MEDIA RELEASE__Wonder when and how you can get your child involved in 4-H? While many youth programs are aligned with the school year, the 4-H program takes a break during the fall and runs from March to September. The current enrollment deadline is April 15.

The following information is provided by the OSU Extension in Hardin County:

We have 27 clubs across the county and about 700 youth engaged in 4-H project work.  Our 4-H season typically begins in late February/early March. This is when clubs will have their organizational meetings and get members enrolled for the year.  

Clubs meet at least 6 times from March to September, but most clubs meet biweekly.  4-H season culminates with the 4-H banquet at the end of September.  Clubs usually take a break from meeting from October to February, although some clubs will have a few events or meetings during that time. 

Joining a Club - To join a 4-H club, new members contact the 4-H volunteer listed in the club directory. That club advisor will share when their first/next meeting is and help you decide if their club is the right fit for your family.  Once you have made this contact, attending the sign-up club meeting is the next step.  At this meeting you will enroll in 4HOnline (our member records database) and select your 4-H project(s).  Members must be 8 AND in 3rd grade on January 1st to be in a 4-H Club.  Those who are K-2 can join a Cloverbud group, which does not participate in contests or project work.  

Projects - 4-H project work is a big part of the 4-H experience.  Youth select a project that they are interested in learning about.  Project work is 95% completed at home with the help of parents/guardians or other trusted adults. A 4-H project really is a family learning experience.  Club advisors will be able to help answer questions and connect you to resources but largely do not help with specific project activities.  The exceptions to this include shooting sports clubs (all project work is completed with certified volunteers), dog projects (training happens at club meetings), and horses (training happens at club meetings).  Project books are workbook style and include 7 to 10 activities.  You can explore Ohio’s 4-H project books at 4-H Project Central.  

Projects are judged at Life Skills (mid-July) or Livestock (early August) judging in our county.  This is a chance for youth to showcase what they’ve learned to an adult judge who will give them a project grade and select award winners. Judging also gives members experience with interviewing and communication skills.  The top member for each project will receive the State Award and is given the chance to represent Hardin County at the Ohio State Fair.  

Project judging is required to participate in the Hardin County Jr. Fair

Livestock - members who enroll in livestock projects can show their animals at the Hardin County Fair.  It is NOT required to show, but most 4-H members who take these projects do.  Market projects are required to weigh/tag in their animals with the Hardin County Fair in accordance with the Hardin County Fair Book rules.  Information on livestock projects, what is required, and important dates and deadlines can be found on the Hardin County Livestock Hub.  Members are responsible for securing their own animals and meeting all deadlines. 

Camp - Each year Hardin County 4-H holds our 4-H Camp from July 22-25 at 4-H Camp Ohio in Licking County.  Camp is open to any Hardin County 4-H members and typically costs about $250 per camper. Grants are available each year through the Kenton Elks to help offset camp costs.  You can learn more about 4-H Camp and what we do there on our Camp Website.