How To Join 4-H

4-H has opportunities for youth ages 5-18! Perry County offers both a Cloverbud Program and a 4-H Club Program following Ohio 4-H guidelines. Membership eligibility for the Cloverbud Program begins when a child has reached age 5 and is enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1st of the current year; membership for the 4-H Club Program begins when a child is at least 8 and enrolled in 3rd grade as of January 1st of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership eligibility ends December 31st of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19.

Annual 4-H enrollment is due by April 1st to be eligible for county fair participation. With this deadline in mind, you are encouraged to find and contact a 4-H club no later than mid-March to begin the project selection & enrollment process. Many of our 4-H clubs begin meeting in January and February, so start your search for a club early! To locate a club near you, contact OSU Extension – Perry County at 743-1602 or rockey.16@osu.edu

There is a minimal cost to join 4-H in Perry County. The Enrollment Fee is $5.00. Most project books are $6.00. Cloverbuds pay a $5.00 enrollment fee to offset Cloverbud curriculum & Cloverbud programming costs. Any additional expense depends on the requirements of the project(s) selected and is the responsibility of the member.

How To Volunteer

If you, or another adult you know, are interested in serving as a 4-H Volunteer, contact the Extension Office. All potential Ohio State University Extension volunteers working with members of a vulnerable population (i.e. youth) will be required to complete an application process which consists of:

◦ Understanding the volunteer position description;

◦ Completing an application and providing personal references (must have complete mailing address);

◦ Participating in an interview and orientation;

◦ Agreeing to and signing the Volunteer Standards of Behavior form; and

◦ Submitting to a fingerprint background check.

Also contact the Extension Office if you are interested in starting a new 4-H club. In Perry County, 4-H clubs must have at least 5 youth members from 3 families and at least 1 approved 4-H advisor.

The four H’s stand for Head, Heart, Hand, and Health.

All of which can be understood through the 4-H Pledge that follows.

The 4-H Pledge

I pledge:

My head to clearer thinking,

My heart to greater loyalty,

My hands to larger service,

My health to better living,

For my club, My community, My country, And my world.

The 4-H Motto

“To Make The Best Better.”