4-H Youth Development

Preparing Youth for Success

In Ohio 4-H, we empower youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime! 4-H inspires curiosity, builds lifelong skills, fuels adventure, and grows leaders through fun, hands-on activities, that include clubs, projects, service, and camps. Kids can be a 4-H project member when they are 8 and in the third grade, and they can participate in competitive events like projects and judging at county fairs. 4-H project members select from 200+ projects based on their interest—what we call sparks in 4-H. 

Younger children age 5 and in kindergarten are Cloverbuds who enjoy group-centered, non-competitive activities until they are eligible to be a project member. All 4-H members engage in hands-on learning in clubs, camps, and other settings with approved adult volunteers. 4-H volunteers are critical to the success of the 4-H program and undergo a thorough selection process. 

If you are interested in enrolling your child in the 4-H program and/or would like to talk more about becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact us today! 

You also can learn more about all OSU Extension 4-H youth development programs at ohio4h.org

Special Needs Accommodations

Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan. Visit ohio4h.org/about/join4-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.