Month: December 2025

REMINDER: 2026 New 4-H Advisor Applications Are Now Available

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If you are interested in becoming a Licking County 4-H advisor for 2026, you can find the application HERE. Completed applications are due to the Licking County Extension Office by January 1, 2026. Please note that all applicants must be at least 20 years of age as of 01/01/2026 – allowing for at least one year between enrollment as a member and stepping in to an Advisor role. Applications can also be emailed to Lisa McCutcheon at mccutcheon.46@osu.edu. If you are interested in starting a new club, please turn your advisor application in as soon as possible so we can get that process started as well.

Licking County Pest Management Committee Scholarship

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The Licking County Pest Management Committee is providing a scholarship opportunity. Applicants for the scholarship must meet the following guidelines:

ELIGIBILITY

  • Sophomore or above in trade school or college (including Graduate Level) and enrolled for the next term.
  • GPA Level: 3.0 or above
  • Passionate intent to have a career path related to agriculture
  • Past or present involvement with 4-H and/or FFA (or equivalent)
  • Resident of Licking County
  • Recipients are eligible to re-apply in following years

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

  • Intent is to issue two scholarships of $500 per school year based on qualified applicants

The deadline to submit the application is April 1, 2026. You can find the application HERE.

REMINDER: State 4-H Junior Shooting Sports Camp Application

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The Licking County 4-H Committee, in partnership with the Licking County 4-H Shooting Sports Committee, will be choosing two 4-H members, who are currently completing Grades 3-6, to participate in State 4-H Junior Shooting Sports Camp. State 4-H Junior Shooting Sports Camp is a residential camp, and will be held at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp in Jackson, Ohio during June 12-14, 2026.

Please note that applicants do NOT need to be enrolled in a 4-H Shooting Sports project to apply.

Complete the APPLICATION and return to the Licking County Extension Office by Friday, January 17, 2026.

 

Upcoming OSU Extension Offices Closure

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The Ohio State University, including all County Extension Offices, will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1. We look forward to spending time with our family and friends and observing the university’s winter academic recess. If you need to reach out to us or visit our office before the end of the year, please be sure to do so by December 23, 2025.

Thanks to our community partners, volunteers, and 4-H members for a great 2025. We look forward to connecting with you in early 2026!

Shooting Sports Winter Workshop

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Registration is now open for the Shooting Sports Winter Workshop! Join Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports February 20-22 at 4-H Camp Ohio for an exciting and educational experience. To secure your spot, visit the link below and clock the red register button. Don’t wait— registration closed January 15 at 5:00pm. Learn more by visiting the Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor (State) Training Workshops webpage!

Please note:

  • Participants must be an APPROVED volunteer in 4-HOnline. If you are interested but have not yet gone through the Licking County 4-H Volunteer process, please plan to submit your advisor application by January 1, 2026 and then plan to attend the spring training in April.
  • If you are already an approved volunteer and plan to either renew an existing certification or to add a new certification, please let Lisa know of your plans to attend and which discipline in which you will be participating.

SAVE THE DATE: Ohio 4-H Conference

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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! Learn more at the Ohio 4-H Conference webpage.

 

 

4-H Teen News!

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Ready to learn about 4-H opportunities, service ideas, and project spotlights? Check out the latest issue of the Ohio 4-H Teen News!

This month’s highlights include:

  • Project Spotlight: 4-H Around the Globe! Ever wonder what 4-H is like in other countries? This project encourages curiosity and respect for different cultures, traditions, and youth programs worldwide.
  • Community Service Ideas: Get inspired with easy ways your 4-H club can clean up local areas like parks, fairgrounds, or schools.
  • Scholarship Central: Learn about various statewide and county-level Ohio 4-H scholarships available to recognize your leadership and service. Many deadlines traditionally fall in mid-February, so check with your local Extension office now!
  • TLC Updates: See what the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council is planning for the Ohio 4-H Conference and find out when applications for TLC positions will open (Summer 2026).

Read the full update: https://buckeyemailosu-my.sharepoint.com/…/IQAwBedgTEeq…

National 4-H Animal Science Career Night

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National 4-H Animal Science Career Night!

  • December 18, 2025
  • 7–8pm EST
  • FREE for youth in grades 7–13 (ages 12–19)

Join us for an exciting evening with two incredible guest speakers from the animal science industry! Hear real-world career insights, ask questions, and explore future pathways in animal science.

Featured Speakers:

  • Mr. Jack Ward – Executive Vice President, American Hereford Association
  • Mr. Sam Cohen – Zoological Supervisor, Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

Register by December 17, 2025 at 11:59pm EST at this REGISTRATION LINK.

Questions? Contact: mb2173@njaes.rutgers.edu

SAVE THE DATE: Adventure Training at 4-H Camp Ohio

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4-H Camp Ohio will hold their annual Adventure Training on May 2, 2026. This program is designed to train volunteers to lead the various Adventure Programs at 4-H Camp Ohio.

Adventure Tower – Must be 18 years or older.

  • Zipline
  • Climbing Wall
  • Rappelling

Flying Squirrel – Must be 18 years or older.

High Ropes – Must be 18 years or older.

Team Challenge – Must be 15 years or older.

To register to attend the training, please visit the Ohio 4-H Camp website.

SAVE THE DATE: 2026 Ohio Youth Institute

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Ohio 4-H is excited to share information about the 2026 Ohio Youth Institute (OYI)—a signature youth leadership and global learning opportunity offered in partnership with the World Food Prize Foundation and The Ohio State University. OYI helps young people explore real-world solutions to food insecurity while strengthening their research, communication, critical thinking, and civic engagement skills.

The 2026 Ohio Youth Institute will take place on:

April 13, 2026

The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

About the Opportunity

High school students (grades 9–12) who participate will:

  • Research a global challenge impacting food security
  • Develop and submit a 3–5-page Global Challenge Paper
  • Present their findings at OYI to peers and experts
  • Be recognized as a Borlaug Scholar

Paper submission and registration deadline: April 1, 2026. More information can be found at: http://worldfoodprize.org/ohio