Leadership

Teen Opportunity: Ohio 4-H Global Immersion Project – Greece – March 12-23, 2025

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

  • Have an interest in pursuing a career in agriculture.
  • 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.

Please contact Leslie Cooksey if you are interested in being nominated by your county 4-H Educator to apply for this experience. Teens must be nominated by their county 4-H Educator by October 1st.

What is it?

Ohio 4-H Global Immersion Project – Greece | March 12-23, 2025

Who: Ohio 4-H Teens 15-18 (Teens are nominated by Ohio 4-H Professionals)

Where: American Farm School (https://www.afs.edu.gr/) – Thessaloniki, Greece.  It was established in 1904, is renowned for its innovative approach to agricultural education. https://www.afs.edu.gr/afs-at-a-glance/

What: Participants will engage in a variety of educational classroom and field activities, including sensory analysis workshops with products such as feta cheese, honey, and olive oil.   They will tour the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its experimental farms and research centers. Teens will be part of a “Work Internship” with AFS high school students working in cohorts focused on different program units that include:  Animal and Plant Production, Food Science & Technology, and more.  Youth will also participate in a cross-cultural and agricultural career field exploration program designed to help youth learn about careers in agriculture, cross-cultural interactions, workforce preparation and leadership skills.

In addition, youth will help facilitate teambuilding and problem-solving activities through a Leadership Workshop with Greek high school and Jr. high students.  By engaging with these students, the teen leaders will expand their leadership skill development and gain insights into teaching an international audience.

Two off-site cultural experiences include hiking in the Enipea Canyon near Mount Olympus and a visit to UNESCO World Heritage site Meteora, which features monasteries built in the 11th century atop of limestone pillars.  A Greek cooking class, city history tour, and local farmers market activity are included.

Cost: To be determined – based on Grants received (Estimate- $2,000 – $3,000 –  includes airfare, all lodging, most meals, ground transportation, translation services, park entrance and program fees.)

Ohio 4-H Launches CareerNext Online Course, Empowering Youth for Success in Tomorrow’s Workforce

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Ohio 4-H proudly announces the debut of CareerNext: Are You Ready?, an innovative online course designed to equip young individuals with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the dynamic landscape of tomorrow’s workforce.

As the career landscape evolves rapidly, Ohio 4-H recognizes the importance of preparing youth for forthcoming challenges and opportunities. CareerNext stands as a comprehensive program integrating practical knowledge, interactive modules, and real-world scenarios to empower participants to explore various career paths, hone critical skills, and make informed decisions about their future.

Key features of the online course include interactive learning modules covering resume building, interview techniques, post-secondary education, and financial literacy. Participants also benefit from expert guidance, flexible learning options, hands-on activities, and resources for career exploration.

For more information about CareerNext: Are You Ready?, visit http://go.osu.edu/careernext.

Teen Opportunity: AG Yost Encourages High-School Students to Apply for Teen Ambassador Board

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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is accepting applications for Yost’s Teen Ambassador Board (TAB) for the 2024-25 academic year.

TAB – which is designed for high-school juniors and seniors from public, private, charter and online schools statewide, including home-schooled students – offers young people an opportunity to engage with state government officials and discuss issues affecting their lives.

“This program allows Ohio teenagers to gain firsthand experience in law and government,” Yost said. “It’s a chance for our future leaders to have their voices heard and to play an active role in shaping their communities.”

Board members serve a one-year term, during which they convene twice in Columbus to collaborate and advise the Attorney General’s Office on matters relevant to teens.

The ideal applicant is a motivated, enthusiastic self-starter who has an interest in law and government, seeks to develop leadership skills, and wants to make a difference.

Board members participate in small group projects, attend presentations, meet with Attorney General Yost, and interact with assistant attorneys general and elected officials.

The submission deadline for applications – an application can be found here – is Sept. 15, 2024. For more information about the program, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/TeenAmbassadorBoard.

Said Yost: “Don’t miss this chance to be part of a dynamic group of young leaders and make a meaningful impact on the state of Ohio.”

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!

Teen Opportunity: Apply for the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council by August 9th

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Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) applications for the 2024-25 year are now available and can be found on our website at go.osu.edu/TLC! Please let any interested individual know so they may apply. Please note, because it is only a one year term, current TLC members who wish to continue their service must re-apply. NEW THIS YEAR: Every member will select a committee to join that is based on a program in Ohio 4-H (STEM, Healthy Living, College and Career Readiness, Civic Engagement, and Animal Science) – they will be working closer with design teams to help review and provide feedback to programming as well as creating new programs and resources and advocating for that program and project area – see attached graphic for more details.

  • Applications and more information about the group can be found online at: go.osu.edu/TLC. Please note: applications (and other materials, including letters of recommendation and program fees) are due by Friday, August 9, 2024.  We recognize this falls during some county fairs, so encourage teens to apply early! We will accept applications as early as today 😊 The term for selected individuals will be September 1, 2024-August 31, 2025.

If you have questions on this opportunity, please let Frances (foos.61@osu.edu) or Sara (deakin.5@osu.edu) know.

