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. 

What is 4-H?

  • 4-H is a non-formal educational, youth development program offered to individuals age 5 and in kindergarten to age 19. Youth ages 5 and in Kindergarten through 2nd grade engage in group-oriented learning experiences as a 4-H Cloverbud. More than 200 different 4-H projects are available to members age 8 and in the 3rd grade or 9 and in any grade through age 19. To learn more about available projects, view the Ohio 4-H Family Guide.
  • 4-H members and program participants learn valuable lessons in leadership, communication and collaboration while increasing their knowledge related to a variety of topics.
  • Youth can participate in 4-H through clubs, camps, school programs and short-term experiences.

Muskingum County 4-H Stats

  • More than 1250 youth participate in community clubs led by approximately 250 adult volunteers.  50+ 4-H clubs are located throughout the county. If youth are interested in joining 4-H, please call our office (740-454-0144) and we will help you find a club in your area. Our enrollment deadline is April 1 of the current calendar year in order to participate in all our program has to offer.
  • More than 175 campers and counselors attend Muskingum County 4-H Junior Camp at 4-H Camp Ohio in St. Louisville, Ohio. 4-H professionals, adult volunteers and trained 4-H teen counselors conduct a variety of learning experiences for campers during the five day, four night residential camping experience. Camper registration takes place in late April and early May.

Contact:

For more information, please contact Jamie McConnell, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (mcconnell.210@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. If you'd like to submit our a Winning 4-H Plan request for Muskingum County, fill out the form: go.osu.edu/muskw4hplan.

The 4-H Motto

"To Make the Best Better"

The 4-H Motto refers to each member.  It means that each member will do the "Best" that he/she possibly can in whatever is attempted.  The member will then strive to improve the next time so his or her initial "Best" becomes "Better."  The 4-H motto encourages members to stretch their abilities and capacities to reach greater achievement within their own potential.

The 4-H Emblem

The 4-H emblem is a highly valued mark within our country's history.  As such it was granted a very unique status; it is in a category similar to the Presidential Seal and the Olympic emblem.  It is protected by the federal government and is under the responsibility and stewardship of the Secretary of Agriculture.  The "18 USC 707" marking that appears along the right lower left is coding that protects the use of the clover. 

The 4-H Colors

Green and White.  Green is nature's most common color and represents youth, life, and growth. White symbolizes purity and high ideals.

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.”