October 16, 2019 - 12:07pm -- williams.418@osu.edu

The April 1st deadline to join Darke County 4-H is rapidly approaching!  4-H is Ohio State University Extension’s non-formal, educational program for youth.  Ohio 4-H membership is based on a child's age and grade as of January 1 of the current project year.  Eligibility for Cloverbud participation begins when a child is enrolled in Kindergarten and is five years old.  Eligibility for participation in 4-H projects and competitive events begins when a child is age 8 and in the 3rd grade. Any youth age 9 or above is eligible for project membership, regardless of grade level.

Youth enrolled in the 4-H program have educational and fun experiences with their friends at meetings, social activities, tours, 4-H camp and the county fair.  They learn by actually doing interesting things, such as taking care of animals, photography, community service activities and cleaning up the environment.

In 2019 there were 1,061 youth enrolled in the Darke County 4-H Youth Development program.  Nearly 230 adult volunteers provided leadership for these youth. 4-H offers over 200 projects in a variety of subject matter.  Youth can learn specific skills such as sewing, cooking, child care, animal care, and gardening, as well as improve their leadership and communication skills.

Click here for information about how to join Darke County 4-H.   For additional information about the Ohio 4-H program, visit the web site at www.ohio4h.org.