- 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.
- Applications available at: https://go.osu.edu/4HEYAapp
- Two references should be submitted at: https://go.osu.edu/4HEYAref
- 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
- Training – Must attend one of the options for training (July 10 or July 15)
- 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)
Teen Leadership
Ohio 4-H Teen Service and Social Days
Calling all teen 4-H members! Join us for a day of service and socializing in one of the TWO LOCATIONS across the state with your fellow older 4-H members on June 25 or 26th! We’ll be helping out at a park clean up in the morning, then having a picnic and outdoor games together after the work is done. Register by June 16th at go.osu.edu/TLCServiceSocial. Cost is only $10 which covers all activities, a SWAG item, and lunch, thanks to the Ohio 4-H Foundation!
More information:
Ohio 4-H Teen Service and Social
What: TWO days of service to the community and socializing with fellow Ohio 4-H teen members! Service activities include a park clean up with a picnic and outdoor games after the work is done.
Who: Any 13-18 year old 4-H members (as of January 1, 2025)
When & Where: Wednesday, June 25 or Thursday, June 26, 9:30am-3:00pm.
- June 25 – Southern Ohio, Rocky Fork State Park (Highland County)
- June 26 – Northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Cuyahoga/Summit County)
Cost: $10 per day. This price includes picnic lunch, service and social supplies and activities. Sponsored by the Ohio 4-H Foundation. Payment must be made by June 16 at go.osu.edu/TLC10.
Ohio 4-H Seeking Teens to Serve as 4-H Event Youth Assistants
- 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.
- Applications available at: https://go.osu.edu/4HEYAapp
- Two references should be submitted at: https://go.osu.edu/4HEYAref
- 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
- Training – Must attend one of the options for training (July 10 or July 15)
- 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)
Ohio 4-H Seeking Teens to Serve as 4-H Event Youth Assistants
- 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.
- Applications available at: https://go.osu.edu/4HEYAapp
- Two references should be submitted at: https://go.osu.edu/4HEYAref
- 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
- Training – Must attend one of the options for training (July 10 or July 15)
- 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)
Ohio 4-H Urban Immersion Project
The Urban Immersion Project is a 4-H initiative that combines cross-cultural learning, teamwork, and service-learning in the urban environment of Washington, DC.
Curious about this experience? Review the Benefits of Urban Immersion Experiences for Urban and Suburban Teens to learn more!
Teens ages 15-18 are eligible for this 4-day service-learning experience that will build skills and abilities to prepare youth for success in a diverse workplace as well as build a cultural understanding of those who are different. This experience will not be about shopping or sightseeing, although we will visit some monuments and historic sites.
The 4-H Educator leading this experience will contact all teen applicants to complete an additional Zoom video/phone interview before selection.
Program Components
• Diversity and the Urban Experience
• Cooking in Food Groups
• Service Projects
• Ethnic Food Night
• City Scavenger Hunt
• Exploring Issues of Homelessness
• DC Monument Night Tour
• Metro Challenge
Who: Ohio 4-H teens ages 15-18 and still in high school (by the date of the trip)
Where: Washington, DC
When: Thursday (6 am), September 18th – Sunday, September 21st, 2025
Cost: $250 (limited scholarship opportunities available)
APPLY: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QX2SYim38bKTHM
Questions about this experience? Contact Steve Brady (brady.111@osu.edu or 513.695.1311)
Ohio 4-H Scholarships are Due Soon!
Ohio 4-H recognizes and rewards individual excellence, whether it is in project work, leadership, citizenship or community service. Please check with your county Extension office for information about county scholarships or visit the Ohio 4-H Scholarships webpage for more information. Scholarship applications are due by Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Ohio State 4-H Leadership Camp
Leadership Camp Campers
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.
Leadership Camp Counselors
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!
Ohio Beef Youth Council
New Ohio Beef Youth Council to Launch at OCA Annual Meeting Feb. 1
(MARYSVILLE, Ohio) – The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet is set for Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio. This event will serve as the setting for the new Ohio Beef Youth Council (OBYC) launch. The council is a youth education initiative created to serve the families and youth of Ohio’s beef industry and invest in the next generation of industry leaders. This initiative, funded by the Beef Checkoff and OCA, will provide youth with the tools to become more effective industry leaders and inspire them to continue their engagement in Ohio’s beef industry as adults.
Beef industry youth and their parents are invited to join the council’s youth leaders on Saturday morning for the roll-out of the new council. OBYC officers will introduce the vision and initial programs for the council. Registration will open at 9:00 a.m., and the program will begin at 10:00 a.m. The council and its programs will be open to all youth 8 to 21 years of age. There will be no cost to be involved in the council. OBYC educational contests and events will have registration fees.
