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.
  • Muskingum County 4-H also offers a variety of school enrichment and community outreach programs, including Chick Quest, Real Money. Real World., 4-H CARTEENS and workforce development activities. 

Contact:

For more information, please contact Jamie McConnell, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (mcconnell.210@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. 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.”