Teen Leadership

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 

Ohio 4-H State Leadership Camp

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Are you interested in growing as a leader alongside your peers? Consider attending Ohio 4-H State Leadership Camp (held June 1-5 at 4-H Camp Ohio)!

This camp is a premiere leadership development opportunity that offers participants engaging sessions in topics such as motivation, communication, teamwork, and more! While at camp, participants are actively learning AND teaching their peers! This opportunity is open to Ohio 4-H members ages 14-18 – contact your county 4-H professional for more information on cost, scholarships, and registration or visit go.osu.edu/leadershipcamp for additional information! County commitment forms are due March 15 and must be submitted by county 4-H staff.

2025 Fulton County Older Youth Opportunities

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The leadership experiences listed below are opportunities for teens wishing to learn and grow their skills as leaders. Determined by a selection committee, delegates who are selected from the pool of applicants for each camp or workshop will receive a scholarship–full or partial–to attend through support from the Fulton County 4-H Endowment Fund. Specific details, including dates, descriptions, eligibility and cost, are outlined in the Opportunity Menu found below. Interested applicants should complete the 2025 Fulton County OYO Interest Form and submit no later than January 15, 2025. Delegates will be selected by a committee during a review process of all applications.

Making eXtreme Counselors
Ohio 4-H Conference
Buckeye Leadership Workshop
State Leadership Camp
Camp Canopy
4-H Shooting Sports Camp
Citizenship Washington Focus
Ohio 4-H Sea Camp
Carving New Ideas

Opportunity Menu

2025 Fulton OYO Interest Form – Should be emailed to fulton4h@osu.edu OR mailed/dropped off at the Fulton County OSU Extension Office (8770 State Route 108, Suite A, Wauseon, OH 43567).

 

Due: January 15, 2025

News from BuckeyeNext!

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Introducing BuckeyeNext, powered by Suitable – Revolutionizing Youth Development in Ohio’s 4-H Program!

BuckeyeNext is on a mission to empower students by creating a groundbreaking stackable-credential framework. Through immersive experiential learning opportunities, students can earn industry-accepted credentials and cultivate expertise in occupational competencies. BuckeyeNext is not just an app; it’s the ultimate hub for 4-H youth to track their involvement and proudly showcase their development journey!

Open to middle- and high school-aged 4-H youth across Ohio!

  1. Register your email: go.osu.edu/buckeyenextoptin
  2. Download the suitable app: app.suitable.co
  3. Log-in using email
  4. View your dashboard, upcoming, and completed activities & achievements

Join BuckeyeNext today and embark on a journey of skill development and recognition in Ohio’s 4-H community!

4-H STEM Camp at Canter’s Cave Registration Now Available!

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Registration for 4-H STEM Camp at Canter’s Cave is now available! This camp is available to any 5th-7th grade students interested in exploring STEM with a camp twist. A flyer is attached. Last year we had 53 campers at camp. We are hoping to double our numbers this year!
Registration and other information can be found at: go.osu.edu/4HSTEMCamp
When: June 10 – June 12, 2024
Where: Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, Jackson OH (1362 Caves Rd. Jackson, OH 45640)
Cost: Camp fee: $100.00
Who: Camp is open to children completing 5th, 6th, or 7th grades this spring.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 28th

Register for Forestry Wildlife Camp!

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The 2024 Forestry Wildlife Camp will be held at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp from April 19 to 21, and spots will fill up before you know it! This opportunity is open to youth in grades 7-11 and 4-H members in the 12th grade are encouraged to apply as camp counselors. Campers will enjoy wildlife education, fishing, hiking, and tree climbing, and learn about forestry, outdoor survival, and ODNR careers and college opportunities! Registration is due March 28. 

Forestry Wildlife Camp Flyer

Spark EXPO registration is fast approaching!

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From June 12-15, teens at the Spark EXPO will learn about agriculture and related STEAM fields from industry experts, and faculty and staff of the Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).  

Spark EXPO is open to all Ohio students who have completed the eighth grade or ninth grade at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Participants do not need to be enrolled in the 4-H program.  

As part of Spark EXPO, students visit Ohio State’s Columbus and Wooster campuses and learn from Ohio State students, teachers, scientists, and researchers. Students explore careers, hear from Ohio 4-H alumni who share their career stories, and learn about the college and career-readiness program: Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future.  

The deadline to register is April 17, and details are at go.osu.edu/4hsparkexpo. 

The event includes on-campus accommodations, meals, program materials, and transportation. Supervision is provided by adult program staff. 

Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Camp Counselors WANTED

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Are you looking for a fun summer activity? Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Junior and Senior Camp will be here before you know it and we need Camp Counselor’s! Please consider applying to be a camp counselor for the Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Camps. These camps provide counselors with a great learning experience and we have tons of fun! Junior Camp Counselors are open for teens with a 4-H age of 14-18. Senior Camp Counselors are open for teens and young adults with a 4-H age of 15-20. Counselor’s will enjoy camp for FREE thanks to a grant from the Division of Wildlife. This teen leadership opportunity will allow the camp counselor’s to provide cabin management, supervise campers, serve in a leadership role throughout camp, lead songs, games and activities, participate in camp activities and so much more! Registration is open now and due May 1. Here is the link to apply: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bduayVmIkkCmJXE

OHIO 4-H LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT RETREAT @ 4-H CAMP PALMER

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OHIO 4-H LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT RETREAT (hosted by the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council)

When: April 12-13, 2024 (Friday early evening through Saturday afternoon – Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch provided)

Where: 4-H Camp Palmer

Who: 4-H youth ages 13-18 interested in strengthening existing leadership skills

*Great opportunity for Camp Counselor training hours, JFB members, club officers, etc. 

 

Cost: $40 (covers overnight stay at camp plus 3 meals and a 4-H SWAG item)

*Sponsored by the Sauder 4-H Career Development Fund!

What: Teens will participate in interactive and engaging activities related to leadership skills, teambuilding strategies, conflict management, and other life, career, and college readiness skills.

 

Registration is now open and is due April 1 at www.go.osu.edu/tlcleadershipretreat.