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Ohio 4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

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Ohio 4-H Highlights: January 2019

  1. It All Began with 4-H

    Ohio 4-H member Sarah Fox competed at the American Kennel Club National Championship Dog Show in Orlando, Florida in December.  She started 4-H with her dog at age 8, and it has been a passion ever since.  Check out this article about her experience.

  2. Former 4-H’er Named USA Shooting Para-athlete of the Year

    USA Shooting Para-athlete of the Year, Taylor Farmer, attributes some of her success to joining 4-H, where her shooting career began.  Farmer was born with cerebral palsy and her goal is to represent the USA in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Check out this article to learn more.

     

     

    BCSN Erie had the chance to interview Taylor Farmer - watch the interview below! 

  3. 2018 Ohio 4-H Grant All-Star Spotlight

    Did you know that donations to the Ohio 4-H Foundation have made 4-H programming possible since 1946?  In 2018, thanks to our wonderful donors and volunteers, the Foundation was able to award over $200,000 in grants to 4-H professionals around the state. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this possible!  Here are just a few of the programs funded last year:

     

     

    Introducing Trade Professions to Youth

    Morrow County held two hands-on, career exploration workshops. Youth explored trades including: construction management, automotive technology, paramedic/EMT, firefighter and law enforcement. Professionals worked side-by-side with youth to show them what they do each day at their jobs. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the jobs as a potential career.  According to Amanda Forquer, 4-H Educator in Morrow County, the workshops were a success with professionals committed to hosting the program again this year.

    Introducing Trade Professions to Youth

     


    Counselors and campers at State 4-H Special Needs Camp

    State 4-H Special Needs Camp

    The State 4-H Special Needs Camp at Canter’s Cave in Jackson provides a traditional 4-H camping experience with attention to the physical, mental, and emotional needs of special needs youth. This camp offers environmental science activities, crafts, music therapy, outdoor education and water safety while helping youth develop decision making skills and self-reliability.

    The 2018 camp theme was all about finding the humor in life and helping youth discover reasons to laugh and be optimistic. The staff and counselors developed skits based on a “Scooby Doo” style mystery. Campers were enthusiastic about getting involved in the skits. The most remarkable part about this camp was watching the collaboration between the youth and staff and the positive impact it had on the lives of all involved.  State 4-H Special Needs camp is directed by Michelle Stumbo, 4-H Educator in Meigs County.

     

    JET participant involved with youth education Adventure Central’s JET Program

    For 14 years, Adventure Central in Dayton has hosted a summer Job Experience and Training (JET) program. This program, in partnership with Five Rivers MetroParks, creates an opportunity for minority youth to engage in workforce preparation skills. Participants have a choice to focus their work on youth education, nutrition, clerical/administrative, park services, conservation or outdoor connections. They improve their skills in communication, time management, organization, and teamwork. And according to Nate Arnett, 4-H Educator at Adventure Central, the best part of program is seeing youth grow through their self-reflection.
     

  4. Ohio Military Kids: Going Strong in Year 15!

    Ohio 4-H is entering its 15th year of providing support to military youth and families with the Ohio Military Kids program, often recognized as OMK! Many people are familiar with OMK's weeklong residential summer camp for children of military families. While that camp is where it started 15 years ago and continues as a highlighted event, the program has evolved to include much more. 

    OMK camp counselors enjoy a moment to sing in front of their campers at Camp Kelleys Island.

     

    Through the partnership of Ohio State Extension 4-H Youth Development and Family Readiness with Ohio National Guard, OMK hosts events year-round throughout Ohio. These programs range from one day events to overnight excursions, weekend camps and residential camps.

     

     

    For an inside look at how this partnership works together to provide amazing memories for military youth and families, watch the 2018 Year in Review. 

    You can always find an Ohio Military Kid with a tie-dyed camp shirt, a 15-year old tradition!

    With military youth living in every county in Ohio, 4-H has the ability to promote OMK opportunities to military friends and neighbors in all 88 counties.  If you are a military family, please consider joining one of our many events. All active, reserve, and National Guard families are welcome from any branch of service. In order to participate in OMK-sponsored activities, youth do not have to be a 4-H member, but they do have to be military-affiliated.

     

    Visit go.osu.edu/OMK to learn more about Ohio Military Kids programs or contact Kayla Oberstadt, OMK Program Manager, at oberstadt.1@osu.edu or at 614-292-3758.  If you would like to financially support this program, please go to this website.

  5. Calendar of Events

    2/4 Project Fair (Columbus) – Learn more about local 4-H clubs, camps and individual projects at the Franklin County 4-H Winter Fair! 4-H members will share their experiences and fun activities are planned.

    2/9 Guided Bird Walk (Wooster) – Participate in a guided bird walk with members of the Greater Mohican Audubon Society to spot birds, learn their calls, and discover their habits. Click here for more details.

    2/17 Tack Sale and Clinics (London) – Join Madison County 4-H Equine Program for horse clinics, vendor sales, and an afternoon auction.  Clinics will include vaccinations/body scores, ask a judge, and hoof care. Admission is $1 for all those over 5; there is also a call for vendors and crafters. Check out the flyer for more details.

    2/23 4-H Day (Logan) – Discover more about 4-H by attending the Hocking County 4-H Day. Preview projects, learn about camp and discover other ways to be involved in Hocking County's 4-H program. Find the details here.