:

Winning a clock trophy at the Ohio State Fair is not an easy feat; it requires months of dedication to the project material, endless hours spent completing project books, and constant trial and error. Madi Lawson, a 4-H member from Huron County, knows this better than most.

In the 13 years Lawson has been in 4-H, she has taken more than 40 projects and was selected to compete at the Ohio State Fair numerous times. But until this year, she was never selected as the winner of one of the coveted clock trophies. “Over the years, I’ve completed woodworking, cooking, sewing, mental health, diversity, and livestock projects, but the clock trophy was always just out of reach. This year that finally changed!”

As the final project of her 4-H career, Lawson selected Teens on Board, a leadership project that helps teens learn more about running effective meetings and participating on boards. “I had never taken this project but was inspired to complete it after being selected to serve as a teen representative on the Ohio 4-H Foundation board.”

Her experiences as a member of the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council also prompted her interest in leadership projects. “This was my first year in a leadership role,” said Lawson, who served as the state outreach committee chair for 2022–23. “It was an important experience for me, and the Teen Leadership Council advisors have been great mentors. They helped me come out of my shell and gave me the confidence to be a leader among my peers.”

“Winning the clock trophy meant everything,” continued Lawson. “It has been a long-time goal. This is something I have been striving for ever since year one, and it feels great to accomplish this in my final year as a 4-H’er.”

This fall, Lawson began her first year at The Ohio State University, where she is studying community leadership in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in Extension or work in a leadership role at a nonprofit.

Thanks to all our sponsors for making recognition of these outstanding youth possible. A full list of the 2023 clock trophy sponsors can be found on the Ohio 4-H Foundation’s website.

CFAES wants to celebrate Homecoming with you this year from Oct. 6–7! This fun-filled weekend will give you an opportunity to rekindle friendships and visit the places on campus you found special during your time as a student. For more details about the weekend’s festivities, visit go.osu.edu/cfaes2023homecoming.

Registration closes Monday, Sept. 25. To register for any CFAES Homecoming-related event, please visit go.osu.edu/cfaesalumnihomecoming2023 (username and password required) or call an engagement specialist at 800-762-5646 or 614-292-2281, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays. Guests who are not Ohio State alumni or those who are having difficulty registering should call the Engagement Center for assistance. 

Sept. 20–22, Farm Science Review (London)—8 a.m.–5 p.m. (until 4 p.m. on Sept. 22)

Visit the Molly Caren Agricultural Center to experience Farm Science Review, an agricultural education and industry exposition event featuring more than 100 educational sessions, the most comprehensive field crop demonstrations in the United States, a career exploration fair, and more. Stop by the 4-H STEM tent or CFAES Alumni booth for a chance to participate in fun, educational activities, register for exciting giveaways, and learn more about alumni engagement opportunities. Visit the Farm Science Review website for more information about the event and to find out when tickets will be available for purchase.

Sept. 24, 10th Annual Niki Schaub 4-H Scholarship Golf Scramble (Waynesfield)—8:15 a.m.

Raise money for the Niki Schaub 4-H Scholarship at the 10th annual golf scramble. Teams of four are invited to participate, and there is a 25-team limit. The entry fee is $60 per person and includes green fees, a cart, and a chicken dinner. More information can be found on the Auglaize County 4-H Facebook page or you can contact Jeff Schultz at 937-489-6999 with questions. To register your team, call the Prairie View Golf Club at 419-568-7888.

Sept. 30, Camp Clifton Alumni Day (Yellow Springs)—4–8 p.m.

Join fellow 4-H alumni in raising money to help with needed improvements at Camp Clifton. Cost of attendance is $50, and the evening will include dinner, a silent auction, line dancing, and opportunities to explore Camp Clifton. The registration form can be found on the Fayette County 4-H Facebook page.

Oct. 6–7, CFAES Alumni Homecoming Weekend (Columbus)

CFAES cannot wait to celebrate Homecoming with you this year! For a full schedule of the weekend’s events, visit the CFAES Office of Advancement’s website. Registration can be completed through Sept. 25 by completing the online survey (username and password required) or by calling an engagement specialist at 800-762-5646 or 614-292-2281.

Nov. 4, 4K at 4-H Camp Palmer (Fayette)—8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Support 4-H Camp Palmer by competing in the inaugural 4K. The $25 registration fee includes entry for the race, a T-shirt, refreshments, and access to a variety of camp activities. Registration can be completed online, and additional information about the event can be found at the Friends of Camp Palmer Facebook page.

Four Ohio 4-H members traveled to Washington, D.C. in July to attend the True Leaders in Equity Institute, hosted by National 4-H Council. They spent a week exploring the meaning of equity and hearing about the work their peers and industry professionals are doing to expand the reach and impact of 4-H. “This experience opened my eyes to what it really means to be a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Ari Wilson, a 4-H’er from Franklin County. “Going forward, I’ll use what I’ve learned to look for ways to make change and have an impact in my community.”  

In addition to participating in workshops, roundtable discussions, and conversations, teams from each state were tasked with identifying equity gaps in their state’s 4-H programs and developing a plan of action to address these issues. Throughout the week, the Ohio delegation began work on an Ohio 4-H equity curriculum and presented their plan to their peers.

“Learning about the different ways my team and the delegates from other states exhibit and understand diversity was a special experience,” said Scioto County 4-H’er, Emily Scaff. “I loved connecting with those who have had similar experiences as me, as well as learning from those who came from different backgrounds. All the people I met and was able to work with truly had a passion for growing justice and equity within our 4-H community.”

The Ohio delegation will make their plan a reality by working with their peers and Ohio 4-H professionals to develop an equity curriculum that can be presented to Ohio 4-H volunteers. This year, they plan to focus on a curriculum that supports youth with disabilities and youth coming from economically disadvantaged families, with the hope that future delegations will expand on this curriculum in the coming years.

“With the goal of growing 4-H across Ohio, it’s important to ensure our opportunities are available to all youth. I look forward to helping them make their equity curriculum a reality,” said Sally McClaskey, Ohio 4-H education and marketing program manager and one of the trip’s chaperones. “Their enthusiasm about increasing equity in Ohio 4-H is obvious, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow as leaders while working on this project.”

Youth also had a day to explore the nation’s capital, which included visiting National 4-H Council’s headquarters and going on a curated tour of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. “Touring the National Portrait Gallery was an incredible experience,” said Adams County 4-H’er, Matthew Swearingen. “I learned so much about social movements in the United States and the individuals who led them.”

“At the True Leaders in Equity Institute I felt like I was able to really use my voice as a 4-H’er and speak about my experiences,” said Wilson. “Not only was I given a place to tell my story, but I also felt my story mattered.”

To support future leadership opportunities like this for youth, donate today!

As an Ohio 4-H supporter, you know the impact this program has on a child during their 4-H years is only the beginning of a lifetime of learning and growth. Ohio 4-H creates environments and opportunities where youth can try new things, explore their passions, and ignite their potential—all of which drive Ohio 4-H’s mission to build skills that can be carried through a person’s lifetime, no matter the path they take.

Through project work, hands-on experiences, and unique programming such as 4-H Workforce Preparation Day and Spark EXPO, Ohio 4-H educators and volunteers are helping youth set themselves up for success. Whether it’s learning to code, bringing a business idea to life, or leading a team of peers, 4-H youth are gaining awareness of their strengths and figuring out how to follow their own paths.

You can help this important work by making a gift to the Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways Fund. Help make these life-changing experiences a reality.

Aug. 19, Breakfast on the Farm (Canal Fulton)—8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join Stark County Farm Bureau for a pancake and sausage breakfast at Clardale Farms, followed by a self-guided tour of the dairy farm. The event is free, but donations are encouraged. All proceeds will go toward purchasing grain rescue tubes for local fire departments. Visit the event Facebook page for more information and click here to register.

Aug. 27, Portage County 4-H Life Skills Bake Sale and Auction (Atwater)—2 p.m.
Support Portage County 4-H clubs and scholarships sponsored by the Life Skills Committee by participating in the bake sale and auction. The event will be held in the Entertainment Center at the Portage County Fairgrounds and will include a live and silent auction. For more information, visit the Portage County 4-H website.

Sept. 14, Celebration of Youth (Ostrander)—5 p.m.
Join us for the 4-H Celebration of Youth at Leeds Farm, 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander. This is an adults-only event (ages 21 and older) that includes fun on the farm! Whether you want to mingle and visit with 4-H friends or ride the zip line, there is something for everyone. For more details, visit the Celebration of Youth website.

Sept. 16, Licking County 4-H Golf Outing (Granville)—8:30 a.m.
Plan to join the Licking County 4-H Committee for their eighth annual golf outing to support Licking County 4-H scholarships and awards. You can support 4-H by golfing during the event, sponsoring a hole, being a corporate sponsor, or providing door or raffle prizes. Registration is due by Sept. 6 and includes a fee of $65. Visit the Licking County 4-H Facebook page or contact Darrick Foster at 740-475-7017 or cdfoster1@twc.com.

Sept. 20–22, Farm Science Review (London)—8 a.m.–5 p.m. (until 4 p.m. on Sept. 22)
Visit the Molly Caren Agricultural Center to experience Farm Science Review, an agricultural education and industry exposition event featuring more than 100 educational sessions, the most comprehensive field crop demonstrations in the United States, a career exploration fair, and more. Stop by the CFAES Alumni Tent for a chance to participate in fun, educational activities, register for exciting giveaways, and learn more about alumni engagement opportunities. Visit the Farm Science Review website for more information about the event and to find out when tickets will be available for purchase.

Each year, the Ohio 4-H Celebration of Youth raises funds to grow 4-H across Ohio. This year, we invite you to join us for an evening of fellowship and fun at Leeds Farm to support programs that help youth build lifelong skills. During this year’s event, there are opportunities to help grow 4-H career and workforce development and leadership development programming—resources dedicated to making these experiences reality.

One way Ohio 4-H accomplishes this is through our Pathways to the Future program, a college and career readiness program helping prepare youth for success after graduation from high school. Youth participate in opportunities that help them understand their strengths, interests, and values, and they learn how to cultivate their 4-H experiences into future careers. Visit the Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways website to learn more about this program.

One experience offered through this program is Spark EXPO. This year, 31 eighth graders from 20 counties traveled to Ohio State’s Columbus campus for an overnight college experience. They participated in career exploration sessions with faculty and staff from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. One participant shared, “I’ll always remember experiencing all of the campus time and learning about the abundance of ag careers out there!”

Join us in growing tomorrow’s leaders today with your gift to the Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways Fund. You can support 4-H youth as they reach their goals and prepare for success in their chosen career at the Celebration of Youth on Sept. 14 at Leeds Farm in Ostrander. Additional details about the evening and information regarding how to purchase tickets can be found on our website.

Ohio Military Kids (OMK) supports the youth of military families during the deployment cycle and beyond through a partnership between Ohio 4-H and the Ohio National Guard. OMK also hosts events throughout the state each year to provide youth with educational and recreational opportunities.

In addition, OMK hosts weeklong summer camps on Kelleys Island. These camps allow children of military members to experience a new environment where they can have fun, explore interests, and make friendships that last a lifetime. Troop and family camps allow military families to have a relaxed weekend together with other military families, and the fun doesn’t stop when summer ends.

One of OMK’s flagship events is OMK Winter Wonderland—a free, one-day event for all military families. In past years, animals from the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Santa’s elves, and even Santa himself have joined the fun! Attendees decorate holiday cookies, write letters to Santa, race through an inflatable obstacle course, and create festive crafts. This year, OMK Winter Wonderland will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, and registration will be available in the fall. Military families can find out more about OMK opportunities at omk@osu.edu.

If you would like to support OMK’s mission, you can donate online or mail a check. For additional information, visit our website.

July 21, Ross County 4-H Night at the Chillicothe Paints (Chillicothe)—7 p.m.
Join Ross County 4-H for 4-H Night at the Chillicothe Paints baseball game. Wear your 4-H gear to the game to get in free. Visit the Ross County 4-H Facebook page for more information.

Aug. 1, Dean's Charity Steer Show (Columbus)—2 p.m.
Celebrate Ohio agriculture, communities, and children at the 2023 Dean's Charity Steer Show at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair. Teams will consist of a Team Captain, Team Champion, experienced 4-H youth, and a steer in the show ring. The event will be hosted by Cathann A. Kress, vice president and dean of The Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). All proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. The Steer Show is coordinated by CFAES, Ohio Cattlemen's Association, Telhio Credit Union, and the Ohio State Fair. Support the 2023 Dean's Charity Steer Show today!

Aug. 19, Breakfast on the Farm (Canal Fulton)—8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join Stark County Farm Bureau for a pancake and sausage breakfast at Clardale Farms, followed by a self-guided tour of the dairy farm. The event is free, but donations are encouraged. All proceeds will go to purchasing grain rescue tubes for local fire departments. Visit the event Facebook page for more information and click here to register.

