Gardening & Conservation

2024 Summer Judging Results

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Wow! 403 project judged in two days at 4-H Summer Judging! This includes 273 of our 4-H project members! We are so proud of all members who worked so hard on these projects (additional photos coming soon!).
In the meantime, RESULTS ARE POSTED! go.osu.edu/fcsummerjudgingresults
(sort by division or search by name).
If selected as an Ohio State Fair Participant – please confirm your participation by picking up your OSF packet as soon as possible at the Extension Office (831 College Ave, Suite D). If you can not attend OSF, please notify the office so that we can reach out to the alternate! We need to finalize OSF participation by Monday, July 22nd.
Award winners will receive information later this month about 4-H Summerfest (scheduled for Sunday, August 18th at 6:00 p.m. at the Liberty Center).

Scheduling for 4-H Summer Judging is OPEN!

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We hope that you are busy working on your 4-H projects this summer. Here are a few important updates to be aware of:

  • All Summer Judged Projects will be judged on the following days:
    • Monday, July 15, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (by appointment).
      • Food & Nutrition NEW FOR 2024-NO FOOD IS BROUGHT TO JUDGING
      • Genealogy
      • Home/Money
      • Creative/Fine Arts (including Cake Decorating)
      • Healthy Living
      • Collecting
      • ALL Self-Determined Projects
      • Clothing
    • Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (by appointment).
      • Animal Science
      • Robotics
      • Communications/Leadership/Citizenship
      • STEM
      • Nature/Gardening
      • Woodworking

If you cannot attend judging during this week, you can:

  1. Attend Late Judging on Monday, July 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling 740-653-5419 to schedule an appointment. Participation in Late Judging receives a grade only and is not eligible for county awards or state fair consideration.
  2. Advisor Completion – Talk to your club advisor as they can work with you to review your project for completion only. No grades or awards will be given with this option.
  • Please review the 4-H Member Handbook as you complete your project(s) and prepare for judging.
  • Youth enrolled in the Tractor Maintenance Club or Shooting Sports Club do not need to complete summer judging if they met all completion requirements at the club level for Small Engine/Tractor Projects and or 700 level Shooting Sports disciplines (Shotgun, Rifle, Archery). However, if they wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair for any of these projects, they must attend summer judging for each project.
  • Youth enrolled in Cake Decorating projects have the option for summer judging completion or county fair completion. If youth wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair, they must complete summer judging. All Pies, Candies and Pastries are judged at fair only.
  • NEW FOR 2024! Youth enrolled in Gardening and Crop projects must complete summer judging. Project books should be up to date and as complete as possible regardless of timing of harvest.
  • Food and Nutrition Project Members should also review their project book inserts. These were tucked inside your project book if books were purchased at the Fairfield County Extension Office. If needed, you can download these here: Food Project Insert packet.
  • Clothing Project Members should also review their project book inserts. These were tucked inside your project book if books were purchased at the Fairfield County Extension Office. If needed, you can download these here: Style Revue Card and  Clothing Project Insert packet.
  • Clothing Project Members plan to attend the Style Revue at Liberty Union High School, July 15, 2024, 7:00 p.m. This is a required part of judging to be eligible for county awards and State Fair participation.  A practice session will be available on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 6:30-7:00 p.m. at Liberty Union High School.
  • Scheduling is now open!
    • We ask that you schedule an appointment that works best for you by using this link: http://go.osu.edu/fcsummerjudging
    • Scheduling will be open through MIDNIGHT, Thursday, July 11th. 
    • If you have more than one project, please be sure to schedule an appointment for EACH PROJECT and allow time between appointments to complete each interview.

Please contact the Extension Office if you have additional questions about project judging! We can’t wait to see you!

Save the Dates: 2024 Summer Judging will be July 15 & 16

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NEW for 2024, we will be having summer project judging on TWO days. The judging schedule will be as follows and project judging will take place at the Ed Sands Building at the Fairgrounds.

Monday, July 15, 2024

  • Food and Nutrition Projects
  • Creative Arts Projects
  • Family & Consumer Sciences Miscellaneous Projects
  • ALL Self-Determined Projects
  • Clothing/Sewing Projects
    • Details are still being worked out for the Style Revue.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

  • Leadership
  • Communications
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Sciences

CANCELLED: 4-H Projects in the Parks Day (May 18th, 2024)

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UPDATED AS OF 2/22/2024 – THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2024.

