Leadership Opportunities Available!

Jim Rohn Quote: “Leadership is the challenge to be something more than  average.”

Leadership opportunities are available in the 4-H and Junior Fair Programs!

Youth opportunities:

Adams County Junior Fair Board applications are due Tuesday, September 2! Applicants must be a member in good standing of a junior fair organization (4-H, FFA, Scouts, FCCLA, or SkillsUSA) and at least a freshman in high school. Fair board members should be goal oriented, team players, and interested in giving back to the community.
Applications can be submitted at go.osu.edu/adamsJFB or paper applications can be found at adams.osu.edu or the Extension office.

Adams County Advisory Committee youth must be active, project-age members of the 4-H program. Up to four youth members will be appointed to serve a one-year term. Youth members may reapply each year. Interested youth may apply online at go.osu.edu/adamsac before September 30.

Small Animal Committee youth must be an active 4-H member ages 13 & up. Up to four youth members will be appointed to serve a one-year term. Youth members may reapply each year. Apply online at go.osu.edu/adamssacapp by September 30.

 

Adult opportunities:
The Adams County 4-H Advisory Committee helps direct the work of the county 4-H program. They assist in planning countywide events like Kids College, Officer Training, Volunteer Conference, Skillathon, and more. Advisory Committee members meet monthly and provide support and guidance for the 4-H Extension staff. Applicants must be  screened, trained 4-H volunteers in the current year. Interested volunteers may apply online at go.osu.edu/adamsac before September 30.

The Adams County 4-H Small Animal Committee gives guidance to the rabbit and poultry projects. Adult members serve a three year term. They meet regularly and oversee the Revolution of Rabbit program, poultry orders, clinics, and assist with skillathon and fair. Applicants must be screened, trained 4-H volunteers and may apply online at go.osu.edu/adamssacapp before September 30.

If you have questions about any of these leadership opportunities, please contact the Extension office at 937-544-2339 or Kristy at watters.92@osu.edu.

4-H Volunteer Lunch and Learn

You are invited to join us for Lunch and Learns every Wednesday from February 26 through April 2 from noon to 12:30 p.m. These short, interactive zoom sessions are aimed at providing additional support and training for busy 4-H Volunteers. Each Wednesday will feature a new topic taught by a 4-H Educator from southern Ohio.

  • February 26 Set Up For Success
  • March 5 Actively Engaging Members at Club Meetings
  • March 12 Helping Youth Thrive
  • March 19 Navigating Ohio 4-H Policies
  • March 26 Cloverbuds: More Than Just Crafts
  • April 2 Effectively Utilizing 4-H Club Officers

Volunteers have the flexibility to choose one or all six sessions.

Register at go.osu.edu/4HLunchNLearn to receive the zoom link via email.

Ohio 4-H Conference Registration Due Friday!

The 2025 Ohio 4-H Conference will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Saturday, March 8! 4-H volunteers and teens (age 13 and older) are invited to join us for a day of education and connection as we learn how to make the best better for Ohio 4-H programs.
To register, please send your session choices to rowe.316@osu.edu no later than noon on Friday, February 7.
The Adams County 4-H Advisory Committee budgets funds each year to help offset the cost of attending the Ohio 4-H Conference. First preference is given to teens who register and the remaining funds are divided equally between registered volunteers. Carpooling available!

Mentors Needed for Afterschool Programs

We are looking for adults and older teens to mentor youth in grades 4-6 at our afterschool STEM program beginning in February 2025. North Adams Elementary will meet on Tuesdays and West Union Elementary will meet on Thursdays, 2:45 – 4:45 p.m. February through May. Mentors will be paired with 2 to 3 youth to assist with activities led by OSU Extension staff.

Adults are required to complete a BCI background check if not a current 4-H Volunteer. Training and resources provided!

Teens – Community service hours available for BETA or National Honor Society members!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Extension office at watters.92@osu.edu or 937-544-2339.