Aug. 21, Hearts of Darke Livestock Show (Greenville)—3 p.m.
Individuals with disabilities will be paired with a junior fair exhibitor who will serve as their mentor and assist them in showing a rabbit, goat, or lamb at the Darke County Fair. Visit the Hearts of Darke Livestock Show Facebook page for more information on this opportunity and how to register. Registration must be completed and submitted to The Great Darke County Fair Secretary Office by July 31.

Sept. 14, Celebration of Youth (Ostrander)—5 p.m.
Join us for the 4-H Celebration of Youth at Leeds Farm, 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander. This is an adult-only event (ages 21 and older) that includes opportunities to play on the farm! Whether you want to mingle and visit with 4-H friends or ride the zip line, there is something for everyone. For more details, visit the Celebration of Youth website.

Sept. 16, Licking County 4-H Golf Outing (Granville)—8:30 a.m.
Plan to join the Licking County 4-H Committee for their eighth annual golf outing to support Licking County 4-H scholarships and awards. You can support 4-H by golfing during the event, sponsoring a hole, being a corporate sponsor, or providing door or raffle prizes. Registration is due by Sept. 6 and includes a fee of $65. Visit the Licking County 4-H Facebook page or contact Darrick Foster at 740-475-7017 or cdfoster1@twc.com.

Sept. 20–22, Farm Science Review (London)—8 a.m.–5 p.m. (until 4 p.m. on Sept. 22)
Visit the Molly Caren Agricultural Center to experience Farm Science Review, an agricultural education and industry exposition event featuring more than 100 educational sessions, the most comprehensive field crop demonstrations in the United States, a career exploration fair, and more. Stop by the 4-H STEM tent and the CFAES Alumni Tent for a chance to participate in fun, educational activities, register for exciting giveaways, and learn more about alumni engagement opportunities. Visit the Farm Science Review website for more information about the event and to find out when tickets will be available for purchase.

When Mike Bondoni passed away in January 2021 of colorectal cancer, his children, Kamryn and Kaitlyn Bondoni, were inspired to give back to those at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) who treated him, and their 4-H community came together to support them in a big way.

After receiving the difficult news that his cancer was inoperable, Mike and his family decided to get a second opinion from the OSUCCC – James. For the next three years, he went on to receive treatment from their team of oncologists and researchers. “The James gave our dad three more years with us,” said Kamryn. Kaitlyn added, “So anything we give back will still never begin to repay that time we ended up getting.”

As lifelong 4-H’ers in Columbiana County, Kamryn and Kaitlyn leaned on their 4-H community after their dad’s passing and found support in ways they never expected. In 2021, at the first county fair without their dad, Kamryn decided to donate half of the proceeds from the auction of her dairy beef feeder to help end cancer.

Kamryn had prepared a letter about her dad’s cancer and her desire to prevent others from going through what her family experienced, and the auctioneer read it as she entered the ring. As the bids kept coming, Kamryn couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the generosity of her 4-H community. “It was just so surreal, and I was crying as the dollar amount kept increasing,” she said.

When Kaitlyn entered the auction ring later that day, their 4-H community showed their support for the Bondoni family again with another generous winning bid. Since 2021, the sisters have donated $32,000 to the OSUCCC – James in memory of their father and could not be more grateful to their community for rallying behind them. “We’re hoping to make a difference. Our community helped us get here, and now we’re giving back to a different kind of community.”

To support the important work happening at The James, give today.

You can also support the Ohio 4-H community by donating to our youth development program fund.

OSU Extension and Ohio 4-H are pleased to introduce Dr. Cynthia Canan as the new Extension STEM Specialist for 4-H.

Canan comes to 4-H from Ohio State’s College of Pharmacy where she focused on outreach programs that included directing the Generation Rx lab and Pills, Potions, and Poisons summer day camp. She is also part of the planning committee for WestFest, Ohio State’s science and sustainability festival hosted each fall on West Campus.

In her new role, Canan will lead STEM education efforts in 4-H. She will focus on developing resources and connections to innovative STEM activities, program research, and the impact of 4-H STEM education in Ohio.

Canan looks forward to being a bridge between 4-H and the resources available at Ohio State. “Outreach education is at the heart of 4-H programming,” said Canan. “I want to help our 4-H professionals have a lasting-impact with their STEM programs, so they know it increases science knowledge in youth.”

Canan holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a PhD in biomedical research from Ohio State.

June 24, Breakfast on the Farm (Metamora)—9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Join Fulton County Extension for a farm-to-plate dining experience at Triple H Farms. Additional information can be found on the Fulton County Extension Facebook page, and reservations can be completed online.

June 24, Summer Charity Pull (Hicksville)—9 a.m.
Visit the Defiance County Fairgrounds for a fun day benefiting Helping Hands and Conquer Childhood Cancer Now. Activities will include a craft show, a petting zoo, face painting, and horse carriage rides. The admission fee is $5 and a 50/50 and silent auction will take place during the truck pulls. Visit the Defiance County Fair website to complete a truck pull entry form, or contact Alexis Sprow at 419-980-0196 or alexis.guilford@yahoo.com for more information.

June 25, 4-H Ice Cream Social (Bowling Green)—6–7 p.m.
Join Wood County 4-H alumni and friends for an ice cream social at the Wood County Junior Fair Building. Dinner will include shredded chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, and cookies. Local 4-H clubs and the 4-H STEM bus will be present to engage kids in activities. Visit the Wood County 4-H Facebook page for additional information.

June 27, Canning Basics (Carrollton)—6–7 p.m.
Carroll County Extension is hosting a canning basics program at the Carroll County District Library. Topics of discussion will include when and why to can foods, canning equipment, canning food safely, and helpful canning resources. Call the library at 330-627-2613 to register.

July 15, 4-H Community Sale (Jefferson)—9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Check out the 4-H Community Sale at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds this summer. The event is open to the public, and a variety of crafts, tack, antiques, and other goods will be available for purchase. The event is free to attend, with a $20 fee for prospective vendors. For more information and to access the vendor registration form, visit the 4-H Community Sale Facebook page.

July 15, Miami County 4-H Barbecue (Troy)—9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Come out to the Miami County Fairgrounds for a day of fun for the whole family. The day will begin with a showmanship clinic hosted by the Bits and Pieces 4-H Club and will conclude with a barbecue dinner. Visit the Miami County Extension Facebook page for more information.

September 14, Celebration of Youth (Ostrander)—5 p.m.
Join us for the 4-H Celebration of Youth event at Leeds Farm, 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander. This is an adult-only event (ages 21 and older) that includes opportunities to play on the farm! Whether you want to mingle and visit with 4-H friends or ride the zip line, there is something for everyone. For more details, visit the Celebration of Youth website.

September 16, Licking County 4-H Golf Outing (Granville)—8:30 a.m.
Plan to join the Licking County 4-H Committee for their 8th Annual Golf Outing to support Licking County 4-H scholarships and awards. You can support 4-H by golfing during the event, sponsoring a hole, being a corporate sponsor, or providing door or raffle prizes. Registration is due by Sept. 6 and includes a fee of $65. Visit the Licking County 4-H Facebook page or contact Darrick Foster at 740-475-7017 or cdfoster1@twc.com.

Melanie Nicol knew she liked science from a young age. “It felt like a puzzle, and I enjoyed the mystery of discovery that science inspired,” she said. Now, she works as a tenured associate professor in the Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota.

Growing up in Union County with a family entrenched in the county 4-H program, Nicol knew she would join when she was old enough. “Everyone in my family was involved in 4-H,” she said. “My aunt and grandmother were volunteers for my club, and my dad volunteered with a different local club. Living on a dairy farm also meant it was a given I would go on to show dairy cattle.”

When she began looking at colleges, her experience with animals initially inspired her to pursue a career as a veterinarian, but after being asked about her interest in pharmacy while on a college tour, she changed her mind. “I decided on pharmacy because I knew it would involve a lot of biology and chemistry and would have a clinical component that would allow me to work with patients,” she said.

While obtaining her doctorate in pharmacy at Ohio Northern University, Nicol worked in a research lab and learned she loved lab work. “I fell in love with research and was interested in the possibility I could be the first person to discover something.”

Her passion for research prompted her to pursue a PhD, and after graduation, she was accepted at the University of North Carolina to study pharmaceutical sciences. “I wanted to work in translational research, an area of research that seeks to bridge the gap between lab work and clinical work. One of the labs at UNC was doing just that through their work in HIV research.” Through work in this lab, Nicol went into clinics and took HIV samples to bring back for testing.

Today, Nicol continues her work in HIV and translational research at the University of Minnesota and says the skills she learned through 4-H are still beneficial all these years later. “Completing 4-H projects was my first experience with project management, albeit on a much smaller scale. Documentation is crucial in research, and 4-H projects helped me learn the importance of this from a young age.” Growing up around animals also helped her become comfortable handling them and taught her how to care for them ethically.

For young 4-H’ers interested in pursuing a similar career, Nicol’s advice is to keep an open mind and follow your passions. “It’s important to stay open to new possibilities and remember that career paths aren’t always straightforward,” she said. “I don’t know anyone who’s had a linear career path, so you should always be prepared to pivot. In science, you can’t always predict the results of an experiment, and life works similarly. The important thing is learning how to act accordingly with the results you receive.”

With summer just around the corner, 4-H camps are completing facilities improvements to provide 4-H’ers with new and exciting activities that leave them eager to come back each year. At 4-H Camp Ohio, campers will challenge themselves on a new high ropes course. Local businesses, organizations, family, and friends came together to raise over $150,000 in funding for the new course. After the old course was retired in 2020, the goal was to create a better design with consistent maintenance and attention to detail, according to Adrienne Anderson, 4-H Camp Ohio board member and 4-H program coordinator from Licking County. 

There are 12 elements to the course, where the philosophy of Challenge by Choice is utilized to help campers achieve success by looking at their personal goals, whether completing just one of the elements or all of them. This course is designed to push 4-H’ers out of their comfort zones and allows them to reach new heights!

The end of the course includes a zipline. Participating in this course promotes cooperation and determination, according to Jaymie Dumican, camp manager. Local businesses and groups also use this course for team-bonding activities. 

Another new addition at 4-H Camp Ohio is the Creekside Classroom. This space is designed for group activities and storage while students are exploring the creek. 

Youth at 4-H Camp Piedmont will love the addition of a beach swimming area on Piedmont Lake. Until funds are received to repair the swimming pool that dates to the 1960s, the camp has obtained a construction permit from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District to add sand, a dock, and buoys to the waterfront.

Ohio 4-H Camp Whitewood is updating their dining facilities. The original building, built in 1940, is due for replacement, according to Andrew Hudak, executive director. The new building will be a space to feed campers and host groups, meetings, weddings, and other community events. Construction is currently in the planning phase, but funding is expected in the coming months, Hudak said. 

New activities at Camp Whitewood include an updated boating program with new kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, along with an updated fishing program, new shooting sports equipment, and a birding trail to enhance nature education.

Ohio 4-H Camp Palmer is also working toward a new dining hall to replace the original camp building from 1947, Bill Goodson, executive director said. Though the vision is in the early stages of development, they have big dreams for this new space. New activities this year include a traverse wall that offers close ground climbing and hammocks in the outpost camp.

Ohio 4-H Camp Indian Hills is building a shooting sports range. The idea began with instructor and president of the Miami County Shooting Sports Program, Harry Vannus. His dream is for kids to be able to have a year-round shooting sports facility. The building will include indoor shoots in the winter (air rifle, air pistol, and archery), with a lean-to off the back that can help youth stay out of inclement weather and allow them to safely shoot.

All over the state, 4-H camp representatives are working to provide a great camp experience and a welcoming place to help youth thrive.

“Every year I hear stories from parents who were campers. Past campers whose great grandchildren attend camp will go out of their way to visit their old favorite place from their childhood. These are the memories we continue to foster in our campers in the hopes they will have stories about Camp Whitewood when their kids come to visit.”—Andrew Hudak 

May 20, Spring Plant Sale (Norwalk)—9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join the Huron County Master Gardener Volunteers for a spring plant sale at the Huron County Fairgrounds Home Arts Building. Participating vendors include Rosemary Tanner and Schick Apiary, and indoor and outdoor plants will be available for purchase.

May 20, The Homestead Rendezvous (Bergholz)—9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Stop by Bergholz Firehall to support local businesses and producers and learn about sustainability practices. Products and services will be available for purchase, and workshops and demonstrations on raising animals, producing your own food, and incorporating solar energy into your daily life will take place throughout the day. Visit their Facebook page for more information.

May 20, Camp Whitewood Open House (Windsor)—1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Explore Camp Whitewood at this free open house. Camp staff will be available to answer questions, and there will be time to tour the camp facilities. No registration is required.

June 24, Breakfast on the Farm (Metamora)—9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Join Fulton County Extension for a farm-to-plate dining experience at Triple H Farms. Additional information can be found on the Fulton County Extension Facebook page.

June 24, Summer Charity Pull (Hicksville)—9 a.m.
Visit the Defiance County Fairgrounds for a fun day benefiting Helping Hands and Conquer Childhood Cancer Now. Activities will include a craft show, petting zoo, face painting, and horse carriage rides. The admission fee is $5 and a 50/50 and silent auction will take place during the truck pulls. Visit the Defiance County Fair website to complete a truck pull entry form or contact Alexis Sprow at 419-980-0196 or alexis.guilford@yahoo.com for more information.

