What is 4-H?
... a non-formal educational, youth development program. Youth are involved in hands-on experiential learning that allows learning by doing. All 4-H programs focus on active involvement and quality experiences which stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills. 4-H is easily recognized by the four-leaf clover emblem.
What's your 4-H?
When joining a club, you will want to consider:
- Think about your project interest. Some clubs will work with all projects; some have limits on the type of project they will accept in their club. If you have a specific interest, you will want to look for a club that works with your project interest. If you do not have a project interest at this point, you will want to look for a club that works with all projects.
- Schedule. Find a club whose meeting schedule is possible for you. Some clubs have a set meeting night and some clubs vary their meeting night to accommodate various family schedules. You will need to contact the Extension Office at 740-335-1150 to get a copy of the club list.
- Once you have decided on a club(s) that might be a possibility for you, call and ask the organizational club advisor if you can visit at their next club meeting. It is okay to visit more than one club before deciding which is the best club for you.
- This QR Code gives us some more information on how we can best match you with a club.
Join 4-H QR Code
Looking for a 4-H project? Or, still, need help in trying to decide on what project to take?
Give us a call or stop into the Extension office to look at a copy of the project books during buisness hours 8:00 am-4:30 pm.
The 4-H Pledge
I pledge my Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
and my Health to better living,
For my club, my community, my country, and my world.
4-H Motto
To Make the Best Better
Who can participate & age requirements?
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CLOVERBUD 4H MEMBERSHIP
Ohio Cloverbud 4-H Membership begins when a child has reached age 5 AND is in Kindergarten as of January 1.
Cloverbuds do not participate in regular 4-H projects and evaluations; instead, they participate in non-competitive activities that are specifically designed for their age level. The goal of the Cloverbud program is to promote confidence, social skills, decision-making abilities, knowledge, and physical skills of 5 - 8-year-old youth.
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4H MEMBERSHIP
4-H Membership begins when a child is at least age 8 and enrolled in 3rd grade as of January 1 of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership ends December 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19.
4-H members can compete in a wide range of project areas, attend camps & contests, and participate in many other county, state, and national events.
NOTE: When counting "4-H years" - all enrolled years count toward membership (count both Cloverbud and "big" 4-H years).
Who is in charge of 4-H?
Extension professionals are staff members of Ohio State University Extension who plan and coordinate county 4-H programming and work closely with members and volunteers.
Club Advisors are volunteers that organize the club work, help 4-H members choose projects, and assist them with preparations for judging’s. All club Advisors and Volunteers must be approved through the Ohio State University Volunteer Selection Process before approval for volunteer work. This process includes an application, references, and a background check.
What is a 4-H Club?
A 4-H club may be organized within a school, church, or community. A club must have at least 6 members from 2 different families (not all siblings). A club must have an Organizational Advisor; clubs may have additional Advisors & Volunteers.
For current 4-H club & county requirements, contact the Extension office at 740-335-1150.
How do I join?
In Fayette County, the deadline for enrollment is March 1. Advisors must have club enrollments (including all club member information & project selections) to the Extension office by this date.
Because many clubs meet year around, youth/parents can start as early as October in trying to find a club to join.
Youth interested in joining a club should contact several 4-H club Organizational Advisors about membership in their clubs.
We can help you find a club in your area, just give us a call. Here are some good questions to ask the advisor:
Is this club accepting new members?
What kind of projects do members take in this club?
When and where are the club meetings held?
How much does 4-H cost?
Cost to an individual member depends on club dues and the type of projects selected. Some projects will cost more to complete than others. For example, a leadership projects will not cost as much as a livestock project.
For Fayette County membership, the county has a $10.00 annual per activity fee.
What is a 4-H project?
4-H projects are planned learning experiences and activities that focus on a particular topic.
Imagine from choosing from over 200 4-H Projects:
•assemble a rocket or radio-controlled vehicle
•care for your pet cat, dog, or hamster
•become a welder or a carpenter
•write a creative story with your own by-line
•re-decorate your bedroom
•learn to show a hog or feed out a steer
•shop for a new outfit or sew up a new one
•cook or bake a new recipe
•4-H has a project designed just for you!
For a complete listing of 4-H projects available, refer to the Ohio 4-H Project Guide or Project Central
County Fair Exhibition
Fayette County Fair Exhibition is a privilege and is encouraged. In order to exhibit at the county fair and receive project premium(s), members must complete the 4-H enrollment process by March 1 and fulfill the county judging process.
How do we get more involved in 4-H?
That's easy... Contact us at:
OSU Extension-Fayette County
1415 US Rte 22 SW, Suite 100
Washington Court House, Ohio 43160
phone: 740-335-1150
fax: 740-335-2757