Below is the email that went to 4-H Volunteers and Members on 3/12/2020. We will continue to update individuals and families as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
March 12, 2020
Dear 4-H Families, Volunteers and Supporters:
As you may be aware, The Ohio State University has announced the suspension of face-to-face instruction and the move to virtual instruction effective immediately through March 31. Events deemed nonessential are postponed between now and April 21, 2020. There will be evaluation whether they should continue in person beyond this time. Our primary concern is for the health and safety of all our people. Virtual meetings are encouraged.
Based on these guidelines, all 4-H Clubs must postpone/cancel all face-to-face meetings between now and April 21.
In addition to all 4-H club meetings, the following list of 4-H events qualify as non-essential between now and April 21. Based on these guidelines, these non-essential activities must be postponed/ cancelled/ or held virtually. Examples include (this list is not exhaustive and subject to change at any notice):
4-H committees, including advisory, saddle horse, endowment, etc.
- Club kick-offs, open houses, etc.
- Community service projects
- Educational clinics
- Events put on by advisory or county committees or clubs, including fundraisers
- Fundraisers
- Social events (egg hunts, square dances)
- Teen leader groups
NOTE: Senior Fair Board will need to make the determination for fair-related committees.
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of viral illnesses is to minimize the circumstances in which individuals might interact and transmit the diseases. The safety of our community is our top priority. We realize that our COVID-19 policy guidelines will cause disruption, but the risk of not acting outweighs the inconvenience of these temporary measures. We will share updates as more information becomes available.
Please read through the following date changes and mark your calendar accordingly.
Schedule changes for the next 4 weeks:
- March 12th Camp Counselor Training – Cancelled
- March 17th Junior Leaders – Cancelled
- March 4-H Committee – Cancelled
- March 28th Craft Show and Easter Egg Hunt – Cancelled – vendors will be contacted via email today.
- April 1st Enrollment Deadline: Has not changed; all enrollments must be submitted online at https://oh.4honline.com.
- April 13th New Volunteer Training – currently no changes
- April 16th 4-H Committee – Cancelled, virtual meetings may be held. Please submit fundraiser requests for events happening after April 21st to kratzer.11@osu.edu
- April 21st 4-H Conference – Cancelled
Camp Counselors and Junior Leaders will be contacted directly about meeting dates.
All information in this letter is subject to change as this situation evolves. Please watch for any further communication. The best way to reach us is via email:
- Christy Clary, OSU Extension Educator, 4-H – clary.42@osu.edu
- Cindy Kratzer, Office Associate – kratzer.11@osu.edu
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this evolving situation.
Yours in 4-H,
Christy
Christy D. Clary
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
OSU Extension, Brown County
Clary.42@osu.edu 937-378-6716