July 15, 4-H Community Sale (Jefferson)—9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Check out the 4-H Community Sale at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds this summer. The event is open to the public and a variety of crafts, tack, antiques, and other goods will be available for purchase. The event is free to attend, with a $20 fee for prospective vendors. For more information and to access the vendor registration form, visit the 4-H Community Sale Facebook page.

September 14, Celebration of Youth (Ostrander)—5 p.m.
Join us for the 4-H Celebration of Youth event at Leeds Farm, 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander. This is an adult-only event (ages 21 and older) that includes opportunities to play on the farm! Whether you want to mingle and visit with 4-H friends or ride the zip line, there is something for everyone. For more details, visit the Celebration of Youth website.

Ohio 4-H helps youth thrive by inspiring their curiosity, fueling their sense of adventure, helping them build lifelong skills, and helping them grow into leaders. This happens through intentional programming that exposes youth to new career paths and sparks their interest in lifelong learning.

On May 3, you can help prepare 4-H’ers for the future by participating in Ohio State’s Day of Giving campaign. By donating to the Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways fund, you can support teens in attending college and career readiness programs like the Spark EXPO or Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future.

Help us develop the next generation of leaders and prepare them for a lifetime of success. With your support, we can achieve the goal of growing 4-H across Ohio.

Ohio 4-H is partnering with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) for the twice-annual Paper Clover fundraiser from April 26 to May 5. You can show your support by purchasing a paper clover at your local TSC store or adding a donation at checkout for all online orders made at tractorsupply.com.

In the past five years, TSC’s Paper Clover fundraiser has raised more than $400,000 to support Ohio 4-H youth programming. All proceeds from this fundraiser goes to 4-H, with 90% of the donations directly supporting 4-H youth in Ohio and the remaining 10% supporting national 4-H programs. Visit tractorsupply.com/4h for more details.

You can also support Ohio 4-H this spring by rounding up your purchase at your local JOANN store. Donations for 4-H will be collected at checkout in participating stores, and special discounts are available for JOANN/4-H Rewards Card members until May 1.

The money raised through this partnership supports youth development programming across the state by offering mini-grant opportunities for county 4-H professionals.

April 22, DairyPalooza (Wooster)—8 a.m.–4 p.m.
DairyPalooza will be held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Sessions for adult, youth, and Cloverbud attendees will take place throughout the day, and lunch will be provided. Walk-ins are permitted but will be required to pay a $15 registration fee upon arrival. Visit the Ohio 4-H DairyPalooza’s Facebook event page for more information.

May 2, Trauma-Informed Care Training (Paulding)—4 p.m.–5 p.m.
Attendees will learn how the Ohio Trauma-Informed Care Approach project seeks to educate communities about the impact of trauma on clients, co-workers, friends, and family. For additional information, visit the Paulding County 4-H Facebook page. Preregistration is required and can be completed by contacting Casey Bishop at 419-399-8225 or bishop.807@osu.edu or Cathy Ruiz at 419-203-7364 or cruiz@wbesc.org.

May 20, The Homestead Rendezvous (Bergholz)—9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Stop by Bergholz Firehall to support local businesses and producers and learn about sustainability practices. Products and services will be available for purchase. Workshops and demonstrations about raising animals, producing your own food, and incorporating solar energy into your daily life will take place throughout the day. Visit the Homestead Rendezvous Facebook page for more information.

June 24, Breakfast on the Farm (Metamora)—9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Join Fulton County Extension for a farm to plate dining experience at Triple H Farms. Additional information can be found on the Fulton County Extension Facebook page.

July 10-14, Buckeye Precollege Summer Exploration (Columbus)—9 a.m.–4 p.m.
The Buckeye Precollege Summer Exploration program offers one-week, nonresidential enrichment courses for middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-11) students on the Ohio State Columbus campus. Courses will cover the scientific principles of food, nonfiction creative writing, the human body, and printmaking. The program fee for each course is $450 and applications will be accepted until May 1. Visit the course website for more information.

July 15, 4-H Community Sale (Jefferson)—9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Check out the 4-H Community Sale at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds this summer. The event is open to the public and a variety of crafts, tack, antiques, and other goods will be available for purchase. The event is free to attend, with a $20 fee for prospective vendors. For more information and to access the vendor registration form, visit the Community Sale’s event Facebook page.

September 14, Celebration of Youth (Ostrander)—5 p.m.
Join us for the 4-H Celebration of Youth event at Leeds Farm, 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander. This is an adults-only event (ages 21 and older) that includes opportunities to play on the farm! Whether you want to mingle and visit with 4-H friends or ride the zip line, there is something for everyone. For more details, visit the Celebration of Youth website.

The 2022 Ohio 4-H Teen Hall of Fame and Teen of the Year recipients were recognized at the Ohio 4-H Conference. These awards were generously sponsored by Mr. Nelson and Dr. Elizabeth Thomas in memory of Mr. Donald Nelson of Trumbull County.

Teen of the Year

Sara Newsome, Highland County

As a teen who is always ready and willing to help when needed, Sara has been an active member in Highland County, in Ohio and with national 4-H programs. She served as Junior Fair Board president in Highland County and at the Ohio State Fair. Her presentation on health issues at the National 4-H Conference led to a meeting at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. She serves as a junior advisor for the Teen Leadership Council and is active with Collegiate 4-H at Ohio State. Sara’s talent as a team player and her leadership abilities make her an excellent role model for all 4-H’ers.

Teen Hall of Fame Inductees

Addy Kendle, Tuscarawas County

Being a confident and well-versed public speaker has meant Addy has used her talents to promote 4-H in Tuscarawas County. As a leader and mentor, she served as a camp counselor, Junior Fair Board member, the county Lamb and Wool Queen, and on the 4-H Food and Fashion Board. She was one of the first 4-H members to participate in the Quilts of Valor program, which involved creating and donating quilts to veterans. Addy’s calendar is full of 4-H activities and commitments, and she exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding 4-H member.

Melina Matics, Washington County

Ten years ago, Melina took her first 4-H project. Those efforts grew to more than 36 projects, with 28 qualifying for the Ohio State Fair, resulting in eight clock trophies. Her service includes participating as a club officer, camp counselor in Washington County and at State Leadership Camp, Junior Fair Board member, CARTEENS instructor, and as a member of the Ohio 4-H Foundation board. She attended the National 4-H Conference and Congress and was the featured entertainer at the National Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Melina helps others be the best they can be by helping them to get involved.

Adrianna Meyer, Henry County

With her infectious excitement and passion for 4-H, Adrianna brings new ideas and awareness to 4-H programs. She elevated the Henry County Junior Leadership Club to new heights as president with her leadership by setting goals and priorities. She led a community Easter egg hunt, served as her county’s fair queen, was on the Ohio State Junior Fair Board, and on Teen Leadership Council. Adrianna’s positive personality has introduced new ideas locally and at the state level, and both youth and adults find her a joy to be around.

Emily Scaff, Scioto County

Scioto County has benefited from Emily’s leadership and commitment. Her reorganization of the Junior Fair Board led to goal setting so that meetings run more efficiently. She has been instrumental in helping her county plan and implement programs for new members and Cloverbuds. On the Teen Leadership Council, her leadership and coordination of professional development led to the personal and collective growth of members. She leads by example and is well-respected by her peers and the adults with whom she works.

Zac Graber’s 4-H career began when he was a 6-year-old Cloverbud in Henry County. Throughout his 13 years of involvement with the program, he showed swine and dairy cattle at the county fair and served as president of his club and vice president of Junior Fair Board. He competed in public safety speaking contests, which included several trips to the Ohio State Fair. But 4-H was about more than just project work for Graber. “The lessons I learned through the program taught me the importance of having passion for your work and pursing things that create value for others.”

Entrepreneurship was always a goal for Graber and when he enrolled at The Ohio State University, he set out to make this dream a reality. As a member of the honors program, Graber was required to complete an undergraduate research project. He took a few semesters to finalize a topic and kept returning to food waste, an interest inspired by his time in 4-H and the lessons it taught him about the complicated food supply chain.

In 2018, Graber was selected as a recipient of The Ohio State University President’s Prize for his research project focused on food waste. This award was developed by former OSU President Michael V. Drake to recognize exceptional students committed to social change. With the funds from this award, Graber spent the next year continuing his research on sustainable waste management practices.

It was while conducting his undergraduate research project and completing the President’s Prize, that Graber also built and refined the idea for his small business, Opendemia.com.

Graber never enjoyed research and writing assignments, but this undergraduate research project was the last straw. “I was using dozens of sources, and it became overwhelming to manage and organize them. I went to the library to find tools to help, but quickly learned that most resources only helped create citations or were extremely complicated and designed for professors.”

After discovering there were no tools designed to walk students through the process of writing a research paper, Graber decided to create one. Opendemia was founded with the goal of simplifying the entire research and writing process for high school and college students. “We surveyed over 1,500 students, and a resounding 86% shared they hate or get anxiety about writing papers. Opendemia has been designed by students, for students, to help with this problem.”

This free resource not only helps students keep all their sources and notes organized, but also provides tips on how to take better notes, allows them to easily drag and drop these notes into a rough draft, and autogenerates in-text citations and the full works cited for individual and group projects.

“4-H’ers are passionate about countless personal, local, and global issues. I know if we provide them with the tools to more easily become knowledgeable on these topics, they will make an immeasurable impact on the world!” said Graber.

Today, Graber serves as founder and CEO of Opendemia and works as the director of product for necoTECH, a startup focused on sustainable infrastructure solutions. “At necoTECH, we are currently developing ways to create 100% recycled asphalt and are one of four companies in the world working with the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) to improve the lifespan of roads by introducing recycled plastics into the mix.”

“4-H sparked my passion for research and helped get me where I am today,” said Graber. “It taught me the importance of discovering your passion and, over the years, I’ve learned you don’t have to wait until you ‘grow up’ to act on those passions. Anyone can make an impact on any issue they put their focus behind, and I hope Opendemia can help more students take the leap.”

March 25, Ohio Geology Discovery Day (Celina)—10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Geological Survey for Ohio Geology Discovery Day! This event is free and perfect for learners of all ages who are excited about rocks, minerals, fossils and more. Visitors can engage in hands-on learning activities throughout Dicke Hall at Wright State University Lake Campus and attend two special presentations to help deepen their knowledge of earth science. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

March 28, Northeast Ohio Agronomy School (Colebrook)—9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Spend a day with the Northeast Ohio Agronomy School discussing topics including soybean disease, farm and roadway safety, and energy outlooks for 2023. The $15 cost of attendance includes snacks, lunch, and handouts, and registration will be opening shortly. Check out the Ashtabula County Extension Facebook page for additional information.

April 1, Eggtacular (Windsor)—10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Bring the whole family to Camp Whitewood for a fun morning of egg hunting. There is no cost to attend, and crafts and refreshments will be available for your enjoyment. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and visit a petting zoo. For more information, visit the Geauga County 4-H Facebook page.

April 8, Stark County Square Dance (Canton)—6 p.m.
The Stark County Junior Fair Board invites you to a square dance at the Stark County Fairgrounds. Admission is $6 and the evening will feature a mechanical bull, raffles, and refreshments. For more information, contact Alyssa Givens at 330-324-2413 or Nathan Garrabrant at 330-488-4444.

April 14, 8th Annual Chili Cook Off & Family Fun Night (Jefferson)—6 p.m.–8 p.m.
The Ashtabula County 4-H camp counselors are hosting a chili cook off and family fun night at the Ashtabula County A-Tech Cafeteria B Building. Tickets are $6 and are available for purchase through Ashtabula County 4-H camp counselors or the Ashtabula County extension office, while children aged 3 and under may attend for free. For more information, visit the cook off’s Facebook page or contact Abbey Averill at 440-567-9008 or averill.10@osu.edu.

May 2, Trauma-Informed Care Training (Paulding)—4 p.m.–5 p.m.
Attendees will learn how the Ohio Trauma-Informed Care Approach project seeks to educate communities about the impact of trauma on clients, co-workers, friends, and family. For additional information, visit the Paulding County 4-H Facebook page. Preregistration is required and can be completed by contacting Casey Bishop at 419-399-8225 or bishop.807@osu.edu or Cathy Ruiz at 419-203-7364 or cruiz@wbesc.org.

June 24, Breakfast on the Farm (Metamora)—9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Join Fulton County Extension for a farm to plate dining experience at Triple H Farms. Additional information is to come and can be found on the Fulton County Extension Facebook page.

September 14, Celebration of Youth (Ostrander)—5 p.m.
Join us for the 4-H Celebration of Youth event at Leeds Farm, 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander. This is an adult-only event (ages 21 and older) that includes opportunities to play on the farm! Whether you want to mingle and visit with 4-H friends or ride the zip line, there is something for everyone. For more details, visit the Celebration of Youth website.