Please hold the date of May 18, 2024, for the 4-H Project Day in the Park at Deer Creek State Park, in Mount Sterling Ohio. Please watch for future information (marketing flyers) about this event for you to share with your families.

What is it? A partnership program between 4-H and ODNR to promote our State Parks and Careers in Natural Resources.

What will 4-H members get to do? 4-H members will have the opportunity to sign up for one or both 4-H project sessions. They will work with professionals in those fields and complete at least two activities in their 4-H Project books that day!

Cost? As of right now the event is free!

Time? Tentative schedule right now is from 9:45 am – 3:00 pm (See tentative schedule below, families can stay for two sessions or just come for one.)

Sponsor: Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Contact: Jordan Conner jordan.conner@dnr.ohio.gov

4-H MEMBERS BRING (Backpack Recommended)

  • Project book for selected workshop (NOTE: Forgot book? They can fill out responses at home)
  • Pencil(s)
  • Closed-toe shoes or boots.
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (If raining, raincoat)
  • Water bottle
  • Packed lunch
  • Items needed for specific workshops will be communicated in advanced.
  • NOTE: 4-H members and their parents will be informed that parental supervision is required.

ODNR PROVIDES

  • Workshop instruction
  • Workshop material and equipment, if applicable
  • Extra pencils
  • Snacks for participants who forget a packed lunch (Goldfish, fruit snacks)
  • Extra bottled water
  • First aid

 

4-H Summer Judging for Natural Resources and Shooting Sports: Wednesday, July 12

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Hello 4-H Members enrolled in Natural Resources and Shooting Sports Projects!

We hope that you are busy working on your 4-H projects this summer. Here are a few important updates to be aware of:

  • All Natural Resources and Shooting Sports Projects will be judged on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (by appointment, see scheduling info below).
    • If you cannot attend this judging day, you can:
      1. Attend Late Judging on Tuesday, July 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling 740-653-5419 to schedule an appointment. Participation in Late Judging receives a grade only, and is not eligible for county awards or state fair consideration.
      2. Advisor Completion – Talk to your club advisor as they can work with you to review your project for completion only. No grades or awards will be given with this option.
      3. There will be no early judging.
  • Scheduling is now open for summer judging!
    • We ask that you schedule an appointment that works best for you by using this link: go.osu.edu/fcsummerjudging
    • Scheduling will be open through Friday, July 7th. 
    • If you have more than one project judged on this day, please be sure to schedule an appointment for EACH PROJECT. Also, please allow time between appointments to complete each interview.
  • Please review the 2023 4-H Member Handbook and Project Guidelines as you complete your project(s) and prepare for judging.
  • Youth enrolled in the Tractor Maintenance Club or Shooting Sports Club do not need to complete summer judging if they met all completion requirements at the club level for Small Engine/Tractor Projects and or 700 level Shooting Sports disciplines (Shotgun, Rifle, Archery). However, if they wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair for any of these projects, they must attend summer judging for each project.
  • Youth enrolled in gardening have the option for summer judging completion or county fair completion. If youth wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair, they must complete summer judging.

Please contact the Extension Office if you have additional questions about project judging! We can’t wait to see you in less than one month!

4-H Summer Judging – Please schedule a judging appointment!

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Hello 4-H Members! We hope that you are busy working on your 4-H projects this summer. Here are a few important updates to be aware of:

  • All Summer Judged Projects will be judged on the following days:
    • Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (by appointment).
      • Food & Nutrition
      • Genealogy
      • Home/Money
      • Creative Arts
      • Collecting
      • ALL Self-Determined Projects
    • Wednesday, July 12, 2023, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (by appointment).
      • Animal Science
      • Robotics
      • Communications/Leadership/Citizenship
      • STEM
      • Nature/Gardening
      • Woodworking
    • Thursday, July 13, 2023, 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (by appointment).
      • Clothing

If you cannot attend judging during this week, you can:

  1. Attend Late Judging on Tuesday, July 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling 740-653-5419 to schedule an appointment. Participation in Late Judging receives a grade only and is not eligible for county awards or state fair consideration.
  2. Advisor Completion – Talk to your club advisor as they can work with you to review your project for completion only. No grades or awards will be given with this option.

