Nearly 300,000 Ohio youth are enrolled in 4-H youth development programs and activities annually. The 4-H program utilizes four primary delivery methods to educate youth. These methods include community clubs, school enrichment, special emphasis, and camping programs.

Three types of learning experiences are emphasized in 4-H youth development programs and activities: hands-on (making, producing, practicing, observing, etc.); organized activities (demonstrations, workshops, field trips, camps, etc.); and leadership/citizenship (conducting, planning, assisting, informing, organizing, etc.)

4-H programs have branched out into urban areas. Last year, more than 28 percent of all Ohio 4-Her's were living in towns and cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. More than 16 percent were living in cities and suburbs with populations greater than 50,000.

Volunteers are an essential part of the overall 4-H program. Approximately 30,000 youth and adult volunteers participated in the Ohio 4-H program this year. 4-H volunteers have the opportunity to contribute their time, energies, talents, and knowledge to help develop 4-H youth in a positive, educational way.

The Ohio 4-H program is coordinated by County, District and State 4-H Youth Development professionals, who are staff members of Ohio State University Extension. 4-H Youth Development is represented by over 100 4-H Youth Development Agents working in each of the 88 Ohio counties.

4-H is a family affair!  Everyone becomes involved in the learning, the business and the fun. 

• Learning To Learn - learning through experience leading 
• Self And Others - working as a team 
• Relating To Others - accepting diversity 
• Communicating With Others - creative expression 
• Planning And Organizing - setting short and long-term goals 

4-H'ers learn through experience in various ways:

• Community involvement - volunteer time to help community needs 
• Life Skill Projects - develop self-esteem and lifetime interests 
• State & National 4-H Trips - educational and develops leadership skills 
• State 4-H workshops - develop skills to plan and lead groups 
• Cloverbuds -allows 5 to 8 year old children to become involved with 4-H on a non-competitive basis                                                          

4-H Motto: 

          "To Make the Best Better"

4-H Pledge: 

           I pledge -   My Head to Clearer Thinking
                             My Heart to Greater Loyalty
                             My Hands to Larger Service
                             My Health to Better Living
                             For my Club, my Community, my Country, and my World.