WHAT IS 4-H?
4-H is the largest out of school youth organization in the United States with over 7 million youth members! Extension Offices' staff and are responsible for 4-H programs in every county and city. Whether you live in a city, suburb or rural area, there's something for you in 4-H.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Ohio 4-H membership is based on a child's age and grade as of January 1 of the current project year. Eligibility for Cloverbud participation begins when a child is enrolled in Kindergarten and is five years old. Eligibility for participation in 4-H projects and competitive events begins when a child is age 8 and in the 3rd grade. Any youth age 9 or above is eligible for project membership, regardless of grade level. Membership requires enrollment in an authorized Ohio 4-H club or group under the direction of an OSU Extension professional or an approved adult volunteer. A youth’s 4-H eligibility ends December 31 the year he or she turns 19. Joining Ohio 4-H is a privilege and responsibility for individuals and is subject to the Ohio 4-H Code of Conduct and applicable policies of The Ohio State University. Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan.
HOW DO I JOIN?
1. Click here for a list of current Miami County 4-H Clubs. Click here for a more comprehensive detailed Club Projects Lists along with contact information! Call the O.S.U. Extension Office at 937-440-3945 to get the contact’s phone number.
2. Look for a club that meets in a place and time that works with your family’s schedule.
3. If your child will be a Cloverbud (age 5 and enrolled in Kindergarten as of January 1), be sure to select a club that has members within your child’s age range.
4. Decide what kind of projects your child plans to take, and look for a club that would be a good fit for your child’s project choice.
5. Contact the club leader for more detailed club information. Ask about member participation/attendance requirements, club dues and fundraising, meeting schedule, club size, what kind of involvement is expected of parents/guardians, and any other questions you may have. Visit one of the club’s meetings or activities.
6. Once you have found a club that is a good fit for your family, ask about enrolling as a new member. Complete enrollment online using the Family Enrollment Guide. If you have any questions, please email Jessica Adams (adams.2309@osu.edu), Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development.
We have an 4-H App now! Use the app to get the weekly newsletter, stay up to date on camps, fair events, etc. and to find the right club for you! The Miami County Clubs Icon has more information on what each club offers as well as Club Contact information!
WHEN SHOULD I SIGN UP?
Join anytime! However, to take advantage of all 4-H opportunities – including participation in Jr. Fair – join by the Miami County 4-H club enrollment deadline, the last Friday in March (March 25, 2022).
WHAT DOES IT COST?
The Miami County activity fee is $10 per member (per club). The minimum project book fee is $6 with additional costs for supplies, equipment, resource guides, etc.
WHAT IF I LIVE IN ANOTHER COUNTY?
Youth are expected to affiliate with the 4-H program in their county of residence. However, in some circumstances, it is appropriate for a youth to participate in a county other than their county of residence. This can be done with the approval of the 4-H professionals in both the county of residence and the county of request. The request for cross county membership must be made 30 days prior to the 4-H membership deadline of the county being requested. Click here for further information regarding 4-H Membership Across County Lines.