Empowering youth with the skills to lead

January 29, 2024

By Kristy Watters

4-H Youth Development Educator

Adams County 4-H enrollment is open. Clubs are actively accepting new and returning members, volunteers, and families into our 4-H program.

4-H youth learn by doing. The program focuses on hands on learning that is research based. We offer experiential learning opportunities for everything from rocketry to rabbits, cooking to cattle. No matter where your interests lie, there is a project for you. And if you are not really sure what you are passionate about, we can help with that too. Exploring all that 4-H has to offer is half the fun. 4-H youth become competent, confident, caring, and connected adults. According to research from Tufts University, 4-Her’s are more likely to contribute to their communities, achieve higher grades in school, and continue their education after high school.

And 4-H is fun! We work hard and we play hard. From club recreation and community service to the county fair, to 4-H Camp at Canter’s Cave, there’s something for everyone. Friendships, food, family, and fun are at the heart of 4-H programming. We invite you to become part of our 4-H family with over a hundred adult volunteers and more than six hundred youth.

Interested in your child joining 4-H but not sure where to start? Follow these three easy steps:

1) Find a club. Adams County 4-H has 26 active clubs, led by screened, trained volunteers that are ready and willing to help our youth have a positive learning experience. Clubs come in all sizes and specialties and meet in all areas of the county. Visit go.osu.edu/JoinAdams4H to find a complete list of clubs, including contact information for the head advisor. The sooner you reach out, the better. If you are having difficulty finding a club or knowing where to start, contact the Extension at (937) 544-2339.

2) Choose a project. For Cloverbuds, youth in K-second grades, this is an easy one. You will enroll in project 710 Cloverbud Activities. For our older members, third-12th grades, there are a lot of options. More than 200 projects await exploration. We recommend new members stick to one or two projects until they get comfortable, then the sky is the limit.

3) Now you’re ready to enroll. Visit oh.4honline.com to sign up before February 15. If you are a returning 4-H family, you already have an account. You just need to log in using your email address as your username. If you can’t remember your password, there is an easy reset button at the bottom of the home page. New families will need to create an account. Be sure to add all members of your family that will be participating in 4-H from Cloverbuds to Volunteers. Again, if you need help, reach out to your club advisor or the Extension office for support.

Enroll today by visiting http://oh.4honline.com. Enrollment in Adams County 4-H ends February 15. If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to call the Extension Office at (937) 544-2339.

Learn more about Adams County 4-H by visiting our website at http://go.osu.edu/JoinAdams4H, following us on Facebook at Ohio State – Adams County 4-H, and subscribing to our blog at u.osu.edu/AdamsCounty4H.

Upcoming Dates in Adams County 4-H

• February 3-4: Teen Winter Retreat, Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp

• February 15: 4-H Online Enrollment Deadline – midnight, oh.4honline.com

• February 19: Hands to Larger Service Community Service Day, 12:30 – 4 p.m., Extension Office.Register at go.osu.edu/LargerService

• February 20: Deadline, 4 pm, Extension Office for:

· Payment of Assessments

· Horse Production Contracts

· Livestock Exhibitor Agreements

· Club Book Orders

· Market Chick, Poultry, and Duck Orders

· Candy Orders

· Revolution of Rabbit application