4-H Volunteer Trainings

4-H Volunteers – mark your calendars! All trainings will be at the Extension Office in the conference room.
Returning Volunteer Trainings
Saturday, January 18, 8-10 a.m.
Wednesday, January 22, 6-8 p.m.
Returning volunteers are up to date if you attended the November training.
New Volunteer Trainings
Thursday, January 23, 6-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 6-8 p.m.
Online option – Contact Kristy at watters.92@osu.edu for online instructions.
All NEW 4-H Volunteers must complete New 4-H Volunteer training. To apply to become a 4-H Volunteer visit go.osu.edu/newvolunteer

4-H Volunteer Fall Training

4-H Volunteers mark your calendar! Fall volunteer training will take place on Tuesday, November 19 at the Ohio Valley Career & Technical Center. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and training will wrap up by 8:30 p.m. Please rsvp by November 17 at go.osu.edu/volunteertraining
There will be additional opportunities to complete 4-H Volunteer training if you cannot attend on November 19, however we encourage everyone who is able to attend this session. Clubs should be sure to send at least one volunteer to the November 19 training in order to pick up club packets for the year. 
All new and returning volunteers are encouraged to attend the fall training, however new volunteers are also required to attend new volunteer orientation (date tbd).
If you are not currently a 4-H Volunteer but would like to become one, please complete the New Volunteer application to begin the process prior to attending training.
Looking forward to kicking off another terrific year in Adams County 4-H!

Ohio 4-H Conference Registration Due February 9th

The Ohio 4-H Conference will be held Saturday, March 9 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Registration costs $40, and is due Friday, February 9.

Link to Registration Form: reg form_0.pdf (ohio4h.org)

Print out, fill out, and turn into extension office!

The Ohio 4-H Conference is the largest gathering of teen and adult volunteers in the state! During the day volunteers will have the opportunity to attend five different sessions and three different workshops. These workshops and sessions will equip volunteers with new resources, group management strategies, activity ideas, and overall confidence. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to hear updates from the state departments and dive into various different project areas.

Link to Conference Booklet: 2024 O4HC Reg Book_1.pdf (ohio4h.org)

Make sure to look through the conference booklet before registering. You will need to select specific workshops and sessions to attend.

Need more to convince you?

Well after the conference the Ohio State Collegiate 4-H organization will be hosting a Plowboy Prom from 7-9:30 PM at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. Cash entry of $5 due at door, dress code is 80s Disco. Be ready to boogie the night away!

4-H Volunteer Lunch & Learn Series

4-H Volunteers are invited to join our zoom series of Wednesday Lunch & Learns: bite-sized training and support for busy volunteers.
We recognize that 4-H Volunteers have a full plate. We’re here to help! Grab your lunch and log on each Wednesday at noon beginning February 14 through March 13 as we cover a different topic to help support you in your club work.
Register at go.osu.edu/4HLunchNLearn and join us for one or all five!

Ohio 4-H State Horse Volunteer Training Opportunity

Registration is now open for the 2024 State Horse Volunteer(Advisor) Training! Registration is limited to the first 175 participants and closes on January 17th. If 175 participants registered before the deadline the registration will close when the limit is reached. Go to go.osu.edu/horsevol24 to register now. Registration is online only and must be paid via credit or debit card. If you have any questions please email seitner.2@osu.edu.

2024 4-H Volunteer Training

Dates are set for 2024 4-H Volunteer training. All 4-H volunteers are required to attend an annual training. Returning volunteers that attended November 21 have met the requirement for this year.

Remaining opportuntities for returning volunteers are:
Tuesday, January 9, 6-8 p.m. at the fairgrounds
or
Saturday, January 27, 8-10 a.m. at the Annex conference room (Extension office)
New Volunteers must attend New Volunteer training their first year, even if you attended our kick off training on November 21. The next opporutnity for new volunteer training is Thursday, January 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Questions? Email watters.92@osu.edu or call 937-544-2339