Are you looking for a fun night out for the family, an evening out with friends, or an exciting date night? Look no further! Next weekend the Ohio 4-H Foundation is collaborating with the Columbus Blue Jackets to raise money for Ohio 4-H! Join us at Nationwide Arena on Friday, March 3 to watch the Blue Jackets hit the ice against the Seattle Kraken.

A block of seats has been reserved for Ohio 4-H supporters in section 205 of the upper bowl, with seats also available in the lower bowl. Wherever you choose to sit, a portion of each ticket sale will support positive youth development programs in Ohio. Purchase your tickets on the Blue Jacket’s website for Ohio 4-H Youth Development. We can’t wait to see you at the arena!

Our alumni have amazing stories to share about the impact 4-H had on them as youth and how it has shaped their lives and careers since aging out of the program. Continue reading to learn more about some of the ways 4-H has changed the lives of our alumni.

You can also share your 4-H story with us by completing our survey. We would love to hear from you and share your 4-H experiences in an upcoming newsletter or on our Facebook page!

“4-H has had a tremendous impact on my life, and I am extremely grateful to everyone who invested in me through their time and mentorship. I work for Farm Credit Mid-America as a financial officer, and without 4-H, I likely would not have this. My position allows me to blend my love for people, problem solving, and finance together into one amazing career.”

- Summer Marx, Shelby County 4-H alumna

“4-H influenced me to help others, make the world a better place, and sparked my love for community service. I am passionate about the climate and keeping the Earth clean, and 4-H has given me the tools and skills needed to share this message with my community. I am currently a student at Valparaiso University, where I am pursuing a career as a broadcast meteorologist and continuing my community service work by serving as a college mentor for kids.”

- Tabitha Bartoe, Madison County 4-H alumna

“4-H has been one of the most important organizations I've been a part of. It's a pathway for young people to learn to become productive, successful, and genuine people. 4-H taught so many important things, from public speaking and responsibility to leadership and time management skills. The self-motivation to complete an individual project was instilled in me at a young age and this mindset has stuck with me through college, a successful internship, and the last 17 years while running my own financial planning practice.”

- Jared Dosch, Muskingum County 4-H alumnus

“4-H helped me build a foundation of service and personal development. I was able to attend college and career tours through my county Extension office and had the opportunity to participate in programs like CARTEENS. Through these experiences, I have gained the tools and skills needed to build the strong future and life that I lead today.”

- Casey Ellington, Brown County 4-H alumna

February 25, Coshocton County Horse Committee Tack Swap (Coshocton)—10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Join the Coshocton County Horse Committee for a tack swap at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds Grandstand. Admission is $2 or a non-perishable food item. Contact Alonna Hoffman at 740-622-2265 or hoffman.644@osu.edu for more information.

February 26, Market Masters 4-H Club Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser (Atwater)—11 a.m.–4 p.m.
The Market Master 4-H Club is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the Randolph Community Center. The meal will include spaghetti, breadsticks, salad, a drink, and dessert and will cost $7 for adults, $5 for children; under the age of 3 can eat for free.

February 27, Butler County 4-H Open House (Hamilton)—6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Find a 4-H club that is right for your family at the Butler County 4-H Open House. 4-H educators and volunteers will be available to answer questions the 4-H program, clubs, and projects. Visit the Butler County Extension Facebook page for additional information.

March 1–31, Consumers National Bank Paper Clover Fundraiser (Northeast Region)
Throughout the month of March, Consumers National Bank will be selling paper clovers at select locations throughout Northeast Ohio. Clovers can be purchased from the tellers, and all proceeds will go toward supporting positive youth development in the counties where the stores are located.

March 3, Ohio 4-H Youth Development at the Blue Jackets (Columbus)—7 p.m.
The Ohio 4-H Foundation is collaborating with the Columbus Blue Jackets to raise money for Ohio 4-H Youth Development at the hockey game versus the Seattle Kraken on Friday, March 3. A block of seats is being held for Ohio 4-H in section 205 of the upper bowl, but tickets to sit in the lower bowl are available as well. Tickets can be purchased on the 4-H landing page and portion of each ticket sale will come back to the 4-H program to support positive youth development.

March 18, Carroll County 4-H Committee Square Dance (Carrollton)—8 p.m.–11 p.m.
The Carroll County 4-H Committee invites you to join them for a square dance and night of fun for the entire family at the Carroll County Fairgrounds Ashton Event Center. Admission will be $5 and snacks and drinks will be available by donation.

March 28, Northeast Ohio Agronomy School (Colebrook)—9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Spend a day with the Northeast Ohio Agronomy School discussing topics including soybean disease, farm and roadway safety, and energy outlooks for 2023. The $15 cost of attendance includes snacks, lunch, and handouts and registration will be opening shortly. Check out the Ashtabula County Extension Facebook page for additional information.

June 24, Breakfast on the Farm (Metamora)—9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Join Fulton County Extension for a farm to plate dining experience at Triple H Farms. Additional information is to come and can be found on the Fulton County Extension Facebook page.

Grants to 4-H professionals from the Ohio 4-H Foundation support a variety of programs that impact youth. Here are two stories about programs funded in 2022.

Campers Learn About Conservation Careers

Each year, Ohio 4-H partners with organizations around the state to introduce youth to new career pathways. Career exploration is a primary goal of the Ohio 4-H Forestry Wildlife Conservation Camp, and last April, 50 youth ages 12 to 18 arrived at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp to spend a weekend learning about natural resources careers.

Campers participated in hands-on learning activities that taught them about tree identification, tree coring to determine the tree’s age, and wildlife identification. They watched a tree felling demonstration, tried their hand at radio telemetry and harnessed tree climbing, and learned to treat hemlock trees infected with hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect from East Asia. Instructors from Hocking College, OSU Extension, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry led the activities.

During each of the educational sessions, professionals answered questions about college majors and education requirements, and they discussed career opportunities. Tracy Winters, state 4-H educator for shooting sports and natural resources, said "These sessions taught by experts created natural opportunities for youth to learn how they can further their education and find jobs in natural resources careers.”

Participants also took part in traditional 4-H camping fun by cooking outdoors, making nature crafts, line dancing, and playing group games. “The kids really enjoyed fishing, tree climbing, and the wilderness survival hike,” said Winters. “Due to limitations in space, we were only able to accept 50 campers, but with a waiting list of over 25 kids, we hope to expand the program this year.”

Along with support from the Ohio 4-H Foundation, the Ohio 4-H Forestry Wildlife Conservation Camp was made possible through a partnership between OSU Extension, Hocking College, and the ODNR Division of Forestry.

To register for the 2023 Ohio 4-H Forestry Wildlife Conservation Camp or apply to be a 4-H teen counselor, visit our website today. Scholarships are available to help cover a portion of the registration fee on an at-need basis, and applications are due March 1. Youth aged 15 and older who have at least one year of experience as a camp counselor are also encouraged to apply for one of the counselor positions. You can also support the State 4-H Natural Resources Education Support Fund by donating on the giving page.

Teens On-the-Job in Dayton

Since the summer of 2002, the Job Experience and Training (JET) program at Adventure Central in Dayton has offered teens work-based learning opportunities that help them develop skills needed for successful careers. Last year, 11 teens ages 12 to 15, participated in the program and gained meaningful work experience in park-related careers.

Adventure Central is a partnership between The Ohio State University, Ohio 4-H, and Five Rivers MetroParks. For more than 20 years, the program has provided West Dayton children and families with opportunities to change their lives by building positive well-being, higher academic performance, and less involvement in risky behaviors.

Throughout the summer, students worked at Adventure Central, Five Rivers MetroParks headquarters, Second Street Market, and RiverScape MetroPark. The teens were introduced to a variety of experiences, including youth education, nutrition, administration, conservation, and more. Over the course of the eight-week program, the teens gained skills in leadership, time management, and public speaking and learned how to collaborate as a team to conduct successful programming.

Amelie, a JET teen said, “My favorite part of the program was seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces after planning an activity they enjoyed.” Jerome, another JET teen, said, “Talking to the kids and creating bonds with them throughout the summer was great.”

Supervisors at the work sites commended the teens for their hard work and positive attitudes. They appreciated how attentive and receptive the teens were to their work and enjoyed seeing them grow as the weeks progressed.

To learn more about the impact the JET program had on the 2022 participants, watch their reflection video.

This program was made possible through grant funding from the Ohio 4-H Foundation and partnerships with Five Rivers MetroParks, Ohio 4-H, and The Ohio State University. If you would like to support the Ohio 4-H Foundation grants program so that programs like this can continue, please consider donating to the Ohio 4-H Foundation Fund.

Over the years, thousands of young people have taken part in the Ohio 4-H program, ready to carry the skills and experiences gained throughout their lives. Each month, we highlight one of these outstanding 4-H alumni who continue to make the best better in their lives and careers. This month we spotlight Linda Roe Joseph, an alumna of Erie County 4-H and longtime supporter of Ohio 4-H.

For Joseph, 4-H provided many opportunities to learn new skills and grow as a member of her community. “Club officer positions, committee work, and time spent on the Junior Fair Board gave me many chances to work with others and lead. I also developed my public speaking abilities through project demonstrations,” she said. Her experience as a camp counselor at Kelleys Island 4-H Camp and Club Congress, as well as serving as a delegate to Ohio Conservation Camp, provided additional avenues through which she strengthened her leadership and communication skills.

Project work was also an important aspect of Joseph’s time in 4-H. She showed cattle and completed a variety of food and nutrition and clothing projects, which introduced her to an array of future career possibilities. Joseph attended The Ohio State University and obtained a degree in home economics education. 4-H also helped make college possible for her. “I would not have enrolled at Ohio State if my home demonstration agent had not nominated me for the Minnie Price Scholarship,” she said.

Joseph said while her cattle projects did not lead her to a career in animal science, it did give her something even better — her husband Bob. While serving as the Ohio Hereford Princess in 1965, she was photographed with the reserve grand champion Hereford at the Ohio State Fair and the photo was featured in The Ohio Farmer. Linda and Bob met at a square dance hosted by University 4-H. She remembered, “Bob and I were dancing and when he saw my nametag he said, ‘Didn’t I see your picture in The Ohio Farmer?’ We have been together ever since and married for 54 years.”

Since then, the Josephs have been ardent supporters of Ohio 4-H. “We have volunteered as project judges numerous times, helped start two suburban 4-H clubs, advised a club, and started two scholarships at Ohio State for 4-H members. We even have a 4-H license plate that draws attention and starts conversations!”

The Joseph’s work on the Ohio 4-H Foundation Board has also been invaluable. They have served on the board for a combined 18 years and, between the two of them, represented the board since 2003. Linda has dedicated the past nine years to serving as the board’s secretary, while Bob held the role of board president from 2010 to 2011. They have also been a part of the planning process for Celebration of Youth, the Ohio 4-H Foundation’s annual fundraising event, since its inception in 1998 and helped grow the event into what it is today.

Joseph has much to be grateful for because of her time in 4-H. “I got my career, leadership qualities, and a lifelong partner through this organization,” she said. “Bob and I love 4-H! Over the years we’ve learned that the ribbons, placings, and prize money were not as important as the friends we made along the way. We grew through 4-H, had a wonderful time doing it, and are always proud to say we got our start in 4-H.”

A powerful collaboration between Wood County 4-H and the Wood County Committee on Aging provided smiles for more than 735 senior citizens in October. Along with hand-delivered meals, the seniors received goody bags curated by 4-H’ers.

The idea stemmed from the 4-H Postal Project, a program that began during the COVID-19 pandemic in which 4-H members sent letters to individuals sheltering at home. Jennifer Morlock, 4-H program assistant, said, “I thought about our membership and what a great club activity it would be to create small craft items to deliver to all participants of the meal program, place them in 4-H decorated bags, and deliver on a date designated as 4-H Day.”

One phone call to the Committee on Aging food kitchen was all it took and “4-H Senior Smiles” was born. Throughout the summer, more than 20 clubs crafted items such as origami critters and suncatchers, while others gathered puzzle books and treats to accompany meals.

Members and volunteers were excited and filled with pride as they dropped off their smile bags to the Extension office. Volunteer Sarah Weaver expressed how delighted her club members were about creating items for the program. “This was an excellent project and my members enjoyed it. It was a great way for them to give back to people who have given so much to our communities.”

It was a beautiful fall day when boxes and boxes of goody bags were dropped off at the senior center production kitchen. “Seniors like gifts from kids,” said Angie Bradford, director of food service for the Wood County Committee on Aging. “The 4-H’ers spent a lot of time on this project, and we are so grateful.”

Inside the colorful 4-H bags, participants found painted clothespins with inspirational messages, brightly colored ceramic tiles, books, puzzles, and flower pens. Some of the bags contained lip balm, hand cream, sugar-free candy for those with diabetes, and holiday ornaments. “They thought of everything!” said Bradford.

Morlock realized what a difference these small gifts meant to the recipients. “Pledging our hands to larger service and illustrating to our members how we can make a difference year after year remains in the forefront of our program. It is heartwarming to witness our 4-H members and volunteers serving others in multiple ways.”