Fairfield County’s Makenna Lybarger participates in National 4-H Roth Scholars Program

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In May, National 4-H Council announced a partnership with Atlanta-based businessman and philanthropist, Joel Roth, who provided a $1.1M gift to launch the 4-H Leadership Academy (The Academy). This two-year pilot will provide 25 high school students with employability skills that business leaders seek, including communication, leadership, ethics, conflict resolution and social responsibility.

Known as Roth Scholars, The Academy’s first cohort are participants from five 4-H Cooperative Extension Land Grant Universities, Auburn University, Rutgers University, The Ohio State University, University of Idaho, and University of Minnesota.

The teens selected from Ohio include: Dane Cresswell, Makenna Lybarger, Campbell Pohlman, Logan Pridemore, and Campbell Reese.

“The 4-H Leadership Academy advances a commitment shared by 4-H and Mr. Roth – to help young people develop the skills they need to prepare for work and life,” said Jill Bramble, President and CEO of National 4-H Council. “We thank Mr. Roth for his gratitude and this avenue to share leadership skills where our young people can learn, grow, and be work ready.”

Academy participants will receive stipends to support research projects that address community challenges. In addition, mentors support their learning in areas such as ethical decision-making, logic and reasoning, conflict resolution, and written and verbal communication. The culmination of the program will see the Roth Scholars implement the lessons learned in the cohort to drive research-based community impact.

“The problems facing our society are getting bigger and bigger, and more and more lasting. It’s increasingly important that we prepare young people to be thoughtful, effective leaders who are well positioned to take on these challenges,” Roth said. “4-H’s national reach, university-backed expertise, network of highly trained educators, in-person and virtual programming options, and longstanding reputation make them the perfect positive youth development partner for this new academy.”

For more information on the 4-H Leadership Academy, or to request interviews with Mr. Roth, National 4-H Council leadership, or the Roth Scholars, contact 4hcouncil@ssmandl.com.

 

 

Teen Opportunity: Summer Service and Social with Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council, June 28th

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Calling all teen 4-H members! Join us for a day of service and socializing in Columbus with your fellow older 4-H members on June 28th! We’ll be helping out at Ronald McDonald House of Charities in the morning, then head to Zoombezi Bay in the afternoon. Register by June 20th at go.osu.edu/TLCServiceSocial. Cost is only $10 which covers all activities and lunch, thanks to the Ohio 4-H Foundation!

More information:

What: A day of service to the community and socializing with fellow Ohio 4-H teen members!

  • Service: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbus (cleaning and helping prepare rooms for new guests, making snack and toiletry packs for guests)
  • Social: Zoombezi Bay/Columbus Zoo

Who: Any 13–18-year-old 4-H members (as of January 1, 2024)

When: Friday, June 28th, 8:45am-4:30pm; RSVP by June 20th at go.osu.edu/TLCServiceSocial.

Where: Meet at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center at 8:45am (2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210). We will caravan to the service and social locations and return to the 4-H Center by 4:30pm.

Cost: $10 (plus additional money for souvenirs/snacks at the Zoo). This price includes picnic lunch, entry to the waterpark and zoo, and service supplies. Sponsored by the Ohio 4-H Foundation. Payment must be made by June 20 at www.go.osu.edu/TLC10.

Fairfield County 4-H Achievement Awards

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4-H members who completed the Ohio 4-H Achievement or Junior Achievement Forms were recognized on April 11th at the Fairfield County 4-H Achievement Awards Program. Scholarship winners were also announced and recognized. A sincere thank you to Fairfield Federal for their continued sponsorship of this awards program. A big thank you to the Fairfield County Commissioners, Senator Tim Shaffer, and Representative Kevin Miller for providing certificates to our members. And a special thank you Commissioner Fix, Commissioner Levacy, Commissioner Fix, Senator Shaffer, and Representative Miller for attending this event!

Thank you to our scholarship donors: Fairfield County 4-H Advisory Committee, Basil Garden Club, Fenstermaker Family, Park National Bank, Kiwanis Club of Lancaster, and Feeder Creek Veterinary Services.

Additionally, we would like to thank our trip sponsors: Sewing Shefs 4-H Club, KKEZ 4-H Club, OK and Judy Schurtz, Justin Marteney Memorial Shooting Sports Education Camp Fund, OSU Endowment Interest Fund, 4-H Advisory Committee and the Bertha Wilson Trust.

For photos from the event, click here. Congrats to all and keep up the great work!

For a complete listing of 2024 awards: 2024 Achievement Banquet Program and 2024 Scholarship Awards

Youth Opportunity: 4-H Demonstration Contest – Signup by July 1st

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Sign-up NOW through Monday, July 1st to participate in the Fairfield County 4-H Demonstration Contest by calling the Extension Office at 740-653-5419.

When: Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Who: Any 4-H member (project age)

What: A contest designed to demonstrate your ability to teach how to do something. There are Junior and Senior Divisions! For more information contact the Extension Office

Where: Ag Center, 831 College Avenue, Lancaster Why: To share your talents or skills with others and improve your teaching abilities.

Need tips on how to plan for a great demonstration? Click here!

Participants in the county demonstration contest have the opportunity to advance to the Ohio State Fair! For more information on guidelines and rules, review the Ohio State Fair Guidebook for Communication Days.