Preparing Youth for Success

4-H is a non-formal educational, youth development program reaching 240,000 youth in Ohio. With 23 clubs from which to chose from, 800  youth enrolled in Henry County 4-H in 2021.

All 4-H programs focus on active involvement and quality experiences which stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills. 4-H members learn valuable lessons in leadership, communication, and collaboration while increasing their knowledge in math, science, technology and a variety of other topics.

4-H creates fun while learning in a variety of ways. 4-H'ers participate through community clubs, camps, in-school and after-school programs as well as summer activities. There are engaging, hands-on, experimental activities at club meetings, workshops/clinics, camps, and special events. Youth increase their self-confidence and personal life skills while learning about specific subjects - anything from animals or computers to public speaking, cooking, art, gardening, and environmental sciences, just to name a few project topics.

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.

You can also learn more about all OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development programs at http://ohio4h.org.

Special Needs Accommodations

Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan. Visit https://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.