When 8-year-old Danielle Park joined the Blue Ribbon Buckeyes 4-H Club in Seneca County, the main draw was the clothing projects. Throughout her time in 4-H, she sewed her way through almost every clothing project, and now, more than a decade later, Park is the proud owner of Yours with Every Stitch, a sewing and custom clothing shop in Tiffin, Ohio.

Like many 4-H members, Park started with the beginning-level sewing projects, completing a variety of pieces for projects like Sew Fun and Sundresses and Jumpers. During those early years while she was learning her craft, she sought out advice from more experienced seamstresses and found a teacher and mentor in the mother of a family friend. “She was a retired seamstress whose children had also been in 4-H,” said Park, “My mom introduced me to her, and she taught me a lot of the skills I needed to complete my first few projects. I used to spend hours at her house learning from her and looking through the pieces she had completed.”

As she moved on to more advanced project work, Park was mostly self-taught. “Much of what I know now came from years of practice and lots of trial and error,” she said. Her favorite projects were always the more intricate pieces, which is one of the reasons why she took the Dress-Up Outfit project three times. “I’m proud of all of the dresses I made through this project, but one really stands out to me. It was an emerald-green dress for my junior prom made entirely of lace, so it required a lot of hand sewing.”

Park also created dresses for homecoming and senior prom for the Dress-Up Outfit project and was selected to compete at the Ohio State Fair for both pieces. She was even chosen as a recipient of one of the coveted Outstanding of the Day awards for her senior prom dress. Park said, “I also served on the State Fashion Board in 2020 and 2021. I loved meeting other 4-H’ers who had a passion for sewing and even ran judging during the 2021 State Fair.”

During her senior year of high school, Park began selling her creations at a local shopping and retail market. She sold baby and toddler clothing, as well as other small items, and offered a variety of sewing services, including alterations and fittings. “Trying to balance a growing small business with high school was definitely challenging,” said Park. “There were days when I showed up late to school because I had tried to squeeze a fitting in before classes started, but it has always been such rewarding work.”

In 2021, just a few months after graduating from high school, Park opened her storefront in downtown Tiffin. “I’m so grateful for the overwhelming support I received over the past year-and-a-half! Sewing isn’t a super popular hobby for young people, but the community of fellow seamstresses that I’ve found through 4-H is amazing,” she said. “I still make it a priority to attend the sewing clinics my county’s Food and Fashion Board puts on, because I want to help this community grow. I love serving as a mentor for other young sewers and it’s so exciting to see them discover their passion just like I did.”

Ohio 4-H project books, like those Park completed, and other Ohio State University Extension Publishing materials are available for purchase at extensionpubs.osu.edu. Ohio residents get the best price when they order and pick up their purchases through local Extension offices.

Each month, we highlight Ohio 4-H alumni who have amazing stories to share—their personal experience in 4-H or how they are giving back to the program. This month we spotlight James Anderson, an accomplished Delaware County 4-H alumnus and park naturalist in Marion County.

Throughout his nine years in 4-H, Anderson experimented with a variety of projects. He completed woodworking, photography, nutrition, and natural resources projects, and raised sheep, rabbits, chickens, and cattle. He was even selected to compete at the Ohio State Fair with one of his food and nutrition projects. “I didn’t receive the clock trophy or a ribbon, but it was still an amazing experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity to this day,” said Anderson.

“I am fortunate to have a lot of great memories from my time in 4-H, so it’s hard to pick just one.” But the moments that stand out to him are the community service projects he completed with his 4-H club. “We assisted residents at a local retirement community, picked up trash at Alum Creek State Park, cleared out invasive plant species at Stratford Ecological Center, and more.” Anderson’s father was his club’s advisor and saw the importance of community service; he made sure to instill this value in his son. “Once he told me, ‘We don’t do community service to make ourselves look better to others; we do it because it is the right thing to do,’ and that has stuck with me ever since,” Anderson said.

4-H also helped Anderson develop a strong foundation in public speaking, an essential skill in his career as a park naturalist for the Marion County Park District. “My whole career is based on public speaking. Without 4-H, I’m not sure where I would be today or if I would have the confidence to speak to large audiences.”

In addition to the lasting lessons and life skills, 4-H camp, holds a special place in his heart—it is where he met his wife. “We met at a camp counselor workshop at Camp Ohio. She was from Morrow County, and we lost touch over time, but were able to reconnect through social media a few years later. Now, we like to tell people that our relationship got its start in 4-H!”

Anderson continues to give back to Ohio 4-H in a variety of ways. He volunteers in Marion and Delaware counties as a natural resources project judge and this year served as a judge at the Ohio State Fair for the Why Trees Matter project. He and his wife also assist with rabbit skillathons in Morrow County and have served as 4-H advisors. “We are planning to return as advisors in the near future and are excited that our son has begun his 4-H journey as a Cloverbud in Morrow County.”

For current and future 4-H members, Anderson’s advice is to try everything at least once. “Avoid doing the bare minimum,” he said. “Every year my dad challenged my sister and I to try a new project. We never had to do it again if we didn’t enjoy the project, but he wanted us to get the most out of our 4-H experiences.”

Each year, the Ohio 4-H Foundation awards more than $100,000 to local county programs to support efforts in education and experiential learning. This year, many county educators focused on developing opportunities to involve Cloverbuds and new project members.

In Seneca County, Katie Cole, extension educator for 4-H, introduced a Cloverbud Share Fair and public speaking demonstration to help Cloverbud members understand what it will be like to participate in future judging.

This program encouraged Cloverbuds to bring a craft they created in their club to one of Seneca County’s pre-fair judging days, where they presented their work to a junior leader or Junior Fair Board member. Cloverbuds discussed their craft with the judges and received a participation rosette for their hard work. “For many Cloverbuds, this was their first time receiving a ribbon, so it was gratifying to watch their faces light up with pure joy after being awarded one,” said Cole.

After the share fair, Cloverbuds were invited to participate in a public speaking demonstration where they recited the 4-H pledge for a small audience. “They were so nervous at first,” said Cole, “but after they were done, it was a whole different story. The smiles on their faces were priceless!”

Under the guidance of Tracy Winters, 4-H professional in Gallia County, “Come Discover 4-H” sessions helped youth learn about the projects available to them.

Seventeen youth in grades 2–4 participated in hands-on information sessions where they learned about 4-H projects in five different interest areas: food and nutrition, creative arts, STEM, animal sciences, and natural resources and shooting sports. They also completed activities related to each project, such as making their own trail mix, testing the flying power of paper airplanes, and trying their skill on an inflatable archery range.

Winters said, “Making specific connections to project books helped participants see how they can apply their interests to 4-H and use project work to explore their passions.” Upon finishing the session, each youth member received a voucher for a free project book of their choice and basic supplies to help then complete a 4-H project display. Participants could choose from a trifold poster board or three-ring binder, glue, a permanent marker, and access to Gallia County’s Project Pantry, which houses additional materials youth may need to complete their project displays.

Would you like to support Ohio 4-H Foundation grants to make more programs like these possible? Donate to the Ohio 4-H Foundation endowment fund today!

Thanks to a grant from Google, 1,500 more Ohio youth will have increased access in 2023 to computer science education offered by Ohio 4-H. The funds are part of a $5 million grant to National 4-H Council to help expand access to computer science, and Ohio will serve as the lead state in this initiative.

The grant was announced in October during a youth coding event at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. Ohio 4-H youth learned how to create code for animation during the event and shared their work with Jon Husted, lieutenant governor of Ohio.

The grant allows 4-H to expand its Clovers CODE (Creating Opportunities Designed for Everyone) statewide programing that introduces problem-solving, computer literacy, and coding through hands-on activities. The programing is offered in 50 counties across the state through OSU Extension’s Mobile Design Lab, a 35-foot bus that helps deliver on-site educational programming across the state in areas where computer science education resources are limited.

“Our goal is to move youth from content consumers of technology to content creators with technology,” said Mark Light, leader, Ohio 4-H STEM and digital engagement specialist, who also leads the Clovers CODE initiative.

The Ohio 4-H program provides thousands of young people with the skills and opportunities to lead a meaningful and impactful life, and this is seen in the stories of our alumni. Each month, we highlight an outstanding alumnus who shares how 4-H has shaped their life and career; this month, we spotlight Shelley Metz from Fayette County.

Metz was an active 4-H’er from elementary through high school and practiced her skills by taking sewing and cooking projects every year. She saw much success while competing at the Fayette County and Ohio State fairs. She also brought several sewing projects to the state and national levels for the National Make It with Wool contest. During her final three years of 4-H, she took on a different challenge and tried her hand at swine showmanship. As Metz recalls, “It was a bit of a running bet that the city girl wouldn’t get dirty in the show ring with a pig!”

Outside of traditional project work, Metz attended camp each year as a camper or counselor. “Every summer I looked forward to returning to Camp Clifton,” she said, “Hiking through the gorge, campfires, and gatherings at the lodge are some of my fondest memories from those years.” She also took advantage of leadership opportunities offered through 4-H by serving on her county’s Junior Fair Board and the local and state fashion boards and attending Club Congress and National 4-H Congress.

Metz recalled Club Congress as one of highlights from her years in 4-H. She was able to use the sewing skills she gained from years of project work. “Club Congress at Ohio State stands out for two reasons. The first was being part of a group tasked with making fleece garments for underprivileged kids. It was fun meeting others who enjoyed sewing while also helping the community.”

After spending the day working on those community service projects, all Congress attendees gathered in the auditorium and a member from each group was selected to speak about their project. This is where Metz’s second reason behind the importance of this experience comes in. “I was unexpectedly called on to speak for my group. Growing up, I had never had a fear of public speaking, but I had also never been in front of that large of an audience before,” she said. “I didn’t have anything planned, but there was no time to let fear settle in, so I just went up there and spoke!”

Metz was also quick to recognize how the program taught her to make and keep schedules. “I always made sure to set time aside each day to work on my sewing projects and block off days to try new recipes for cooking projects.” These organizational skills have become essential in her personal and professional life, and Metz said she is grateful these values and habits were instilled in her from such a young age.

4-H helped Metz discover a passion that would go on to become her career. “Thanks to 4-H, I grew up with a large interest in fashion and sewing. I loved touching all the fabrics, looking at the colors and putting an outfit together. By high school, I knew fashion would ultimately become my career,” said Metz.

Metz attended Kent State University, where she majored in fashion merchandising, and the day after graduation she packed her bags and moved to New Jersey to interview for jobs in New York City. Today, she is in her 16th year in the industry and has worked for two of the largest fashion companies in the world — Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.

Looking back, Metz recognizes the impact 4-H experiences had on her life and offers words of advice to current members. “Get involved in as much as you can. There are so many opportunities for personal development, whether it be serving on your county’s Junior Fair Board or attending national conferences. By being an active member of your 4-H club, you can form new friendships and develop lifelong skills,” she said.

Over the past 25 years, Celebration of Youth, the Ohio 4-H Foundation’s annual fundraiser, has raised more than $1.3 million in support of 4-H youth development programs. The generosity of our sponsors, donors, and community partners continued at this year’s celebration on Oct. 6 at Leeds Farm in Ostrander.

More than 300 guests raised over $130,000 by bidding on auction items. Guests were also invited to further their support by pledging sponsorships for Ohio 4-H’ers to attend national 4-H leadership opportunities including, National 4-H Conference, Healthy Living Summit, True Leaders in Equity Summit, Citizenship Washington Focus, and the National AgriScience Summit. More than $9,000 in pledges were received for youth to attend one of these life-changing opportunities.

The evening included a variety of fun, fall activities, including pedal carts, a zip line, and hayrides. Delicious appetizers were provided by Hudson’s Edge, Bill and Kristin Patterson, and Cheryl’s Cookies. City Barbeque catered dinner, and singer David Spires entertained guests throughout the evening with country classics and current hits.

Molly Hunt, a Darke County 4-H alumna and public information specialist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. Molly shared her 4-H story and spoke about the impact that 4-H has had on her life.

As part of the 25th anniversary of Celebration of Youth, State Senator Bob Peterson and State Representative Mark Johnson recognized the exceptional work done by Ohio 4-H over the years with a proclamation signed by Sens. Matt Huffman, Peterson, and Andrew Brenner. Guests also heard remarks from Dr. Cathann Kress, Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, about the importance of 4-H.

A special thanks to all the sponsors, donors, alumni, guests, and volunteers that made this year’s Celebration of Youth possible. It is because of you we are able to help 4-H members inspire curiosity, build lifelong skills, fuel their sense of adventure, and support their growth into true leaders. Thank you for helping us honor our past and join us as we zip into the future with Ohio 4-H!

Alyssa Mobley wants to be a biomedical engineer and thanks to 4-H, two dedicated club advisors, and an award-winning project, she’s got a great head start on her career goals.

In fifth grade, Alyssa joined the 4-H GEAR club in her county—the Geauga Engineering and Robotics club. Advisors Adrienne and Jeff La Favre began the club eight years ago at the urging of Geauga County 4-H educator, Alisha Faudie, who wanted a robotics club for youth. Jeff became interested in electronics as a high school student, and it was a major part of his career as a microbiologist. Adrienne was already an advisor for another 4-H club, so the 4-H GEAR club was born.

