How to Join 4-H

Joining 4-H is easy. First you need to find a club thats fits your needs. We have over 30 clubs spread throughout the county and each one is a little different. Some clubs specialize in livestock projects, some focus more on Family Consumer Science projects and there are several that offer any project and cloverbuds! The clubs range in size from 5 to over 60 kids and everywhere in between. For more information about finding a club please contact the Extension office at 740-852-0975

Start by watching this short video giving a brief overview of what to expect in a 4-H year!

First step to joining 4-H = Selecting and Joining a 4-H Club!

Once you have connected with and found your 4-H club (talked with advisors, attended a meeting, etc.), you can register online at 4-H Online! Ask your advisor for more information! All enrollment must be completed online by March 15 to be eligible to participate in the fair, but members can enroll at any time throughout the year by contacting our office.

What can you expect at a 4-H Club meeting? Check out this video to learn more!

4-H Membership

Ohio 4-H membership is based on a child’s age AND grade as of January 1 of the current calendar year.

Eligibility for Cloverbud participation begins when a child is age 5 and enrolled in kindergarten. Eligibility for participation in 4-H projects and competitive events begins when a child is age 8 and in third 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 they turn 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.

Membership is open to any youth regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or Vietnam-era status.

Cloverbuds

Youth, 5 years old and in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, may only participate in Cloverbud Programming using activities appropriate for their age and other club activities. 4-H Cloverbuds may not enroll with a 4-H project or participate in any competitive 4-H events.

4-H Online

All RETURNING youth and volunteers re-enrolling in Madison County 4-H must use 4-H Online (oh.4honline.com) to re-enroll using the same profile you have already created. For help walking through re-enrollment, you may access this step-by-step video or this resources: Family Re-Enrollment Guide. *If you forgot your log in information, please contact our office! Do NOT create a new profile. Once enrollment is submitted and approved, you will not be able to make changes. If you need to make changes, contact the Extension Office.

All NEW youth and volunteers enrolling in Madison County 4-H should also use 4-H Online to enroll after talking with the advisors in the club you plan to join. Use this guide to help you create a NEW profile: Family Enrollment Guide, or watch this step by step video. Once you create a profile, you will be able to enter your child's information, select the club, and select any projects your child will take for the year. Once enrollment is submitted and approved, you will not be able to make changes. If you need to make changes, call the Extension Office.

Across County Lines Form

Request for 4-H Membership Across County Lines Form and Policy - 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 the request. Parents seeking 4-H membership for their child in a county in which they do not reside should complete the Request for 4-H Membership Across County Lines Form and turn it in to the county of request at least 30 days prior to the enrollment deadline.

Project Books

There are over 200 projects 4-H members may select to enroll and participate in over the course of a year. The Family Guide gives an overview of each 4-H Project. In addition, you can check out all the 4-H projects on-line through 4-H Project Central. Families and advisors can purchase books directly in our office. When registering on 4-H Online, take great care in entering the correct project numbers.

Click here for a listing of all 4-H clubs in Madison County

Returning to 4-H? Click here for reminders and re-enrollment instructions!

New to 4-H? Read on, or click here for additional information on how to enroll!