Preparing Youth for Success
4-H is a non-formal educational, youth development program offered to individuals age 5 and in kindergarten to age 19. Ohio 4-H youth development reaches more than 240,000 youth each year – helping kids “learn by doing” through hands-on activities.
All 4-H programs focus on active involvement and quality experiences which stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills. 4-H members learn valuable lessons in leadership, communication and collaboration while increasing their knowledge in math, science, technology and a variety of other topics.
4-H creates fun while learning in a variety of ways. Kids can participate in 4-H through community clubs, camps, in-school and after-school activities, and summer programs. They increase their self-confidence and personal life skills while learning about specific subjects - anything from animals or computers to public speaking, cooking, art, gardening and environmental sciences, just to name a few project topics.
In Knox County 4-H last year 1100 youth participated in 63 traditional community clubs and activities, completing 1901 4-H projects. They demonstrated a gain in life skills at judging, speaking contests and through club leadership and citizenship. The program was supported by 188 volunteers. Of the 634 4-H members surveyed during interview judging, the following data was collected: 547 gained leadership skills, 620 increased their knowledge in their project areas, 535 improved record-keeping skills, 533 increased their social/presentation skills and 588 increased their confidence in taking on new tasks.
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 and to download the request form.
Extension has been helping all Ohioans build better lives, better businesses and better communities since 1914.