The La Favres designed a curriculum for all ages of members. Younger members learn how to program a basic robot. Beginning in sixth grade, they study electronics, learning how to build a robot, solder a circuit board, build a crystal radio and amplifier, and move on to program a robot using C language.

Once GEAR members are in high school, they first review what they’ve learned to-date. Jeff La Favre said, “Then we turn them loose as ‘Journeymen’ and they are in charge of making their own project. It blows your mind about the stuff they come up with!”

It was as a Journeyman in GEAR that Alyssa developed her project. “Mr. and Mrs. La Favre knew I loved building things and suggested I look into e-NABLE.”

e-NABLE is a worldwide group of volunteers who use 3D printers to make prosthetic upper limbs for children and adults. “I’d only done 3D printing in school, but this sounded like a really cool idea!” said Alyssa.

To participate, Alyssa first had to be certified by the organization. It involved demonstrating her abilities to use a 3D printer by building a test device, then assembling it to ensure it was functional. Alyssa earned the badges for her certification and began her project.

A fellow student and neighbor of Alyssa’s was born without fingers on his left hand. “My brothers played sports with him. He wanted a prosthetic when he was younger but didn’t have one.” With her e-Nable certification, Alyssa went to work.

The project began during COVID restrictions, so the two met via Zoom. “I told him how to take photos, so I could get the correct measurements.” But the construction process didn’t always go smoothly. The first hand she printed stretched some of the pieces, so it wasn’t a perfect fit. A power outage sabotaged the second effort. A third hand was still too big, the fourth was too small, and then Alyssa printed the fifth hand.

“I knew we were finally getting closer,” said Alyssa. “I could feel it!” The prosthetic device was assembled with elastic Velcro and finger pieces with grips. A fitting with her friend involved inserting padding to ensure a perfect fit, and this time everything worked.

“He wanted to be able to make a fist and ride his scooter. He grabbed his scooter, clamped down and with a slight modification of the scooter handle, felt stable on it. Now with his left hand, he can pick up a water bottle, grasp a doorknob, and pick up small objects.”

Alyssa documented her two years of work and turned it into her Self-Determined project this year. At the Ohio State Fair, judges recognized her accomplishment by awarding her a clock trophy, the highest 4-H project honor. “It’s a rewarding feeling,” said Alyssa. “You work so hard and then have something that helps other people.”

Her GEAR Club advisors were confident in Alyssa’s talents. “She was always proactive,” said Jeff La Favre.” She didn’t hesitate to ask questions and go to experts for help on the project.”

And Alyssa credits the La Favres with guiding her career goals. “Everything I’ve learned comes from the GEAR Club. When I started in fifth grade, I’d never done anything with electronics. Mr. La Favre gave me a bread board and light bulbs and told me to light them all up. He let me sit there and figure it out. The La Favres and the support and guidance from my club advisors led me to where I am today. I am confident I will be successful in college and future careers because of everything they taught me.”

Each month, Ohio 4-H highlights an outstanding alumnus who shares how 4-H has shaped their life and how they continue to give back. This month, we are featuring Darke County 4-H alumna, Molly Hunt, a geologist and paleontologist who works at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey.

Molly Hunt traces her interest in geology back to her five-year-old self spending days searching for rocks to add to her collection. Over the next five years this interest grew, and during her second year of 4-H, she took her rock collection to county judging for the Collectibles project, as Ohio 4-H did not have a geology project at the time. “The judge was impressed with my passion for geology at such a young age and encouraged me to write a geology project book one day.”

During her last year in 4-H, Hunt did just that. While working as an educational assistant at the Ohio State Fair, she met Extension Specialist Dr. Robert Horton and asked why Ohio did not offer any geology projects. “He told me it was because no one had ever written one, and when I asked if there was a way to create these books, he suggested I write them!”

With the help of Dr. Horton and Jane Wright, 4-H curriculum manager and director of Extension Publishing, Hunt wrote Geology: Can You Dig It?, a project book that helps 4-H youth explore geosciences. A few years later, Hunt went on to co-write a second project book, Exploring Polar Science, with Jason Cervenec of OSU’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center. This book invites youth to take a closer look at the geography and ecosystems that make up the Arctic and Antarctica.

For Hunt, the connections she made through 4-H were invaluable in getting her where she is today. “While serving as a collegiate facilitator at the National 4-H Youth Summit on Healthy Living in Washington, D.C., I interviewed for an internship at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. After being selected, 4-H allowed me to stay at the National 4-H Conference Center at no cost during my internship. This was an unpaid internship, and without the generosity of 4-H my participation would not have been possible.”

One of her biggest 4-H highlights was being an Ohio 4-H Health Hero. “The Health Heroes program helped build my confidence and got me through some tough times in my life,” said Hunt. As a Health Hero, Hunt worked with Dr. Theresa Ferrari, Youth Development Extension specialist, and Rhonda Williams, Darke County 4-H Extension educator, to create “Clover Confidence BFFs: Building Fearless Females.” The program developed curriculum and events focusing on social and emotional well-being for middle school girls. Hunt was selected as a finalist for the National 4-H Youth in Action award for her work developing this program.

Hunt earned academic degrees from Edison State Community College and The Ohio State University. She currently works as both a geoscientist and an educator, with the flexibility to continue her involvement in Ohio 4-H. “I like to say I’ve never really left 4-H! This summer, I was invited to educate hundreds of 4-H’ers about Ohio’s geology at programs across the state.”

As a proud 4-H volunteer, Hunt sponsors Ohio State Fair clock trophies, awards distributed to the most outstanding individual in each project class. She is often invited to share her 4-H story at events across Ohio and the United States. Most recently, Hunt served as the keynote speaker at the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council’s annual banquet, and she also shared her story at the Ohio 4-H Foundation’s Celebration of Youth.

Her continued support and advocacy for Ohio 4-H stems from her love of the program that helped shape her into who she is today. “4-H became a village for me and the support I received as a youth and continue to receive now is overwhelming.”

She is also grateful for the friendships she made over the years. “It’s been amazing to watch my biggest competitors at the state level become some of my biggest cheerleaders and closest friends in recent years!”

4-H is the reason I am living and thriving. It fueled my curiosity from a young age and taught me lifelong skills. While I didn’t decide to become a geologist because of 4-H, it gave me the tools to turn a passion into a career.”

The Wayne County Junior Fair Board hit the road in August for a memorable three-day, three-state bus trip, with stops at two county fairs, the Indiana State Fair, and Chicago. This was the group’s first trip since 2019, and Junior Fair Board members and Ohio State University Extension staff alike were excited to begin traveling again.

Doug Foxx, Extension educator for 4-H in Wayne County, said “The program began in 2017 with visits to other Ohio county fairs to look for new ideas to bring back to our fair.” On a previous trip, inspiration was found at the Hartford Independent Fair in Licking County and resulted in a workroom and lounge at the Wayne County Fair for Junior Fair Board members to eat lunch and have meetings. Thanks to these trips, Foxx also started implementing meetings after the fair comes to a close each day, so the Junior Fair Board can process the day and discuss what went well or highlight areas where they can improve.

For Jo Bailey, a Junior Fair Board member and 4-H’er in the Wayne County Cousins club, the trip made a lasting impression. “I loved learning about the different team-building activities other Junior Fair Boards do. Spending time together makes us stronger for when fair time comes around, so it’s interesting to discover new ways to develop relationships.”

Visiting the Champaign and Henry County fairs provided opportunities to meet their Junior Fair Board counterparts, watch livestock shows, tour the fairgrounds and barns, and enjoy fair treats. Ethan Gasser, another Wayne County Junior Fair Board member, was particularly inspired by these experiences. “After this trip, I would be really interested in starting a show for kids with disabilities in Wayne County, where we can help them learn how to show an animal. Our fair doesn’t offer anything like this, and it would be a great experience for everyone involved.”

The Indiana State Fair was also a highlight of the trip. After receiving a tour of the grounds, Gasser was impressed by its sheer size. “Indiana’s state fair was huge! They had so much space, which made it nearly impossible to see everything.” Bailey also said that it was neat to compare this experience to what she is used to at home. “I spend a lot of time at the Ohio State Fair, so I enjoyed getting to learn more about Indiana’s fair and see how spread out it is.”

Visiting Chicago was a first-time experience for many of the youth. “We visited the Field Museum of Natural History, Navy Pier, the John Hancock tower, took a speed boat tour of the lakefront and river, and attended a performance by the Blue Man Group,” said Foxx. Over a classic Chicago dinner of deep-dish pizza, the youth were also able to share their experiences and takeaways and get to know one another a bit better. “The kids really missed having this time together during Covid,” said Foxx. “They’re so busy during the fair, and I recognize how important it is for them to develop relationships.” Bailey echoed this and said her favorite experience from the trip was getting to meet new people. “I really enjoyed the bus rides between each stop because it gave everyone the chance to talk to new people and just hang out!”

For many 4-H members, project work serves as an interesting way to explore new topics or expand current skills, but for some, these experiences evolve into a lifelong passion and help decide their future career path. For Megan Johnson, a 13-year member of Country Circus 4-H club in Scioto County, it was 4-H that inspired her interest in becoming a veterinarian.

This fall marks the start of Johnson’s junior year at Morehead State University in Kentucky, where she is a pre-veterinary medicine major, but her love of animals began at an early age. “They just seemed to gravitate toward me,” said Johnson. She tried a variety of projects, but soon discovered livestock was her passion, with sheep projects being her favorite. “I showed sheep at my county fair every year, but as I got older, I also tried my hand at showing pigs, chickens, and calves,” she said.

Johnson’s dad has always been one of her biggest supporters, and after seeing her enthusiasm for sheep, he and Johnson began breeding their own during her freshman year of high school. “This became an opportunity for me to learn even more about raising and caring for livestock. I helped deliver lambs, give them shots, and serve as their primary caretaker.”

These experiences not only taught her practical skills she now uses in her university classes, but also helped her become comfortable around large animals—a lesson not easily learned in the classroom setting. “Some of my classmates are a little skittish around the bigger animals, but my firsthand experience handling them and my understanding of how they behave made me more confident when interacting with large animals,” she said. As a student, she spends a lot of time at the university’s on-campus farm, where hands-on experience is a big focus. “So far, I have castrated piglets, performed ultrasounds, and assisted in surgery on a pig’s hernia,” said Johnson. “These have been amazing experiences and I can’t wait to see what is yet to come!”

Looking back on her time in 4-H, Johnson does not believe she would have discovered her chosen career so early in life without 4-H. “Given my love for animals, I think I would have pursued a career where I got to work with them, but 4-H helped me discover my passion for veterinary medicine,” she said. “The time I spent working with my animals and raising sheep with my dad helped me learn that I want to specialize in veterinary medicine for livestock.”

In addition to the academic edge 4-H provided, Johnson is also grateful for the bond she developed with her dad and siblings through her project work. “When my dad was in 4-H he showed steers, so when I decided to focus on sheep, he did a lot of research on how to raise, train, and show them to help me succeed.” This experience has brought them closer together, and now she helps her dad pass this knowledge on to her younger siblings.

For more information about how 4-H projects tie into potential careers, visit the See It, Be It!: Career Exploration blog. It features resources and details about 4-H projects and college courses that align with careers.

Over the years, thousands of young people have taken part in the Ohio 4-H program and carried the skills and experiences gained with them throughout their lives. Each month, we highlight one of these outstanding 4-H alumni who continue to make the best better in their lives and careers. This month, we spotlight Bill Patterson, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation president and former board member of the Ohio 4-H Foundation.

When he considers what he learned in 4-H, Patterson has one word—leadership. Growing up as a 4-H member in Geauga County, Patterson cites his experiences in 4-H as his first exposure to many of the leadership skills he now uses in his daily life and career. “I’m not positive where skills like running a meeting, making wise decisions, and being respectful would have come from if not for 4-H.”

As a young 4-H member, Patterson participated in familiar 4-H activities. Four years of camp activities at Camp Whitewood created two favorite memories—archery and the cold lake in the morning! Project work was also part of 4-H for Patterson, who was in a woodworking and gardening club. “I went to the Ohio State Fair for woodworking after building a mailbox. It was the whole mailbox, including the 8-by-8 post, and I’m quite sure we drove down to Columbus with it sticking out the back of our Suburban!” Patterson also recalls planting his garden and excitedly checking the progress each morning. “Although, I’m not positive I was ever great at weeding,” he said.

After years of involvement with 4-H, Patterson knows that the memories and lessons will last a lifetime. “As I continue to be involved in 4-H as a parent, advisor, and Foundation board member, I have seen the multitude of opportunities that I had no idea about at the time if not for 4-H.” He also emphasizes how information is readily available for interested youth. “It only takes a small amount of effort to become aware and involved, although each of these opportunities requires much effort to be the best one can be in that role.”

As a proud Ohio 4-H alumnus, Patterson continues to give back to the program that invested so much into him as a youth. Alongside his wife, he is raising four children involved in a variety of projects and opportunities. “Kristin and I believe in 4-H, the work of 4-H, and the Ohio 4-H Foundation. As we consider our philanthropic opportunities, we see 4-H as being a key area where we can invest in youth across Ohio to provide leadership to Ohio agriculture.”