Please review the 4-H Member Handbook as you complete your project(s) and prepare for judging.

Youth enrolled in the Tractor Maintenance Club or Shooting Sports Club do not need to complete summer judging if they met all completion requirements at the club level for Small Engine/Tractor Projects and or 700 level Shooting Sports disciplines (Shotgun, Rifle, Archery). However, if they wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair for any of these projects, they must attend summer judging for each project.

Youth enrolled in Cake Decorating and gardening projects have the option for summer judging completion or county fair completion. If youth wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair, they must complete summer judging.

Food and Nutrition Project Members should also review their project book inserts. These were tucked inside your project book if books were purchased at the Fairfield County Extension Office. If needed, you can download these here: Food Project Insert packet.

Clothing Project Members should also review their project book inserts. These were tucked inside your project book if books were purchased at the Fairfield County Extension Office. If needed, you can download these here: Style Revue Card and  Clothing Project Insert packet.

  • Clothing Project Members plan to attend the Style Revue at Liberty Union High School, July 13, 7:00 p.m. This is a required part of judging to be eligible for county awards and State Fair participation.  A practice session will be available on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Liberty Union High School.

Scheduling is now open!

    • We ask that you schedule an appointment that works best for you by using this link: http://go.osu.edu/fcsummerjudging
    • Scheduling will be open through MIDNIGHT, Sunday, July 9th. 
    • If you have more than one project, please be sure to schedule an appointment for EACH PROJECT and allow time between appointments to complete each interview.

Please contact the Extension Office if you have additional questions about project judging! We can’t wait to see you!

Save the Dates: 2023 Summer Judging will be July 11-13

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Continuing for 2023, we will be having summer project judging on 3 days. The judging schedule will be as follows and project judging will take place at the Ed Sands Building at the Fairgrounds. Additionally, one change for 2023 is that ALL Self-Determined Projects will be judged on the same day

Tuesday, July, 11, 2023

  • Food and Nutrition Projects
  • Creative Arts Projects
  • Family & Consumer Sciences Miscellaneous Projects
  • ALL Self-Determined Projects

Wednesday, July, 12, 2023

  • Leadership
  • Communications
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Sciences

Thursday, July 13, 2023

  • Clothing/Sewing Projects
  • Style Revue to take place that evening at 7:00 p.m. (location TBD)

Attention youth interested in beekeeping – here’s a scholarship opportunity!

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Student Beekeeping Scholarship Opportunity sponsored by the Fairfield County Beekeepers Association.

Fairfield County Beekeepers Association( FCBA) will award  2 or more beekeeping scholarships for 2023, to FFA student members, 4-H participants, or Ag. class students; ages 12 – 19. Students who apply should demonstrate a strong interest in becoming a beekeeper and have a strong work ethic.

The scholarship winners will receive:

  • A beginning beekeeping training class and text book, (Classes, bee yard, and club meetings are at St. Marks Church, Lancaster
  • Hands-on training in our bee yard
  • Monthly “Virtual Mentoring” on the 1st Sat., from 8:30-12:00
  • An experienced beekeeper mentor
  • Monthly educational bee club meetings
  • A  loaned, “work to own ” Beekeeping Kit  and the opportunity to earn the following , by carrying out the task requirements for the  program:
    • woodenware for 2 full beehives
    • a bee jacket with veil
    • bee tools
    •  two colonies of bees.
  •  They will also receive  a 1- year membership in the Ohio State Beekeepers Association, and a one year membership in FCBA.

If all tasks of the program are carried out successfully by the recipient; ownership of the 2 hives, colonies and all equipment will be awarded to  that recipient in January of  2024.

Interested applicants should read through the scope of the program and understand the work and learning requirements of being a beekeeper, before deciding to apply.  Parent permission and support is also required.

  • Applications are due to the club by Friday, January 14, 2023 if emailed. 
  •  If using US mail, applications should be mailed by Tuesday, January 11, 2023.
  •  Awards will be announced during the week of  February 7, 2023, by email and phone call.
  • The recipients chosen  will need to be available to take the all-day Beginner Beekeeping class on Saturday, February 11  or February 18, 2023.

