This guide is designed especially for volunteers, members and their families involved in 4-H through community and project clubs, EFNEP groups, and special school and community enrichment programs.

Table of Contents
Ohio 4-H Foundation		PDF
Understanding Projects	HTML	PDF
Project Descriptions	HTML	PDF
Understanding 4-H Member Recognition in Ohio	HTML	PDF
Opportunities and Awards for Members	HTML	PDF
Project Selection Guide	HTML	PDF
Literature Request Sheet for Members		PDF
County Offices and Telephone Numbers	HTML	PDF

4-H Membership Information
Eligibility for Ohio 4-H membership begins at age 5 or Kindergarten as of January 1 and ends December 31 of the year a youth reaches 19 years of age. Membership begins when an eligible individual is enrolled in a club or group that is under direction of a trained adult and within the scope of Ohio State University Extension.

Youth in 4-H "learn by doing" as they participate in more than 200 projects and hundreds of other activities designed to help them develop as individuals and become responsible, productive members of society. Last year, more than 286,000 Ohio youth were involved in 4-H.

Service projects are a great way for 4-H members to make a difference in their local communities.

Created by: Bob Horton, Ph.D., Extension Specialist, Curriculum Design
Updated by: David M. Farrell, Extension Associate,
4-H Youth Development
Editors: David Scardena and Emily McConnell
Cover Design: Kyle Parke

Dear 4-H Families,
I am truly honored that your family has decided to participate in the Ohio 4-H program. Across Ohio, nearly 300,000 youth and 25,000 volunteers are engaged in the 4-H program. While much of the public may see 4-H clubs, project work, county and state fairs, camps, and judging, you realize there is much more. 4-H is about linking young people and caring adults to work together in making a difference in the lives of your child and the community where you live.

As you may know, 4-H is the youth development program of Ohio State University Extension. Our mission is to provide positive environments for youth and adults to reach their fullest potential as capable, competent, caring, and contributing citizens. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

Last year, 4-H celebrated it centennial. It was truly an exciting year that was full of great celebration of the past, present, and preparing for the future. One of the great celebrations was the ceremonial ground breaking for the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. If your family or club has not made a contribution yet, we would sincerely appreciate your support.

As you know, Ohio will be celebrating its Bicentennial in 2003! There will be many celebration events and activities across Ohio. While the Ohio 4-H can not make a financial pledge to the celebration, I challenge all 4–H clubs and 4-H families to honor Ohio's Bicentennial by giving some of their time through a community service project. Why a community service project? One of our H's stands for hands for larger service for my club, my community, my country and my world—and what better way to make a difference in Ohio than to do a special 4-H project to help others and the communities where you live! Once you have completed a service project, please let us know.

Again, thanks for being a part of Ohio 4-H. Feel free to visit us at www.ohio4-H.org from your home. I hope you and your family have a great year.

Sincerely,

Jeff King
Assistant Director, Ohio State University Extension and
State 4-H Leader