Leadership

Teen Opportunity: 2025 4-H Cultural Immersion Project – Puerto Rico

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The 2025 4-H Cultural Immersion Project—Puerto Rico applications are open. The experience will be from November 25 to December 3, 2025. Those teens interested should contact Leslie Cooksey to be nominated by April 30th.

After receiving the application, follow-up interviews will be scheduled to select participants. Final selections will be posted in mid-August. 4-H youth ages 15-18 (as of the trip’s date) are encouraged to apply. Teens must still be in high school as of the trip’s date to participate.

A 7-day immersive experience that seeks to understand Puerto Rican culture.  Teens will build multicultural skills and knowledge, as well as an increased ability to communicate in the increasingly diverse society that we live in.  Teens will experience and live in both the Old San Juan urban area and life in the remote mountain town of Castañer. The group will also work with Puerto Rican youth in joint service projects and lead teambuilding activities for the University Gardens High School and the Yauchecus Elementary School students.

More Information about 4-H CIP Program: News Article about the 2023 4-H Cultural Immersion Project – Puerto Rico trip

https://ohio4h.org/february-2024/4-h-teens-immerse-themselves-puerto-rican-culture

Once nominated by your 4-H Educator (multiple teens from each county may be nominated), you will receive an application to complete.

Who: Ohio 4-H teens ages 15-18 (by the date of the trip and still in high school)
Where: Puerto Rico (San Juan and the mountain village of Castañer)
When: Tuesday, November 25 – Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Cost: estimated to be $1,500 (includes airfare, ground transportation, most meals, lodging, and program fees)

Participation Selection Criteria: Ohio 4-H Professionals can nominate multiple youth from their county to complete the short video application. Final selection will be based on geographic characteristics and the following criteria:

  • Can embrace unique and different cultures beyond their local communities.
  • Willing to share their experiences through presentations, newsletters, etc. at the local and state level.
  • A good representation of the local 4-H program.

Nomination Deadline: May 1 (contact Leslie Cooksey by April 30th if interested in being nominated).

Teens will be notified of the nomination and will have until May 31 to complete the application requirements.

Participants will be selected and notified in late July 2025

Treasurer’s Book Contest Results

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The Fairfield County 4-H Treasurer’s Book Annual Contest is proudly sponsored and funded each year by the Friendly Bremen Banking Center. Thank you, Jodi Motta and Vinton County Bank, for their support and organization of this contest.

The role of the club treasurer is to handle all money matters of the club and maintain accurate financial records.  When the Treasurer’s Book is complete, it should document the activities by its members for one year. It becomes a historical document to that accurately records the club’s income and expenses, and shows that the club is in good financial standing.

All treasurers are eligible and encouraged to submit a book each year. There is a monetary award that goes to the winners and they go directly to that individual. The 4-H Treasurer Book Rubric was used to evaluate each treasurer’s book that was submitted in the contest. Employees of the bank will review the books and choose a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner. Each member who places will receive a visa gift card.

The 2024 results are:

  • Riley Strickler, 1st Place. Riley is from the Amanda Work & Win 4-H Club.
  • Krosby Sims, 2nd Place. Krosby is from the Sewing Shefs 4-H Club.
  • Alexis Armstrong, 3rd Place. Alexis is from the Champions 4-H Club.

These individuals will be recognized at the 4-H Achievement Banquet on April 10th and receive their awards.

Thank you to all of the members who participated in the Treasurer’s Book contest this year. Additional participants included: Dominic Messerly (LU Happy Farmers), Valen Burkhart (Golden Spurs), Blakely Georges (4 Creation), and Jayden Blevins (4 Legged Friends). Keep up the good record keeping! If your club did not participate this year, we hope you will keep this contest in mind and participate next year.

Secretary’s Book Contest Results

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The Fairfield County 4-H Secretary’s Book Annual Contest is proudly sponsored and funded each year by the family of Robert L. Hillman who was a 4-H advisor for many years in Pickaway County. Mr. Hillman believed strongly in teaching and practicing quality record keeping within the structure of the 4-H program. He continued to support his grandchildren, Adam, Milea, and Sarah Maxwell, in their 4-H endeavors in Fairfield County until his death in 2003. To continue his long-standing commitment to the tradition of record keeping and the 4-H program, his family is proud to sponsor this competition in his memory.

When the Secretary’s Book is complete, it should document the activities by its members for one year. It becomes a historical document to be enjoyed for years to come as individuals review it with fondness and memories.

All secretaries are eligible and encouraged to submit a book each year. There is a monetary award that goes to the winners and they go directly to that individual. The 4-H Secretary Book Rubric was used to evaluate each secretary’s book that was submitted in the contest. Each book was evaluated and received a one-, two-, or three-star rating based on the rubric. Based on the star ratings, the top individual will receive a monetary award.