More than 250 clock trophies were awarded to the most outstanding 4-H youth participant in each project class at this year’s Ohio State Fair. Gyllien Anderson, Addison Mullins, and Miles Ott are just a few of the 4-H members honored with this award, and they shared details about their project work and what it means to compete at the Ohio State Fair and win a clock trophy.

Gyllien Anderson is from Portage County and in her eighth and final year of 4-H. Not only has she completed sewing projects every year since joining 4-H, but she was also selected to compete at the state fair each year. This is the third clock trophy Gyllien has won, with her previous trophies being awarded for the “em*bel*lish” and “Ready, Set, Sew Active!” clothing projects. This year, Gyllien decided to challenge herself by taking the “Creative Costumes” project. She made a structured skirt out of plaid wool fabric, complete with a stage and two working marionette puppets controlled through a pocket in the front of the dress. She completed the outfit by making bloomers, a wool corset, an envelope hat, and clothing for the puppets. The finishing touch included decorating her mother’s wedding shoes to match the pattern on her dress.

For Gyllien, the clock trophy represents what it means to be in 4-H. “It’s not just about who can create the best outfit; it’s also about sharing yourself and your work to the judges. You have to be able to explain your project and be knowledgeable about the techniques and skills that went in to making each piece.” As a first-generation 4-H member, Gyllien said “Joining 4-H changed my life. My sewing projects brought me closer to my mother, the person who taught me how to sew, and I’m excited to pass these skills on to my own children in the future and get them involved in 4-H.”

Addison Mullins competed in the advanced senior division of the cake decorating project this year. She started 4-H as a Cloverbud and has been a member in Scioto County for the past seven years, where she completed cake decorating projects every year. This year marks her fourth trip to the Ohio State Fair with her project, but the first time she has won a clock trophy. “I’ve been working toward this for a long time, so if feels really good to have my hard work acknowledged at this level,” said Addison.

The inspiration for many of her cakes come from the books Addison reads, and this year her enchanted forest-themed cake was no different. She learned much of what she knows about cake decorating from her grandmother, who has experience working as a professional cake decorator. “She’s taught me a lot of tips and tricks over the years,” said Addison, “It’s also been great to have a common interest and something that we can do together.” Addison plans to continue taking cake decorating projects for the rest of her 4-H career and is hopeful she will be selected to compete at the Ohio State Fair again. She is also grateful to have a lifelong hobby that will allow her to continue to try new designs and practice her skills.

Miles Ott from Franklin County also won his first clock trophy at this year’s Ohio State Fair, where he shared his “Science Fun with Electricity” project. He started 4-H as a Cloverbud and has been a member of his 4-H Club for two years. This was his first trip to the Ohio State Fair as a competitor, and he said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to present his project at the state level so early in his 4-H career. “I felt really proud for achieving this goal,” he said.

Miles’ interest in science, math, and engineering prompted him to select this project, and believes it has been a great fit for him. His favorite experiment was learning how to use fresh fruit to power an alarm clock. He also enjoyed figuring out how to build an electric motor and said, “I thought it was really cool that you could power fans and other electric things with magnets and a little bit of battery power.” He learned a lot taking this project and said he looks forward to taking more science-related projects in the coming years.

The Ohio 4-H Foundation congratulates all the 2022 clock trophy winners. Thanks also to the clock trophy sponsors whose generosity enabled recognition of these young people and their outstanding efforts. A complete list of the 2022 clock trophy sponsors can be found at our website. If you know a clock trophy winner, thank-you notes for sponsors can be sent to the Ohio 4-H Foundation, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, and we will make sure they are delivered to the appropriate sponsor.

This year, the Ohio State Fair returned to a full fair for the first time since 2019. Project judging took place in the Lausche Youth Center each day, and 4-H members from across the state participated. Throughout the fair, 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) members could be found managing the flow of 4-H members meeting with judges, coordinating daily awards ceremonies, and providing fairgoers with activities and information about 4-H.

TLC members begin each year of service in September and conclude in August. During the year, they serve on various committees and take on leadership roles according to their area of interest. For many, this was the first time they had the opportunity to participate in the Ohio State Fair as volunteers, and the experience taught them new skills that translate into other aspects of their lives. Aubrey Barger, a first-year TLC member from Licking County said, “I’ve become much more comfortable with public speaking and have strengthened my communication skills through being at the fair.”

Aubrey learned about TLC at her county project judging, where she presented a leadership project. In the feedback section of her evaluation form, the judge included information about the TLC program and encouraged her to apply. For her, volunteering as a TLC member has been a great gateway to getting involved in 4-H at the state level. “It’s one of those doors that opens up a million new ones. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with people from all over the state and I’ve gained so many new skills in my first year with TLC.”

Carson Abbott, a veteran TLC member from Richland County, agrees with Aubrey and encourages all younger 4-H members to “just go for it.” He said, “Volunteering at the Ohio State Fair was an awesome experience and I’ve met so many new people through TLC. I’ve also learned leadership and organizational skills I will carry with me the rest of my life.” Carson has been serving as a TLC member since he was 15, and he said he loved having the opportunity to become a more active member of 4-H and get involved in the work that goes into events such as the Ohio State Fair.

Kayla Oberstadt, TLC program advisor, has seen teen members grow into true leaders since returning to in-person programming. “It is evident the in-person experience is something our young leaders look forward to, whether it be during the team building that takes place during meetings, the ‘family’ challenges they participate in, or simply being able to sit around the table with friends from other counties to discuss new ideas.” Oberstadt said she has also seen growth and resilience in the TLC members’ willingness to learn new ways of doing things. “For many, this was their first time serving as volunteers at the Ohio State Fair, and it was awesome to seem them jump straight into everything as they learned the ropes.”

She encourages younger 4-H members who are interested in the Teen Leadership Council to apply the first year they are eligible. “I have heard from graduating seniors who wished they had more time to be on TLC, they just didn’t know about it earlier in their career. TLC is designed to allow members to grow their skills over time, which will prepare them for the leadership roles of being a committee chair or officer at the state level. Everyone was a rookie once, so don’t let that stop you from applying for the first time at a state level program.”

More information on the Teen Leadership Council is at the program’s website. If you are interested in supporting our older youth programming, donations can be made directly on the giving page.

Over the years, thousands of young people have taken part in the Ohio 4-H program and carried the skills and experiences gained with them throughout their lives. Each month, we highlight one of these outstanding alumni who continues to make the best better in their everyday lives and careers. This August we are excited to share the story of Fran DeWine, Ohio’s first lady and a 4-H alumna who continues giving back to the program.

Growing up in a small village in Greene County, Fran DeWine chose non-livestock projects that included cooking and sewing. “Sewing projects were so popular during the ’60s that there were hundreds of girls and young women taking them each year to our Greene County Fair.” These experiences led her to study home economics at Miami University and had an impact on her future. “All the things I love to do as the wife of an elected official — my love of homemaking, my cookbooks, making pies for our ice cream social, and love of children — really were influenced by those early years of 4-H.”

She works to encourage today’s youth to learn more about where their food comes from, a project she is passionate about. “At the Ohio State Fair, I cook with children. I like to show them where their food comes from, so we start by grinding wheat and making pizza dough. With that and my work with childhood literacy and the Imagination Library, I sometimes feel that I’m the home ec teacher for all Ohio!” Teaching children is certainly a trademark of Mrs. DeWine, especially when it comes to introducing them to the 4-H program. All eight of her own children were active members, and they spent 33 consecutive years taking on 4-H projects!

One of Mrs. DeWine’s most prized memories comes from her children’s early years in 4-H. With a move to Washington, D.C., in 1983 when her husband was elected to Congress, the DeWine children were worried they would miss their club meetings and not be able to participate in 4-H. Mrs. DeWine took matters into her own hands to ensure the spirit of 4-H was kept alive in her family. “We invited our whole club to come to our home in Washington. They chartered a bus, and advisors, parents, and kids came to our not-so-big house in the suburbs and stayed for several days! The parents helped cook the meals, kids slept on the floor in sleeping bags, and we had a great time touring Washington and seeing the Capitol and all the monuments. It was a great experience and many of the kids and their parents still talk about it.”

Looking back on these experiences and others, Mrs. DeWine recognizes that 4-H advisors and volunteers played a vital role in the lives of her children, and now in the lives of her grandchildren. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and our 4-H community was our village.” Now, Mrs. DeWine continues to advocate for the Ohio 4-H program and supports local 4-H youth through county fair auctions and events. She encourages young people to discover the importance of 4-H and be involved.

4-H is a family tradition for many, and that tradition continues to grow for the York family. Samantha York and her mother Jennifer share a special bond that reflects that legacy. At the annual Ohio 4-H Achievement Awards in June, Samantha, a 4-H member from Franklin County, received the award for gardening and horticulture, the same award her mother earned 30 years ago.

Jennifer was not the first in her family to join 4-H or the first to pursue gardening projects. Her mother, Ann Brickner, was a member of Richland County 4-H in the 1950s and ’60s and focused on the strawberry projects offered at that time. Jennifer’s parents always had a large vegetable garden, and still do today in their 70s. Gardening projects were a natural fit for Jennifer. “It’s something that’s in my blood,” she said. “My parents still have pictures of me as baby, sitting in my playpen in their garden!”

Jennifer continues the family tradition, although her garden is much smaller. “We live in the suburbs, so I try to maximize the available land through succession planting,” she said. “This provides our family with a constant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the season.”

While Jennifer followed in her mother’s footsteps and pursued fruit and vegetable gardening projects during her time in 4-H, Samantha’s interest has always been in flowers. When she was 9, she began hybridizing day lilies and has been doing projects on this topic ever since. She plans to continue focusing on gardening and horticulture projects over the next couple of years and knows that gardening will still be a big part of her life after she graduates from high school. “Without my family’s involvement, I would not have known about 4-H, but I’m glad that they joined, because it’s given me a lifelong hobby.” Her mom also appreciates her interest. “It’s nice to see my daughter follow in my footsteps but still have the ability to put her own twist on it.”

These shared experiences have provided a perfect opportunity for mother and daughter to spend time together. “I didn’t even know my mom had won the same award until a few months ago, but it’s been really cool to have this experience with her! It’s great to have our hard work acknowledged,” said Samantha.

Every year Ohio 4-H Youth Development honors a select group of the state’s most outstanding members at the annual Achievement Awards ceremony. Each winner completed an extensive application listing their accomplishments in 4-H project work, 4-H participation, major 4-H honors, 4-H community service and citizenship, 4-H leadership, and non-4-H experiences in their school, church and community. Along with being recognized at the Ohio 4-H Foundation’s ceremony, Samantha and our 28 other Achievement Award winners will have the opportunity to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta later this year. There, they will get to meet 4-H members from across the country and participate in once-in-a-lifetime leadership, citizenship, and community service experiences. A full list of this year’s Achievement Award winners can be found here: https://ohio4h.org/foundation/foundation-events/2022-achievement-awards. 

Would you like to support other youth to attend National 4-H Congress? Please donate to support our youth.

The Ohio State Fair is back and better than ever this year! Pre-fair activities are underway, with judges reviewing 4-H members’ efforts with dog, alpaca, llama, dairy goat, horse, and rabbit projects. The fair begins July 27 with remaining livestock activities, and still project judging will be held each day in the Lausche Youth Center. For more information, view the full livestock judging and show schedule and the still project judging calendar.

Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council members will also be in the Youth Center (Lausche Building) each day offering fun activities. 4-H alumni can complete contact cards and enter to win a 4-H themed garden tool kit. Adults over the age of 21 will also receive information about the Ohio 4-H Foundation’s annual fundraising and community fellowship event, Celebration of Youth, at Leeds Farm on Oct. 6. Check out some pictures from last year’s Celebration of Youth.

The Teen Leadership Council can also be seen each day in the Ohio State Fair parade. The parade begins each afternoon at 4 p.m. by the Natural Resources Park, travels through the fairgrounds, and ends at 17th Avenue.

Don’t forget to stop by the Lausche Youth Center on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. to watch the 2022 Ohio 4-H’s Got Talent Show! Individuals and groups from across the state will have the opportunity to showcase their special skills, so you will not want to miss this.

The Land & Living Exhibit, hosted by the Ohio Farm Bureau, will include presentations from Ohio Extension educators and The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. This highly interactive exhibit will include agricultural activities, discussions on how scientists are researching solutions to food challenges, and career information for youth.

More information about Ohio State Fair activities, including admission, hours, exhibits and entertainment is at https://www.ohiostatefair.com/ or can be found in the 2022 Ohio State Fair Resource Guide.

Each month we highlight an Ohio 4-H alumnus with amazing stories to share—from their personal experience in 4-H to how they have given back to the program. This month we feature Megan Frilling, a Mercer County alumna and the Ohio 4-H Foundation’s new engagement program assistant.