Attendees will also hear from a panel of agriculture professionals about how programs similar to the Youth Council have impacted their education and career goals. Panelists include:
- Zane Gross, Ashland County, Operations Manager & Sales Lead for E. R. Boliantz Packing Co. Ohio State University graduate and meat science expert working with and advising area cattle Recipient of the OCA Young Cattleman of the Year award. His family owns Buckeye Creek Angus, a growing seedstock operation.
- Lindsey Hall, Highland County, Employed as an agent for ICAP Crop Insurance, she and her family own and operate Maplecrest As a graduate of Ohio State & Kansas State Universities and current OCA vice president, Lindsey and her family are the next generation of Maplecrest’s elite seedstock operation and she is the Manager of Product Procurement for their newest business venture, Maplecrest Meats & More.
- Kirsten Nickles, Ashland County, Sustainability & Animal Care Scientist for Certified Angus Beef working to build brand integrity with their marketing partners and maintain consumer trust in the CAB brand. Ohio State University Ph.D. graduate and current member of the OCA board of She is involved with her family’s cattle and crop farm.
- Garrett Stanfield, Adams County, Regional Business Manager for Trans Ova Genetics. Co-advisor for the Ohio Junior Simmental Ohio State University graduate and former participant in the OCA Young Cattlemen’s Conference leadership program. Herdsman and manager for Stanfield Farms a Simmental seedstock producer.
Following the OYBC launch and ag professional panel, all attendees are invited to a complimentary luncheon hosted by the Ohio Beef Council. Lunch will review 2024 strategic Checkoff investments designed to build beef demand. All attendees must register to attend.
The afternoon will include setting OCA policy for 2025 and hearing from guest speaker Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) will host their annual meeting that will include the presentation of the Foundation’s 2024 scholarships. In addition, the new Educational Scholarship, and Success Grant in memory of Bill Tom, former OCA vice president and Ohio State Fair beef director will be awarded.
The evening will conclude with the Awards Banquet where the seven distinguished award winners for the year will be named in the categories of Young Cattlemen of the Year, Industry Service Award, Industry Excellence Award, Seedstock Producer of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year, Environmental Stewardship Award and the Outstanding County Award. A dinner will be served as attendees enjoy viewing the release of the award videos.
After the banquet, a social event will be held for cattlemen to mingle and participate in a live auction held to raise funds for OCA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) that supports ag-friendly candidates.
Registration, hotel room booking, and more details about the Ohio Beef Youth Council and OCA Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet can be found at www.ohiocattle.org or call (614) 873-6736 with questions.
Announcing our 2025 Junior Fair Board
We are excited to announce the 4-H and FFA members who will be serving on the 2025 Hartford Independent Fair Junior Fair Board. Congrats to these teens for being selected for the junior fair board. We look forward to working with these teens in preparation for the 2025 Hartford Fair!
2025 Hartford Independent Fair Junior Fair Board
- Ashley Allerton, Junior Advisor
- Callie Baker
- Camryn Baker
- Elisabeth Baker
- Riley Baker
- Morgan Beaver
- Sophia BeVier, Junior Advisor
- Emmie Burgess
- Austin Chapman
- Gracie Cyphers
- Ava Debolt
- Sierra Dolan
- Lola Dorsey
- Quin Dorsey
- Kinsey Duzan
- Autumn Elie
- Alyssa Evans
- Elena Evans
- Karson Ewing
- Kayden Ewing
- Holton Forman
- Lauren Heimerl
- Mackenzie Holland, Junior Advisor
- Kylie Holman
- Erin Hoover
- Cassie Lahrmer
- Julie Lahrmer
- Ava Lycans
- Natalie Lyons
- Lucy MacLaren
- Austin Mauger-Albright
- Anna Morris
- Colin Morrison
- Ryan Orr
- Nyah Painter
- Sam Raaker
- Amelia Savage
- Mary Schwartz
- Averi Smith
- Madison Smith
- Gracie Stoltz, Junior Advisor
- Hannah Stoltz
- Avery Suver
- Ali Thoman
- Haydn Tinsley
- Jorja Valentine
- Autumn Wampler, Junior Advisor
- Lane Wampler
- Addison Wise
- Haylan Jo Wise
Announcing our 2025 Food and Fashion Board
We are proud to announce our 4-H teens who have been selected to serve on the 2025 Licking County 4-H Food and Fashion Board. These members serve in a leadership role to promote and support the Food & Nutrition and Clothing & Textile projects. They plan and host workshops and events throughout the year.
2025 Licking County 4-H Food and Fashion Board:
- Lucy MacLaren
- Bella Park
- Alexis Reimer
- Lydia Reimer
- Megan Reimer
- Kelsey Slot
- Izzy Swartz