WHAT IS 4-H?

4-H is the largest out of school youth organization in the United States with over 7 million youth members!  Extension Offices staff and are responsible for 4-H programs in every county and city.  Whether you live in a city, suburb or rural area, there's something for you in 4-H.

WHO CAN JOIN?

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.  Membership requires enrollment in an authorized Ohio 4-H club or group under the direction of an OSU Extension professional or an approved adult volunteer.  A youth’s 4-H eligibility ends December 31 the year he or she turns 19.  Joining Ohio 4-H is a privilege and responsibility for individuals and is subject to the Ohio 4-H Code of Conduct and applicable policies of The Ohio State University.  Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan.

HOW DO I JOIN?

1. Click here for a list of current Darke County 4-H Clubs.  Call OSU Extension, Darke County at 937-548-5215 for contact information.

2. You may want to contact several clubs in order to find a club that meets in a place and time that works with your family’s schedule.

3. If your child will be a Cloverbud (age 5 and enrolled in Kindergarten as of January 1), be sure to select a club that offers the Cloverbud program.

4. Decide what kind of projects your child plans to take, and look for a club that would be a good fit for your child’s project choice.

5. Contact the club leader for more detailed club information. Ask about member participation/attendance requirements, club dues and fundraising, meeting schedule, club size, what kind of involvement is expected of parents/guardians, and any other questions you may have.  Visit one of the club’s meetings or activities.

6.  Once you have found a club that is a good fit for your family, ask the club leader about enrolling as a new member. 

WHEN SHOULD I SIGN UP?

Join anytime!  However, to take advantage of all 4-H opportunities – including participation in Jr. Fair – join by the Darke County 4-H enrollment deadline of April 1.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Currently there is no county-wide activity fee to join Darke County 4-H.  Individual clubs may charge an activity fee to support club education and events.  Most project books cost $8.00, although there are some books which have a higher cost. Additonal costs would include materials needed to complete the selected project.

WHAT IF I DON'T LIVE IN DARKE COUNTY?

Youth are expected to affiliate with the 4-H program in their county of residence.  However, in some circumstances, it is appropriate for a youth to participate in a county other than their county of residence.  This can be done with the approval of the 4-H professionals in both the county of residence and the county of request.  The request for cross county membership must be made 30 days prior to the 4-H membership deadline of the county being requested.  This date is March 1, in Darke County.  Click here for further information regarding 4-H Membership Across County Lines.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.