The 2024 results are:

  • Scarlett Sims, 1st Place, 3 Star Book. Scarlett is a member of the Sewing Shefs 4-H Club
  • Trishelle Heck, 2nd Place, 3 Star Book. Trishelle is a member of the Shooting Starts 4-H Club.
  • Boston Fowler, 3rd Place, 3 Star Book. Boston is a member of Amanda Work & Win 4-H Club.
  • Kendall Wild, 4th Place, 3 Star Book. Kendall is a member of the Lithopolis Livestock 4-H Club.

These individuals will be recognized at the 4-H Achievement Banquet on April 10th and receive their awards.

Thank you to all of the members who participated in the Secretary’s Book contest this year. Additional participants included Lyannae Taylor (Deeply Rooted), Ruth Bartholomew (4 Creation), Mason Lewis (4 Legged Friends). Keep up the good record keeping! If your club did not participate this year, we hope you will keep this contest in mind and participate next year.

Teen Opportunity: Ohio 4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA) Applications due 5/15/2025

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4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA) applications are now available! Please promote this to your 13-18 year old (as of January 1) 4-H members interested in state-level leadership experience! Applications are available at https://go.osu.edu/4HEYA and are due, along with supporting materials, by May 15, 2025.

  • What: 4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA)
  • Who: Individuals age 13-18 (as of January 1 of the year of application) and have at least 1 year prior 4-H experience.
  • Timeframe: Apply by May 15, selection, training, service to OSF, and evaluation. Complete responsibilities by August 31, 2025.
  • Requirements (in addition to application/selection process):
    • Training – Must attend one of the options for training (July 10 or July 15)
      • Please note: individuals MUST attend one of the training options. This is not negotiable. If you know you are unable to attend a training option before applying, it is best to wait another year before applying to serve in this capacity.
    • Events – Must work a minimum of 3 events at the Ohio State Fair; may work more if desired
  • Program Fee: $25/person (paid at [go.osu.edu/4HEYA25]go.osu.edu/4HEYA25);
  • Teens Receive:
    • 4HEYA Polo & Nametag
    • State Fair admission, parking ticket, and meal ticket(s)
    • Optional State Fair housing in the Rhodes Center (if desired)
    • Experience of working events at the Ohio State Fair
    • Opportunity to enhance leadership skills and be involved in the State 4-H program
  • What about the Teen Leadership Council? YES, these members may apply for 4HEYA AND TLC this year, if desired. TLC applications will be available in June and will be due the Friday following the Ohio State fair. Their term is September 1, 2025-August 31, 2026. Current TLC members are not eligible to apply for 4HEYA, as they are already fulfilling obligations at the Ohio State Fair.
  • Questions? Contact Frances (foos.61@osu.edu) or Sara (Deakin.5@osu.edu)

National 4-H Congress sparks new opportunities for teens

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Last summer twenty-nine youth were recognized at the 4-H Achievement Awards banquet for their success in specific project areas, as well as their leadership, community service experience, and overall contributions to their county and state 4-H programs.

Just a few short months ago, these same youth had the opportunity to celebrate their hard work as they traveled to Atlanta to participate in National 4-H Congress. Ohio youth trading pins with their fellow delegates during an opening session.

Ohio youth trading pins with their fellow delegates during an opening session.

This five-day event gave teen 4-H members the opportunity to connect with their fellow youth around the country as they exchanged ideas, attended workshops, gave back through community service work, and grew as young leaders.

Teens kicked off the event by getting to know each other through educational workshops on team building, public speaking, self-care, and more. They also heard from motivational speaker Dr. Laymon Hicks as he shared his strategies for overcoming obstacles, finding motivation from within, and pursuing dreams.

As one of the larger state delegations at National 4-H Congress, the Ohio youth were excited to make new friends and meet fellow 4-H’ers from across the country. During one of the welcome sessions, they participated in a pin exchange with other delegates and met youth who had traveled from Hawaii and Puerto Rico to attend.

Throughout National 4-H Congress, 4-H members also had the opportunity to learn more about the history of Atlanta. In addition to exploring some of Atlanta’s most popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, youth participants engaged in an “evening of culture” at the Atlanta History Center.

Another highlight of the experience was the morning of service that all youth delegates participated in. 4-H members were assigned to a variety of community service projects in the Atlanta metro area, with options ranging from landscaping projects at the Piedmont Park Conservancy to reading to youth and assisting with holiday preparations at inner city elementary schools.

Kaleigh Williams, the Ohio 4-H Companion Animals Achievement Award winner, posing for a photo with Brutus during a community service project at Piedmont Park.

Kaleigh Williams, the Ohio 4-H Companion Animals Achievement Award winner, posing for a photo with Brutus during a community service project at Piedmont Park.

Ohio delegates posing for a photo at the Congress Gala.

Ohio delegates posing for a photo at the Congress Gala.

The Congress Gala served as a culminating celebration for all the youth participants. They dressed to impress as they enjoyed a delicious meal before hitting the dance floor for a final party with their fellow delegates.

