What Is 4-H?

What Is 4-H?

Click Here for the Erie County 4-H Orientation Packet

4-H is...

... 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.

    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:

The Ohio Cloverbud Program is for youth age 5 AND 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.

The 4-H Club Program is for youth who are age 8 AND in the 3rd grade as of January 1. (Ohio 4-H membership ends December 31 of the year in which the member turns 19 years.)
These 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.

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 judgings. 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. For current 4-H club & county requirements, contact the Extension office at 419/627-7631.

How do I join?

In Erie County, the deadline for enrollment is April 15.  Advisors must have club enrollments (including all club member information & project selections) to the Extension office by this date. 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.

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 nearly 200 4-H Projects:

• assemble a rocket or radio-controlled vehicle
• care for your pet cat or 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 Family Guide.

How do we get more information about 4-H?

That's easy... Contact us at:

OSU Extension-Erie County
2900 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

phone:  419/627-7631
web:     erie.osu.edu