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.

4-H Club work has been a significant contributing factor in the training and maturing of tens of thousands of Putnam County youth since it began in 1918.  Today the local 4-H program has approximately 800 traditional 4-H members enrolled completing over 1300 4-H projects annually.  These members make up 25 community clubs lead by 150 trained adult advisors.

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.