Although the deadline to become a 4-H member in Darke County is not until April 1, 2014, now is the time to begin thinking about joining a 4-H club.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the 4-H program in Darke County, plan to attend the 4-H Open House, Monday, March 3, from 6:30pm-8:00pm in the Youth Building on the Fairgrounds.

Attendees of the open house will have the opportunity to visit club displays and talk to current 4-H members and advisors about what 4-H has to offer.

What exactly is 4-H? 4-H is Ohio State University Extension’s non-formal, educational program for youth. Eligibility for 4-H membership begins when a child has reached age five and is enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1 of the current year (Cloverbud program); participation in the “traditional” club program begins when a child is eight years of age and enrolled in third grade as of January 1 of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership ends December 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19.

Boys and girls 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, cake decorating, community service activities, and cleaning up the environment.

In 2013 there were 1,175 youth enrolled in the Darke County 4-H Youth Development Program. Over 240 adults 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 has improve their leadership and communication skills.

For general information about the Darke County 4-H program, visit the web site at http://darke.osu.edu. Click on the link for 4-H Youth Development. For additional information about the Ohio 4-H program, visit www.ohio4h.org.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member of the Darke County 4-H Youth Development Program, please contact OSU Extension, Darke County, 603 Wagner Avenue, Greenville, OH 45331, telephone 937-548-5215.