Applications can be found at fairfieldcountybeekeepers.org under the tab > Bee School Scholarship. Information is also attached to this email, if you would like to provide copies to your students. There is also a poster provided.

Please pass this information on to your students as soon as you can!

Thanks for hanging in there to teach our youth during these crazy times!

 

Sincerely,

Jeannie Saum,

Retired elementary educator of 36 years, and

President, Fairfield County Beekeepers Association

614-975-6139 (for your use only)

presidentoffcba@gmail.com (for questions from you, parents or students)

 

Congrats to Ohio State Fair Project Winners (non-livestock)

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The non-livestock results from the 2022 Ohio State Fair are posted online. Click here to see a complete list.

Clothing:

Rian Raver, Sundresses and Jumpers, Outstanding of the Day

Saige Howard, Sew for Others – Junior, Outstanding of the Day

Hannah Brown, Dress Up Daywear, Clock Trophy Winner

Julia Ribo, Sew Fun – Senior, Outstanding of the Day

Mary Cate Kitsmiller, Clothes for High School and College, Outstanding of the Day

Scarlett R. Sims, Designed By Me, Outstanding of the Day

Rachel Sponseller, Ready, Set, Sew Active, Outstanding of the Day

Creative Arts:

Isabella Byrd, Get Started in Art – Senior, Outstanding of the Day

Jaela Kim, Seeing Through Graphic Design, Outstanding of the Day

Creative Arts – Cake Decorating:

Alexis Kline, Cake Decorating Advanced – Junior, Clock Trophy Winner

Communications:

Gracie Weber, Demonstration – Junior, Outstanding of the Day

Companion Animals:

Hannah Jones, You & Your Dog Interview (Ages 8-10), Outstanding of the Day

Gracie Weber, Reptiles & Amphibians (Age 8+), Honorable Mention

Engineering Excitement:

Kendall Wild, Science Fun with Electricity, Outstanding of the Day

Family Life:

Megan Maloney, Babysitting, Outstanding of the Day

Food and Nutrition:

Charlotte Werner, Yeast Breads on The Rise, Outstanding of the Day

Julia Luallen, Kitchen Boss, Outstanding of the Day

Cece Woods, Sports Nutrition – Senior, Outstanding of the Day

Health:

Max Sims, Staying Healthy-Junior, Clock Trophy Winner

Matthew Taylor, First Aid in Action-Junior, Outstanding of the Day

Home Decorating:

Sophia Preston, Makeover My Space-Junior, Clock Trophy Winner

Leadership:

Kate Johnson, Club Leadership, Clock Trophy Winner

Grace Terflinger, Leadership Self-Determined (Camp Counseling), Outstanding of the Day

Photography:

Daisy D’Amico, Controlling the Image – Level 2, Outstanding of the Day

STEM:

Gracie Weber, From Airedales to Zebras – Vet Science I, Outstanding of the Day

Shooting Sports:

Alayna Leppert, Shooting Sports-Archery, Junior, Outstanding of the Day

Brendan Logsdon, Shooting Sports-Archery, Senior, Outstanding of the Day

Natural Resources:

Josiah Edwards, Beekeeping – Junior, Clock Trophy Winner

Gracie Weber, Outdoor Adventurer: Beginning Fishing, Outstanding of the Day

Lucille Fish, Explore the Outdoors, Outstanding of the Day

Julia Ribo, Grow Your Own Vegetables, Clock Trophy Winner

Workforce Prep:

Brin-Leigh Hoisington, Workforce Prep – Junior, Clock Trophy Winner

 

Summer Judging Results and Photos

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Congrats to all 4-Hers, parents, and advisors! Summer Judging week has been wonderful as we get to see all of the hard work come together in our project interviews. Results for summer projects will be posted at this link and all results will be posted by the of the day on Friday, July 16th: go.osu.edu/fcsummerjudgingresults

State Fair packets will be ready starting on TUESDAY, July 19th during regular office hours.
 
All county award winners should save the date of August 13th at 7:00 p.m. for Summerfest!

Additionally, photos from summer judging have been posted on our Ohio State – Fairfield County 4-H Facebook Page. Direct links are as follows: