If you’re interested in learning more about 4-H, you’ll want to

“Come Explore the World of 4-H” at 7 p.m., Monday, March 3, at Fisher Auditorium in Wooster.  This annual open house kickstarts our 4-H program year and marks the beginning of Ohio 4-H week. That particular day is Membership Monday, so it’s a good day to join us.

Last year, Wayne County Junior Fair members (4-H and FFA) totaled 1,400, with 409 adult volunteers leading the way.

            Ohio 4-H inspires curiosity in youth with hands-on projects covering more than 200 interest areas, including animal science, plant science, leadership development, community service, healthy living, technology, food and nutrition, clothing and textiles, and shooting sports. Some of those will be featured at the open house along with interactive displays, fun activities and information to take home.

Callie The Cow and United Titanium Bug Zoo will be back

            Among the popular exhibits returning this year is Callie the Cow, a life-size fiberglass cow that visitors will have the chance to milk. On loan to us from Lavern Coblentz of Benton, the cow will be featured in the Dairy Committee exhibit, where members also will dish up ice cream and some information about what’s involved in taking a dairy project.

            The United Titanium Bug Zoo on the Ohio State University Wooster campus is partnering with us again this year to help visitors learn about insect projects.

            4-H volunteer Bernie Caldwell will return with his 4-H member assistants to demonstrate 3-D printing, and the Wooster Robotics Team will bring robots to operate.

            In an effort to get families excited about 4-H, our Junior Fair Board members have been creative with their plans to offer hands-on activities and share project information at the open house. Here are a few examples of what they have planned:

• A goat obstacle course,
• make-your-own “feed” (trail mix),
• pig showing demonstration with balloons and show sticks,
• roping demonstration,
• live rabbit display, and food,
• fabric and sewing activities.

Some award-winning 4-H’ers also will be on hand with their projects.

            While the open house is geared to families interested in joining 4-H, current 4-H’ers also are encouraged to attend. It may be a chance to discover something new and spark your curiosity.

Get connected with a 4-H club, meet staff, learn how to join

Additionally, the open house offers families a chance to get connected to a 4-H club, meet our 4-H staff and learn about 4-H camping opportunities.

            Throughout the evening, we will offer informational sessions about the process of joining 4-H, showing at the fair and important deadlines to know.

            Exhibition age in 4-H is open to children who are at least 8 years old and enrolled in third grade or age 9 years old as of Jan. 1 of the current year. Membership ends Dec. 31 of the year in which the youth reaches 19.

            Children too young to exhibit can enroll in Cloverbuds, a program that offers an introduction to the program. Cloverbuds is for children age 5 and enrolled in kindergarten as of Jan. 1 of the current year.

            The deadline to enroll in 4-H and sign up for projects is April 1.

            I hope you will come explore where 4-H can take you.

Laurie Sidle is an Ohio State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H program assistant and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or sidle.31@osu.edu
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This article was previously published in The Daily Record.