Frilling joined the Rainbow Connectors 4-H Club in the fourth grade at the encouragement of two friends. She did not know much about 4-H going into her first meeting and was a bit intimated by the older kids, but she was quickly relieved to discover herself in a friendly and welcoming group. “I was pretty shy as a kid. Speaking in front of a group terrified me! I still remember my first demonstration; I taught my club how to make the origami fortunetellers that were popular in middle school. I almost cried I was so nervous, and my hands were shaking the entire time, but everyone was very attentive. They even gave me a round of applause at the end, which left me grinning from ear-to-ear.”

Throughout her nine years in 4-H, Frilling completed a variety of projects that explored such things as creative writing, photography, cooking and woodworking. But one particular project offered a valuable life lesson. “During our junior year of high school, a friend and I decided that we were going to show pigs at the fair for the first time together. Prior to this, we both focused on creative arts projects and wanted to try something new to experience the fair from a different perspective. Needless to say, it was humbling to walk into Quality Assurance training and be the only two students in the room over the age of 11!” It would have been easy to quit, but she didn’t give up. “The responsibility of raising an animal taught me the importance of following through on commitments, and the experience showed me it is never too late to try something new.”

Outside of her project work, 4-H camp became an important part of Frilling’s 4-H experience. “Camp was always the week I most looked forward to throughout the school year. 4-H camp helped me come out of my shell in a way that I never had before.” One of her most memorable experiences at camp was participating in the talent show during her last year as a camper. “My whole cabin wrote, choreographed, and performed a 4-H remix of Rebecca Black’s song ‘Friday.’ It ended up being such a big hit that we won!”

Frilling loved 4-H camp so much that she went on to serve as a camp counselor for four years. “Being a counselor helped me develop excellent leadership and communication skills. I also met some of my best friends at camp, many of whom I am still close with to this day.” She looks back fondly on performing skits for the campers every night at the campfire, leading songs during mealtimes, dancing until she dropped at the last night party, and being honored as Mercer County’s Outstanding 4-H Camp Counselor in 2015.

Frilling continues her involvement in Ohio 4-H by serving as the engagement program assistant with the Ohio 4-H Foundation. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of 4-H again. This program helped shape me into the person I am today. It taught me valuable life skills, many of which I am now using in my role as program assistant. I cannot wait for the opportunity to give back to an organization that has brought so much joy to my life over the years! I also know that 4-H has so much more to teach me, and I am very excited to learn from my colleagues at the state 4-H office.”

The voices of Ohio’s outstanding 4-H members were the highlight of the 2022 Ohio 4-H Achievement Awards, held earlier this month at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus.

Twenty-nine youth were recognized for their achievements in a specified project area, along with their leadership, service, and overall contributions as a 4-H member.

Each honoree received a certificate from Dr. Kirk Bloir, state 4-H leader, and was introduced to the audience with a video where they shared the importance of 4-H in their life. "4-H has Impacted my life by teaching me something new every day,” said Sadie Holman, Licking County 4-H member and recipient of the Achievement Award for Beef.

The evening was hosted by the Ohio 4-H Foundation, with Franklin County 4-H alumni Brooke Fleshman as the featured speaker. Brooke shared her experience as a member of the 2021 National 4-H Congress Design Team. This year’s Achievement Award recipients will attend the 2022 4-H Congress in Atlanta this fall.

You can view a selection of the Achievement Award videos below. Watch our social media channel for all videos to be shared soon.

For a complete list of 2022 winners, visit the Award winner page.

Thanks to all who have made a gift to the Ohio 4-H Legacy of Leadership Scholarship. We are mid-way through the campaign and have raised $78,327.  Your support is still needed to reach our goal of $120,000. Help us celebrate 120 years of 4-H, with a gift that will ensure the legacy of 4-H and educational opportunities for our youth. Your donation will make a difference in the lives of Ohio 4-H youth who will attend The Ohio State University.

The Ohio 4-H Foundation has pledged a generous match toward our goal. Every dollar donated will be matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000. Make your gift by June 30, so Ohio 4-H can continue creating leaders for a lifetime.

July 4, 4-H COUNCIL CHICKEN BBQ, CAR SHOW AND FIREWORKS – (Noble County) Join Noble County in celebrating the 4^th of July from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

July 12, Dine to Donate for 4-H: Chipotle Fundraiser (Lancaster) – Fairfield County 4-H Junior Leaders will host monthly dine to donate fundraisers. The July event is on Tuesday, July 12 from 4-8 p.m. at Chipotle, 1608 North Memorial Dr. 33% of sales will be donated to 4-H.

August 12-14, Alumni Camp at 4-H Camp Ohio (St. Louisville) – Friends of 4-H Camp Ohio is a new alumni organization formed to support the camp and help supporters stay connected. Alumni Camp will include a variety of camp activities, including swimming, ziplining, hiking, and the Friends of 4-H Camp Ohio Auction. Registration opens Friday,July 1. Check out the Camp Ohio 4-H Facebook page or contact Amanda Raines in Harding County if you have any questions at raines.74@osu.edu.edu.

August 13, Friends of 4-H Camp Ohio Auction (St. Louisville) – Friends of 4-H Camp Ohio will host a silent and a live auction of items to benefit 4-H Camp Ohio during 4-H Camp Ohio Alumni Camp starting at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the auction will go toward 4-H Camp Ohio improvement projects. Alumni campers are welcome to bring an item to donate. Contact Ken Lafontaine at klafontaine@twc.com.

August 13, Union County Master Gardener Plant Sale-8:00 a.m.-noon
Held at the Union County Fairgrounds, Union County Master Gardeners will hold their 18th Annual Plant Sale. There will be a selection of sun and shade perennials, native plants, shrubs and trees, grasses, bulbs, and daylilies. Plants are grown by Master Gardeners who will be on hand to answer garden questions. For more information call the OSU Extension Office, Union County at 937-644-8117.

August 28, Clover Classic Golf Scramble to benefit 4-H Camp Graham (Wilmington) – 1 p.m. You’re invited to join the fun of the 9^th annual Clover Classic Golf Scramble at Majestic Springs Golf Course. Proceeds raised will benefit 4-H Camp Graham. Everything from players, sponsors, and raffle items are needed to make this outing a success.

October 6, 4-H Celebration of Youth (Ostrander) - Join us for the 4-H Celebration of Youth on at Leeds Farm, 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander. This is an adult-only event that includes opportunities to play on the farm! Whether you want to mingle and visit with 4-H friends or ride the zipline, there is something for everyone! For more details, visit our Celebration of Youth website.

2022 marks the 120^th birthday of Ohio 4-H. The founder, A.B. Graham, might not recognize the variety of programs offered today, but the mission remains the same: 4-H inspires curiosity, builds lifelong skills, fuels adventure, and creates leaders. 

In recognition of this milestone year, your support will ensure this mission continues to provide opportunities to 4-H youth and their education. The goal is to raise $120,000 to create an endowment that will generate scholarships for Ohio 4-H youth to attend The Ohio State University for years to come. 

Make a difference and make your gift today to the Ohio 4-H Legacy of Leadership fund at: https://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/31261  

June 9, Whiz Bang Science Show (Wooster) – 7 p.m. Dr. Dave Lohnes, OARDC's popular Whiz-Bang Scientist, teaches children about science and the natural world in an enriching outdoor environment. Shows are fun for the entire family! Parking and admission are free. The show is cancelled in the event of severe weather. Contact Paul Snyder snyder.1062@osu.edu with questions.

June 11, Aquaponics Workshop (Bowling Green) – BGSU Aquaculture Lab and the OSU Aquaculture Extension Program are conducting and aquaponics workshop at the BGSU Greenhouse on June 11 from 10a.m.-1p.m. The workshop is free and open to all. Pre-register: https://forms.gle/q4JtEkeC2VfY18b18

June 7, Fairy Garden Make and Take (Lisbon) – 5:00 p.m. The OSU Master Gardeners are hosting a Fairy Garden Make and Take. Learn how to create your own mystical fairy or gnome garden that you can keep indoors or outside. Preregistration is required as space is limited. Registration Form can be found on our website. https://columbiana.osu.edu/news/fairy-garden-make-and-take

June 12, Defiance County Craft & Vendor Show (Hicksville) – Annual craft and vendor show held at the Defiance County Fairgrounds. Proceeds benefit Junior and Senior Fair Boards and the Defiance County 4-H Youth Development Program.

June 22-24, Maple Bootcamp: Ohio (Mansfield) - Maple Bootcamp will provide intensive hands-on-training for beginner and intermediate maple producers. The 3-day curriculum begins with sugarbush assessment, then builds sequentially through all phases of maple syrup production from sap collection to boiling, bottling and sales. Participants will gain the skills necessary for the safe, efficient, and profitable production of maple products. Classroom sessions will be held at Ohio State University, Mansfield with several tours and field trips to local maple operations.

July 12, Dine to Donate for 4-H: Chipotle Fundraiser (Lancaster) – Fairfield County 4-H Junior Leaders will be hosting a monthly dine to donate fundraiser to raise funds. July's dine to donate will be a Chipotle fundraiser on Tuesday, July 12 from 4-8 p.m. at 1608 North Memorial Drive, Lancaster. 33% of the event sales will be donated to the 4-H program.

July 27-August 7, Little Farmers at The Ohio State Fair Volunteers (Columbus) - The Ohio State Fair is looking for volunteers to help at a new hands-on educational program called Little Farmers. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and will get free Ohio State Fair admission to enjoy the fair before or after their shift.

August 28, Clover Classic Golf Scramble to benefit 4-H Camp Graham (Wilmington) – 1 p.m. You’re invited to join the fun of the 9^th annual Clover Classic Golf Scramble at Majestic Springs Golf Course. Proceeds raised will benefit 4-H Camp Graham. Everything from players, sponsors, and raffle items are needed to make this outing a success.

October 6, 4-H Celebration of Youth (Ostrander) - Join us for 4-H Celebration of Youth on Thursday, Oct. 6, at Leeds Farm (8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander). This adult-only event will include opportunities to play on the farm! Whether you want to mingle and visit with 4-H friends or ride the zipline, there is something for everyone! For more details, visit our Celebration of Youth website.

Other:

Food Preservation Webinar Series (Virtual) – Every other Tuesday from May 3 to September 20 from 4-5 p.m. covering different foods and how to best preserve them.

Beginning May 2, you can make a difference in the lives of 4-H alumni. The Ohio 4-H Scholarship Challenge is an opportunity to rally behind Ohio 4-H youth as they embark on their college educations. Our goal is to raise $120,000 to create an endowment that will generate scholarships for Ohio 4-H youth to attend The Ohio State University for years to come. 

Maddie Allman, a senior at Ohio State, said, “I am a first-generation college student from Appalachian Ohio. Scholarships positively affected my ability to go to college, and without them, I probably wouldn’t be here at Ohio State.” 

We need you to accomplish this goal. Join us and make your tax-deductible gift to the Ohio 4-H Legacy of Scholarship fund. 

The Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) held its third annual Take the Leap: Career Readiness Day this month at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center.

Thirty teens from all over Ohio participated in breakout sessions with guest presenters who covered subjects that ranged from goal setting to written communication. They completed a leadership assessment, learned about teen opportunities, and prepped for that important job interview by having a professional headshot taken.

Adrianna Meyer and Avalon Havan, TLC members who co-chaired the day, said the program was a great success and thanked the Ohio 4-H Foundation for its support. The foundation’s generosity and sponsorship of Take the Leap meant participants were able to attend at no cost and receive all their program materials. The day gave them a great start to thinking about their careers and their futures!

April 22, Chili Cook Off and Family Fun Night (Jefferson)—Sponsored by the Ashtabula County 4-H Camp Counselors, the seventh annual Ashtabula County Chili Cook Off and Family Fun Night will take place on Friday, April 22, from 6–8 p.m. at the Ashtabula County A-Tech Cafeteria B Building. Tickets are $5, and children under 3 are free. For more information, contact Abbey Averill at averill.10@osu.edu.

April 25, Earth Day Plant Swap (Seville)—OSU Master Gardeners invite you to participate in the plant swap at the 2022 Earth Day Festival at Buffalo Creek Retreat. Please bring an established house plant of any kind to swap! For more information about the swap and how to divide house plants, visit us at https://linktr.ee/earthdayfestival.

May 1, Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp Open House (Jackson)—Noon to 4 p.m. Visit Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp on Sunday, May 1, for a day of FREE hiking, fishing, boating, archery, and more! Alumni and families are welcome! Learn more by visiting https://www.facebook.com/CantersCave or this flyer.

May 7, Ohio 4-H Night at the Dayton Dragons (Dayton)—The game is at the Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton on Saturday, May 7, at 7:05 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. Please be sure to line up behind the outfield lawn area (Lawn D) by 6:15 p.m. to participate in a pregame parade of all the 4-H counties in attendance this evening. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.go.osu.edu/ohio4hdaytondragons.

June 9, Whiz Bang Science Show (Wooster)—7 p.m. Dr. Dave Lohnes, CFAES Wooster’s popular Whiz-Bang Scientist, teaches children about science and the natural world in an enriching outdoor environment. Shows are fun for the entire family! Parking and admission are free. The show is cancelled in the event of severe weather. Contact Paul Snyder snyder.1062@osu.edu with questions.