Author: Sara Lewis

New 4-H Projects for 2026

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Check out two of the new 4-H projects for 2026: Water Matters and Living on Your Own!

Water Matters (616) introduces beginning-level learners to where water comes from and what happens before it reaches us. Youth explore why it’s important to “consider the source” of their water and learn about the professionals who work to get that clean, fresh water to us.

Living on Your Own (495) guides advanced-level learners through what to think about before choosing a new place to live. They’ll consider their goals, budget, transportation, and service needs—before making the move to live independently.

Water Matters and Living on Your Own are available through your county 4-H professionals and at extensionpubs.osu.edu.

Save the date! Ohio 4-H Conference—March 21, 2026

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Mark your calendar for the 2026 Ohio 4-H Conference, held March 21, 2025, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, where 4-H volunteers and teens (ages 13 and up) from across the state will come together for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. With a wide variety of educational sessions designed for all interests and experience levels, this event is a chance to grow, share ideas, and strengthen Ohio 4-H programs. Registration will open by the first week of January and must be completed through your county office—don’t miss this opportunity to help make the best better!

National 4-H Conference—April 9-15, Apply now! 

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Apply Now: 2026 National 4-H Conference Delegate Opportunity! Applications are now open for Ohio 4-H members (ages 15–18 as of January 1, 2026) to represent our state at the 2026 National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C., held April 9–15. This prestigious event focuses on civic engagement, civic education, and personal development, bringing together youth from across the country to connect, learn, and lead. Interested members must complete the online application by December 1. More details and application link can be found here: https://go.osu.edu/N4HC 

We Invite Your Feedback-2025 4-H Year In Review Survey

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We want your feedback! | Vermont InvasivesAs we wrap up another exciting year of learning, leadership, and service, we want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us celebrate successes, recognize what’s working well, and make next year’s programs even better.

 

Please take a few minutes to complete our Fulton County 4-H Year-In-Review Summary. Your input is incredibly valuable—it guides how we plan future events, projects, and opportunities for youth and volunteers alike.

 

Click here to complete the survey: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2tU8zb7hbUPp2MS

(It should take about 5–10 minutes to complete. For our FFA participants, you may skip any sections that are not applicable to your level of involvement)

 

We ask that all responses be submitted by November 3, 2025

 

Thank you for being an essential part of the Fulton County 4-H family. Together, we’re growing leaders, strengthening communities, and making a difference every day.

Camp Life at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp—November 15-16 

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Camp Life at Canter’s Cave is here! Join us November 15 & 16 at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp. Learn skills you’ll actually use – like sewing on a button, preparing a meal, and basic car care – then kick back and relax with Ohio State Buckeyes tailgate, dance, and campfire. A weekend of life skills + camp vibes = memories made. 

Open to teens in grades 7 – 12. Register at go.osu.edu/CantersCampLife by November 1. The $40.00 registration fee includes a life skills kit to take home. Youth DO NOT need to be 4-H members to attend! 

Carving New Ideas—November 21-23 

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Boogie into Leadership this November at Carving New Ideas (CNI), held at 4-H Camp Ohio! CNI is a statewide camping opportunity that focuses on workforce development, future-forward thinking, and program facilitation for 4-H members in grades 8-12. Campers develop their leadership skills while making new friends from across Ohio. Held at 4-H Camp Ohio, this fall camping experience fosters new ways of thinking as older youth begin to explore their future careers and educational paths. Hosted by Collegiate 4-H at The Ohio State University, Collegiate 4-H members serve as session presenters, camp counselors, advisors, and more. Learn more and register by October 31 at go.osu.edu/cni 

Join the Ohio 4-H Foundation Board—Apply by November 3! 

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The Ohio 4-H Foundation is led by a volunteer board made up of business leaders, Extension staff, community members, and youth representatives from across the state. The board supports 4-H by reviewing funding proposals, awarding scholarships, and guiding investments that benefit youth development programs. It also serves as a key advisory and outreach group for OSU Extension. 

We’re currently seeking applicants for two open positions: 

  • Early Career Professional: Ohio 4-H alumni ages 21–30. Term: Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2028 
  • Teen Member: Current 4-H members ages 14–18 as of Jan. 1, 2025. Term: Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2028 

Learn more and apply at: ohio4h.org/foundation/about-ohio-4-h-foundation/foundation-board 

Extension Publishing—Two new STEM Titles! 

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ICYMI—Extension Publishing released two amazing new STEM titles last year! Have you heard about Microscope Mysteries and Missions in Microgravity? Microscope Mysteries (489) gives intermediate-level learners the opportunity to view the hidden worlds a microscope reveals. They learn how microscopes work and use the origami-inspired paper microscope, Foldscope, to explore the tiny worlds around them. The project includes opportunities for microscopic observation and data recording about matter, plants, soil, and pond life. Learn more about the Foldscope at foldscope.com/pages/our-story. 

Young Engineers in Space: Missions in Microgravity encourages intermediate-level learners interested in the physical and biological sciences to explore how conditions in space differ from those on Earth. Youth discover how researching these differences help us improve life on Earth and reach for the stars! 

Microscope Mysteries and Young Engineers in Space: Missions in Microgravity are available from your county professionals and extensionpubs.osu.edu. 

National 4-H Week—October 5-11 

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Join us in celebrating National 4-H Week! On Monday, October 6, wear green to help paint the nation green in support of 4-H. Then on Thursday, October 9, share your 4-H story or recognize someone making a difference as we celebrate 4-H For Good!