Beginning in October, Ohio middle- and high school-aged youth will have the opportunity to track their Ohio 4-H youth development participation and earn digital badges in the skills needed to be successful in the future.

The Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future initiative partnered with Suitable to design BuckeyeNext, an app in which young people earn points for activities, event attendance, and accomplishments during their 4-H career. Built like a game, youth can easily identify the opportunities available through Ohio 4-H, organize their categories of participation, and track their cumulative progress in real time.

“BuckeyeNext lets youth keep track of their accomplishments in real time,” said Margo Overholt-Seckel, program manager for Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways. “It provides insight about how 4-H experiences align with various skills that employers are seeking in their future workforce.”

Youth who participate will create a digital portfolio and transcript that demonstrate how their abilities align with the eight career readiness competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

“BuckeyeNext is the result of hard work and hours of thinking outside the box to make recordkeeping easier and provide certifications for our members,” said Jessica Adams, 4-H educator in Miami County. “Our hard work paid off when we were announced as one of three Suitable Innovator Award recipients.”

Ohio 4-H youth from 20 counties piloted the platform during the summer at the Ohio 4-H Spark EXPO to track their learning experiences.

“The BuckeyeNext app is very easy and simple to use. It helps with 4-H records because you can look back and remember what all you’ve done, and the competition part pushes you to do more!” said Sophia Preston, a Fairfield County 4-H member.

Ohio 4-H members can access BuckeyeNext beginning Oct. 2 at https://go.osu.edu/buckeyenextoptin. For more information, contact Margo Overholt-Seckel at overholt-seckel.1@osu.edu.

Carving New Ideas is a camping opportunity for older youth, concentrating on the principles of critical thinking and program facilitation. It is hosted by Collegiate 4-H at The Ohio State University and the college students, who are also 4-H alumni, are preparing all of the fun activities for the weekend of November 17-19, 2023.

The registration website is https://go.osu.edu/23CNI or share the attached poster. The online registration allows credit cards or checks. Registration closes October 25.

This fall, Teen Leadership Council will be hosting a virtual Achievement Form Workshop for 4-H members statewide!

• October 1, 2023 (6:00-7:30 p.m. on Zoom): An informational session will be held, providing a basic overview of the Achievement Form, giving introductory tips for completion, and sharing about potential opportunities available to members who complete and submit their forms.
  • Must register at https://go.osu.edu/AchForm2023 by September 29 to receive the Zoom information for the workshop.
  • This session will be recorded for those who cannot attend in live-time.

Not sure what the Achievement Form is? Achievement Record Flyer FINAL

WHAT: In an effort to strengthen the bond between a love of reading and an active lifestyle, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is bringing a renowned author to read to children at Sycamore State Park in Montgomery County. ODNR will host a book reading with Ohio author Dr. Christine Gibson on Saturday, September 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dr. Gibson will read her book “Christine Goes Camping,” which follows the story of young Christine as she builds new relationships while exploring nature and its wonders.

WHO: We know many children and families would enjoy this FREE event. All are welcome!

WHEN: Saturday, September 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Sycamore State Park (10580 Providence Pike, Dayton, OH 45426 – Follow Signs for Overlook Picnic Area)

MORE INFO:

• The event is part of ODNR’s Storytime in the Parks program, which partners with libraries and state parks to feature special book readings and naturalist programming around Ohio. The Dayton Metro Library is partnering with ODNR on the September 16^th event.
• Dr. Gibson will host a reading of her book at 11 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. Those readings will be followed by guided hikes, fishing, and other fun outdoor activities that mirror the adventures “Christine” experiences in the book. Find more information about the Dr. Christine Gibson book reading of “Christine Goes Camping” here.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We believe many 4-H members and their families can benefit from this opportunity to find enjoyment in reading and the great outdoors. This event is for all ages, but the book itself is recommended for young learners in Pre-K through 3^rd grade.

