Each month, we highlight an Ohio 4-H alum with an inspiring story—from their time as a member to the ways they continue to give back today. This month’s feature is Ian Heitkamp, a Seneca County 4-H alum who now serves his community as a nurse.
Ian first joined 4-H when he and his friends were looking for something fun and meaningful to do. He joined the H-L Hog and Dairy Club and remained active for nine years.
Through this club, Ian exhibited hogs and ducks at the Seneca County Fair, attended 4-H camp on Kelleys Island, and served as the club’s vice president. His dedication earned him leadership opportunities at the county level, and during his senior year, he was crowned Swine King—earning the nickname “Boss Hog” among his friends.
As a teen, Ian expanded his involvement by joining Junior Leadership, where he served as president for a year. He also contributed to the Junior Fair Board and volunteered as a camp counselor. These roles gave him opportunities to participate in 4-H exchanges with Maryland and Colorado, broadening his perspective and connecting him with 4-H’ers across the country.
One of Ian’s favorite memories comes from his time in Junior Leadership. He recalls the camaraderie of setting up for the fair with friends, including a playful moment when they used his Mercury Tracer as a “golf cart.” The group even invented a game called “Where does Ian’s car fit?”—driving it into buildings to see if it could squeeze inside during setup.
Like many 4-H members, Ian credits a volunteer for shaping his experience. For him, that person was Brad Boes, a longtime camp staff member. Ian fondly remembers Brad’s different “camp personalities”—from the strict “lights out” enforcer to the playful adult who joined in silly songs, and even the bewildered staffer when Ian hid his car. To this day, both Brad and Ian continue to serve at camp, carrying forward the tradition of mentorship and fun.
Today, Ian works as the Stroke Coordinator nurse in an emergency room, where he has served for more than a decade. He began as a tech before attending nursing school, gaining valuable experience in the fast-paced ER environment that prepared him for leadership.
Ian credits 4-H with equipping him for this role. “The skills I learned in 4-H were essential,” he explains. His time as vice president and president built his confidence to manage critical situations, while Junior Fair Board and Junior Leadership taught him how to collaborate with diverse groups—skills he now uses daily with doctors, nurses, and specialists.
Ian continues to give back to 4-H by serving as a camp nurse. He has volunteered at Seneca County 4-H Camp for 10 years and at Hancock County 4-H Camp for three, ensuring that today’s members enjoy the same safe and supportive environment he once did.
To current 4-H members, Ian offers this advice: “The main project can teach you commitment and responsibility, but going beyond your project will help you gain more qualities and experiences that you can carry through the rest of your life.”