please bring $16 cash, check, or money order to the office. If you can’t make it during normal business hours, email us at watters.92@osu.edu and we will make arrangements for pickup.

Register Now For Ohio 4-H Conference

The Ohio 4-H Conference takes place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on the second Saturday in March.

The Ohio 4-H Conference is the largest gathering of 4-H volunteers in the United States! Nearly 1,200 teen and adult volunteers participate each year. The Ohio 4-H Conference is designed to equip participants with resources, information, and skills to meet the ever-changing needs of youth. Attendees have the opportunity to receive training in more than 125 different topics such as career exploration, risk management, camping, leadership, cake decorating, dancing, animal sciences, and much more.

In addition to the educational sessions, the day features the Ohio 4-H Volunteer Recognition Luncheon highlighting the extraordinary accomplishments of volunteers. The teens (age 13 and older) have a luncheon that recognizes their peers and often features a keynote speaker. Matthew Swearingen, Adams County 4-Her, has been named the Ohio 4-H Teen of the Year and will be recognized at the Ohio 4-H Teen luncheon and Joy Bauman, Adams County 4-H Volunteer, will receive the Ohio 4-H Alumni Award at the Volunteer luncheon. The Adams County 4-H Advisory Committee provides financial support to teens and volunteers wishing to attend Ohio 4-H Conference. This year we would like to take an especially large delegation to cheer on Matthew and Joy as they are recognized for their achievements.

To register, please find the registration booklet and registration form at the link below. Complete the registration form, listing your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices for each time slot. Please be sure you are not requesting sessions and workshops that overlap. Once your form is complete, drop it off at the Extension Office or email it to Barbie at rowe.316@osu.edu so she can submit your registration. Sessions do fill on a first come, first serve basis so the earlier you register, the more likely you are to get your first choice! Registration closes February 11, 2022.

Click here for additional Conference information and registration materials.

Come join the fun at the 2022 Ohio 4-H Conference!

4-H Scholarship Opportunities

The Adams County 4-H Scholarship and Chad Downing Memorial Scholarship application is now available!

Applicants must be high school seniors with a minimum 2.5 gpa that have been enrolled in 4-H for at least four years, including the current and immediate past year. A completed application, current high school transcript including gpa, and a letter of reference from an Adams County 4-H volunteer that is not a relative are required to apply.

The number of 4-H scholarships vary each year depending on the success of the annual fundraiser and range from $500 – $1,000. Five Chad Downing Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $500 and two $1,000 Burley Growers scholarships will be awarded. Scholarships are paid upon proof of completion of the first semester or quarter of post-secondary education or training following high school graduation. Adams County 4-H Scholarship deadline is Friday, February 25 by 4 p.m.

Ohio 4-H scholarships are due February 15. You can apply online at https://ohio4h.org/families/just-teens/awards-scholarships/ohio-4-h-scholarships.

 

Ohio 4-H Teen of the Year Matthew Swearingen

Congratulations to Adams County 4-Her Matthew Swearingen on being named Ohio 4-H Teen of the Year!
Each year Ohio 4-H honors one teen that has had outstanding accomplishments in performance, dedication, and passion in the 4-H program. Matthew is a member of the Bentonville Buckeyes 4-H Club, Adams County Junior Leaders, Adams County 4-H Advisory Committee, and Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council. He is a 4-H Camp Counselor, the Adams County Junior Fair King, member of the Ohio State Junior Fair Board and serves in many 4-H leadership roles at the state and national level. We are so proud to have Matthew representing Adams County as the Ohio 4-H Teen of the Year!

Camp Counselor Applications Due February 1

Apply to be a Camp Counselor at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp in 2022!

4-H Camp Counselors are a group of 4-H teens selected to assist in being responsible for campers ages 8-18 during 4-H camp. As a result of participation, counselors will develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations needed for adult success, and the county 4-H program will be strengthened and expanded.

Roles and Responsibilities of 4-H Camp Counselors include:

  • Attend required trainings prior to camp including Counselor College on March 19 & 20 at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp
  • Market and promote camp
  • Serve in a leadership and teaching role to other counselors
  • Serve on committees or other groups to plan programs at camp
  • Promote camper participation during camp
  • Lead and supervise campers in activities at camp including but not limited to songs, teambuilding challenges, group activities, challenges, etc.
  • Mentor and give guidance to campers to encourage positive youth development and enhancement of life skills.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be at least 14 years old as of January 1st. Pending the age of campers this may vary by camp and be older.
  • Must be able to get transportation to meetings and events as needed.
  • Must complete a minimum of 24 hours of training. (2 of these hours must be on-sight for first time counselors).
  • Must complete Child Abuse Awareness training.
  • Must Sign Standards of Behaviors, complete the Code of Conduct form, and have a current Ohio 4-H Health History form on file.
  • First time applicants must provide two references.
  • If the individual is 18+ year old at least two months prior to camp, the individual must have their background check conducted.

Apply online at http://go.osu.edu/ABLMPCounselor by February 1l, 2022. For questions, contact Kristy at watters.92@osu.edu or call the Extension office at 937-544-2339.