Want to bring a large group of kids? Please let us know. We have plenty of space for larger transport vehicles.

HEALTHU

Are you a 4-H’er interested in health? Do you see yourself potentially working in health one day? Nutritionist? Therapist? Nurse? Athletic Trainer? Geneticist?

What: Health University (HealthU) is a weekend camp in October focused on Healthy Living for 7^th through 12^th graders in Ohio 4-H. Join us at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp for a weekend as we explore four of the 10 Dimensions of Wellness and explore health-related careers. We will be exploring the following four tracks of wellness:

• Physical wellness allows a person to engage in activities of daily living without experiencing undue fatigue or exhaustion. The physical dimension of wellness is supported through health behaviors, which include exercise, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake, not smoking, and getting adequate sleep each night.
• Emotional wellness involves recognizing, accepting, and expressing feelings. Adequate rest is required for wellness in this dimension. If an individual’s mental function is hindered by stress and lack of sleep, they may struggle with accurately assessing a situation which then triggers negative emotional responses and disrupts emotional wellness.
• Social wellness requires the ability to trust and respect other people and leads to the creation of supportive partnerships and friendships. Being socially well allows one to develop and maintain intimacy, and to have empathy and respect for others.
• Creative wellness allows a person to appreciate and/or participate in a diverse range of arts or cultural experiences, and to value and cherish the surrounding world. Freely expressing thoughts and emotions through dance, song, drawing, painting, or writing are some of the ways to engage in creative wellness.

 Who: Any current 4-H’ers in grades 7 thru 12.

When: Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29, 2022

Where: Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, 1362 Caves Rd, Jackson, OH 45640

Cost: $50 per youth (check or card)

Deadline: Register by 11:59pm on Sunday, October 8, 2022

Registration: https://go.osu.edu/4HHealthEvents

Contact: Justin Bower, bower.183@osu.edu, with questions.

Health HEROES

Application for 2023-2024 Ohio 4-H Health HEROES are open. This statewide teen healthy living advocacy group are called HEROES because they serve as Health Education Resources for Outreach, Engagement, and Service. Youth will learn about current issues and topics in healthy living, learn lessons and activities to implement in their local 4-H community, will be tasked to create an action plan to create change in their local community, and will be a part of a statewide cohort who cares about the health and well-being of Ohio youth.

Benefits of becoming a 4-H Health Hero are:

• Learning about a variety of healthy living topics
• Gaining valuable leadership and communication skills
• Meeting other 4-H youth from across Ohio who are invested in healthy living
• Leaving a positive impact on your family, friends, and community
• Promoting the 4th H!

In previous years we have had youth focus on making change in health topics such as; mental health, vaping, opioids, and more.

Youth who are passionate about health and in grades 9 through 12 may apply! For more information, important dates, and expectations, you may check out https://go.osu.edu/HealthHEROES.  Application is due Sunday, October 15^th, 2023 by 11:59 pm.

Any questions, you may contact Justin Bower, State 4-H Healthy Living and Ohio Military Kids Educator at bower.183@osu.edu or at 614-247-1979.

Here is a great opportunity to practice livestock judging.  Brown County’s contest is open to individuals and teams.  Brown Co. Livestock Judging Contest Flyer 2023

We are excited to share with you that the casting team is currently in search of kids nationwide, ages 8 -13 years, who have a passion for cooking and would like to compete for the coveted title of  MasterChef Junior.

Casting is happening NOW, so anyone interested in applying should do so right away!

We want to get the word out to all the kids who love to cook and have the potential to learn and blossom into MasterChef Junior. All interested candidates must have their parents submit an Application through our website at  www.masterchefjuniorcasting.com 

General Tips about the online form:

-It is best to fill out the form on a laptop or desktop computer

-It is free to apply

-Auditions are online

-Be prepared to upload a photo of your child where we can clearly see their smiling face. 🙂

-Copy your application before hitting “submit” should there be any error in transmission.