Preparing Youth for Success

In Ohio 4-H, we empower youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime! 4-H inspires curiosity, builds lifelong skills, fuels adventure, and grows leaders through fun, hands-on activities, that include clubs, projects, service, and camps. Kids can be a 4-H project member when they are 8 and in the third grade, and they can participate in competitive events like projects and judging at county fairs. 4-H project members select from 200+ projects based on their interest—what we call sparks in 4-H. 

Younger children age 5 and in kindergarten are Cloverbuds who enjoy group-centered, non-competitive activities until they are eligible to be a project member. All 4-H members engage in hands-on learning in clubs, camps, and other settings with approved adult volunteers. 4-H volunteers are critical to the success of the 4-H program and undergo a thorough selection process. 

If you are interested in enrolling your child in the 4-H program and/or would like to talk more about becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact us today! 

You also can learn more about all OSU Extension 4-H youth development programs at ohio4h.org. 

Ohio 4-H membership is based on a child's age AND grade as of January 1 of the current calendar year. Youth who are 5 years of age and enrolled in Kindergarten are eligible for Cloverbud participation.  Eligibility for participation in 4-H projects and competitive events beings when a child is age 8 and in the 3rd grade. Any youth is age 9 or above is eligible for project membership, regardless of age level. Membership requires enrollment in an authorized Ohio 4-H club or group under the direction of an OSU Extension professional or an approved adult volunteer. A youth's membership ends December 31st of the year he or she turns 19. 

The expectations for 4-H membership are a balance of 4-H project work, involvement in a 4-H club, participation in 4-H activities and events, and working towards improving one's personal growth. 4-H members and their parents/guardians are also expected to abide by the Ohio 4-H Code of Conduct throughout the year and sign off on this code as part of the annual membership process.

For more information, please contact Morgan Parcher, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development at 419-592-0806; or by e-mail at parcher.6@osu.edu.

Special Needs Accommodations

Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan. Visit ohio4h.org/about/join-4-h#winning-plan for more information and to download the request form.

Extension has been helping all Ohioans build better lives, better businesses, and better communities since 1914.