BUCYRUS — “You have to live on a farm to be in 4-H”
Those words may have been true when 4-H started in 1902, but today 4-H is so much more than Cows and Sewing.
It doesn’t matter where you live or what you want to be when you grow up: In 4-H, you can make friends, have fun, and try new things that might just change your whole life. Along all the fun, youth in 4-H develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations needed for their future success.
“4‑H’s reach and depth are unmatched, reaching kids in every corner of America – from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities,” according to 4-H.org.
There is an exciting 4-H experience waiting for everyone. Explore the world of 4-H through hands-on projects like robotics, babysitting, cooking, raising and caring both livestock and pet animals, outdoor adventures, leadership, and so much more.
Are you eligible for 4-H? Youth who are five years old and in kindergarten, as of Jan. 1 of the current year can participate as Cloverbuds. Membership in the traditional 4-H program begins when a child is at least age eight years old and enrolled in third grade, as of Jan. 1 of the current year.
There is a place for every YOU-th with all the different clubs, trips, scholarships, and other opportunities available in 4-H. Crawford County has 22 clubs to choose from depending on your school, home address, or even area of interest. To find the right club for your family, call The Ohio State University Extension Office at 419-562-8731, email cooper.2360@osu.edu or complete an online survey https://go.osu.edu/newmembersurvey.
County enrollment deadline for NEW 4-H members is April 15.
Look at all the fun 4-H members are already having; this could be you!
Each summer, Crawford County youth travel to Kelleys Island for 4-H camp and a weekend full of fun, friends, and memories! Have a friend who isn’t in 4-H? No problem, the county 4-H camp program is open to ALL youth who just completed third grade – eighth grade. Save the date! Camp is June 12-15.
County Cloverbuds are invited, along with their non 4-H friends, to attend Cloverbud Funday where we literally have a FUN day! This year OSU Extension is teaming up with the Crawford County Park District to provide an evening event that provides of all the traditional camping experiences without the fear of staying overnight. Mark your calendars for Friday, May 22 at Unger Park in Bucyrus.
The Crawford County fair is July 20-25. Along with the many 4-H project judging’s at the fair, youth may participate in the communication contest, favorite foods competition, barnyard boogie dance, nerf dart battle and more!
There are even events for adults through 4-H! Besides having amazing 4-H volunteers, there are also numerous county folks and businesses that help to keep the 4-H program going. Consider signing up a team for this year’s annual 4-H Golf Scramble held Sunday, June 28 at Cranberry Hills Golf Course in New Washington.
For more information about specific 4-H opportunities in Crawford County or the 4-H program in general, visit crawford.osu.edu or call Allison Cooper, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator, at 419-562-8731. 4-H is also on Facebook and Instagram; check us out! Ohio State- Crawford County 4-H.