“I will always remember this experience and the awesome people I met at Congress,” said Cayden Jones, Ohio delegate and winner of the Shooting Sports Achievement Award. “I have enjoyed everything I have done here, even if it put me outside of my comfort zone. I can’t express how thankful I am to everyone who helped put on this once in a lifetime event.”

Junior Leaders Kickoff Meeting – Feb 3

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Fairfield County ages 13 & up – Join us for the 1st Junior Leaders Meeting of the year!

We focus on community service, learning life skills, making new friends, and having fun!

Join us Monday, February 3rd at 6:30p.m. at the Ag Center (831 College Ave, Lancaster) as we kick off our year!

 

What is Junior Leadership Club?

A group of older 4-H youth from across the county. This club is designed for older youth BY older youth. Some of the activities we do throughout the county are: social outings, community service, fundraising, leadership opportunities, and assisting at county events.

When do they meet?

The Junior Leaders typically meet monthly on Mondays at 6:30 PM and ending at 8:00 PM.

Where are the meetings at?

Unless otherwise stated, we meet at the OSU Extension Office in Lancaster (831 College Ave.) also known as the Ag Center.

Who can join?

Anyone who is 13-18 years old and a current 4-H member of Fairfield County.

What do we do at the meetings?

Jr. Leaders discuss and plan what is going to happen each year in Fairfield County 4-H. Members of Junior Leaders work on different committees to come up with the plan of work each year. Our most recent projects include the Bottle Cap Bench Project, Easter Egg Hunt for Cloverbuds, &  Cloverbud Day at the Fair!

Adult Opportunity: Leadership Camp Counselors Needed

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Applications for 2025 Leadership Camp counselors are now available and due March 24! This opportunity is open to individuals ages 18+ by June 1, 2025, who have an interest, confidence, and ability in teaching and facilitating leadership skill development to teen campers AND are excited about doing so in a camp setting. Applicants are required to fully attend staff training dates (May 9-11 and May 31) and camp (June 1-5), all held at 4-H Camp Ohio. Learn more and find links to apply at go.osu.edu/leadershipcamp!

LAST CALL: Junior Fair Board Applications – due 1/10/2025 (online)

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2025 Junior Fair Board Application (online application) For 4-H and FFA youth interested in serving on the Fairfield County Junior Fair Board.  Membership is open to youth between the ages of 14 and 18 years old. New members must be 14 years old by October 1st of the current year to serve. Applications are due Friday, January 10th, 2025.

LAST CALL: Camp Counselor Applications are due 1/10/2025 (online)

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2025 Camp Counselor Application is now posted as an online application for youth interested in serving as a new or returning Camp Counselor (must be 14 & older to be a counselor by June 1st). Please review the Training Schedule 2025 before applying as there are important changes to be aware of this year!

As you complete the online application, you will be asked to upload the following completed forms:

    1. Standards of Behavior form
    2. Ohio 4-H Camp Cell Phone Policy and Tar Hollow Electronics Policy/Camp Counselor Code of Conduct form
    3. Counselor Permission to Participate.

If you are not able to scan and upload these documents, please submit them to the Fairfield County Extension Office by mail or you can put them in the drop box located on the east side of the building. Our address is 831 College Avenue, Suite D, Lancaster, OH 43130. All documents need to be turned in by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Remember that 2025 camp dates are as follows:

  • Day Camp- June 3-5, 2025; Staff ‘move in’ June 2, 2025- Alley Park
  • Cloverbud Camp- June 7, 2025; Staff ‘move in’ June 6, 2025- Alley Park
  • Junior Camp- June 29-July 2, 2025; Staff ‘move in’ June 28, 2025- Tar Hollow State Park
  • Senior Camp- July 6-9, 2025; Staff ‘move in’ July 5, 2025- Tar Hollow State Park

Selection Day Information:

If you are a 1st or 2nd year counselor, selection day details will be sent to you. Save the date: Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

    1. If you are a 3rd year and up counselor, you will receive details about a returner interview and helping with selection day.
    2. If you are unsure if you need to attend selection day, please reach out to Aubry (Fowler.443@osu.edu)

If you have any questions, please contact Aubry (Fowler.443@osu.edu)!

Teen Opportunity: Buckeye Leadership Workshop

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Buckeye Leadership Workshop is scheduled for March 26 – 30 at Recreation Unlimited! As the 4-H representative to the Buckeye Leadership Workshop Planning Committee, I highly encourage you to consider attending. This is a great opportunity for your teen leaders, camp counselors, Junior Fair Board members, volunteers, and YOURSELF!  This year’s featured presenter is Annie Frisoli, who will be teaching the class “Designing the Future through Inclusive and Intentional Strategic Planning”.  She has previously served as a featured presenter at BLW and had one of the highest evaluation ratings for professional development.

BUCKEYE LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP (Trifold Brochure)-4

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. You can also visit http://buckeyeleadership.com to learn more and register.

-Leslie