Month: January 2021

Annual 4-H Club Advisor Training

Our annual club advisor training will be held face-to-face and using online training videos. Here are the face-to-face sessions:

  • Monday, February 15 from 10:00 am – 12:00 at the Extension Office or
  • Monday, February 15 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 at the Extension Office or
  • Monday, February 15 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 at the Extension Office or
  • Thursday, February 18 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Extension Office.

Registration is limited for each face-to-face sessions. Register at this link: https://go.osu.edu/washvolunteertraining

At least one volunteer per club must attend a face-to-face training. All volunteers must complete the Annual Child Abuse and Neglect Training and Annual Update Video.

 

Topics will include: program updates for 2021, livestock updates, volunteer training topics, horse program update, Year-end 4-H Family Survey Results, virtual state opportunities, state & local social media pages, Online Enrollment Training

Will we have 2021 fairs?

There seems to be some mis-information circulating around about 2021 fairs.

4-H and FFA support the education and development of youth for the fairs, but the decision about whether fairs occur is made by local and state health officials and local Senior Fair Board/County Agricultural Societies after considering the risks to health and safety of the community.
Some may see an Ohio Fair Managers Association post circulating referencing fairs this summer (that has since been taken down).
No decision has been made about Ohio Fairs as of now. We’ll let you know as solid information is released if that ever changes. Let’s stay positive!
This is the latest post from the Ohio Fair Managers Association:

Quality Assurance Test Out Option Available

The Washington County 4-H Program will be offering a quality assurance test out option on Monday February 15, 2021 at 9am.  The test will be administered at the OSU Extension Office for youth ages 12-14 years old and youth 15-18 years old.  The quality assurance test with a passing score for youth ages 12-14 will allow them to not attend an annual quality assurance training until they turn 15 as of January 1st.  Youth members ages 15-18 years old who pass the test will not need to attend an annual quality assurance training for the remainder of their 4-H / FFA career.  The tests are administered by 4-H professionals and consist of multiple choice questions.  If youth are interested in taking the test they may call the extension office at 740-376-7431 to set and appointment for February 15th.  If you would like more information you may also email Kathryn at hartline.24@osu.edu

National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition

The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees is once again sponsoring  the 2021 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition.  The essay competition is open to active 4-H Club members only.

2021 Essay Topic: Immunity: Threats to Bee Colonies and Methods to Defend Against the Threats

Deadline for submission to the Ohio 4-H state office is March 29, 2021.  Submit essays to Lisa Jinks, jinks.2@osu.edu by midnight.  Each submitted essay will be reviewed by a panel of writing professionals and the top essay selected will be submitted for national competition.  Be sure to see important requirements and guidelines on the Foundation’s website.  Click here for rules and overview.

Teamwork from Home – For Teens on February 19

The Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council would like to invite teens to join us during our statewide Teamwork from Home event on Friday, February 19! You can register here: go.osu.edu/4hteamwork.

The first session will begin at 4:00pm with a break from 5:30pm-6:30pm. At 6:30pm, we will begin our second session. When you register, you can choose to join us for one or both sessions!

During these sessions you will have an opportunity to learn about older youth 4-H opportunities, meet others from around the state and country, and participate in several interactive activities! This program is being offered by the Teen Leadership Council committee who would traditionally be planning a luncheon during Ohio 4-H Conference. Since we aren’t meeting for our conference in-person, we are bringing the fun to you!

20-Teamwork-From-Home

Current Guidance on 4-H Club Meetings

In-person Meetings and Events Guidance and Requirements

As we begin the new year, the Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events has been updated to reflect current guidance from Ohio State University and health officials. Beginning SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021, the following is in effect:

  • Hosting virtual meetings and events is preferred
  • If activities are critical/essential and are in-person, they must be education-focused
  • Group cannot be larger than 50 people, including adults, youth, presenters, etc.
  • This directive is dependent on local health department guidelines.
  • The group size may need to be reduced to 10 (or other amount), based on directives from your local health department.
  • Face masks are required inside and outside at all times
  • Potlucks and buffets are not permitted

Find details and updated guidelines at  Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events

OSU Extension Office NOW OPEN

The OSU Extension is now open Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:30

4-H Staff are in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday by appointment. 4-H staff are available via email and to return calls on Monday and Friday as we continue teleworking.

Bruce Zimmer – zimmer.2@osu.edu

Kathryn Hartline – hartline.24@osu.edu

4-H College Scholarship Applications Due – March 1

Washington County 4-H College Scholarship for 2021!!

Scholarship Guidelines:

  1. Applicants must have been enrolled and in good standing (completed projects) in Washington County 4-H Program at least three years.
  2. Applicants must attach a letter of acceptance (if available) from the college you are planning to attend Fall 2021. Can be any accredited associates or bachelors program.
  3. Applicants must be a high school senior or college freshman at the time of application.
  4. Include a current photo with the application. (Senior picture preferred)
  5. The Washington County 4-H Advisory Committee will award two $500 college scholarships.
  6. Scholarships are not renewable and will be a one-time recipient.
  7. Awardees will be notified by April 1st.

Application: 2021 College Scholarship Application

4-H Personal Development Scholarship Applications Due – March 1

Thinking about continuing your education or attending a certification program? Then you might want to apply for a personal development scholarship!

Scholarship Guidelines:

  1. Applicants must be at least a high school senior, high school graduate, Washington County 4-H Alumni OR current Washington County 4-H Volunteer.
  2. Applicants must have been involved in the Washington County 4-H Program a minimum of three years as a member or volunteer.
  3. The purpose of this scholarship is to reimburse applicants for expenses incurred for further training or technical education. Reimbursable expenses include: books, tools, supplies, tuition, school fees, continuing education fees, room & board, etc.
  4. Scholarship winners will be required to provide a copy of receipts to be reimbursed. Funds must be claimed by July 1, 2022.
  5. The Washington County 4-H Advisory Committee will award four $250 scholarships.
  6. Awardees will be notified by April 1st.

Application: 2021 Personal Development Scholarship Application