In Wayne County we have 45 organized 4-H community clubs across the county that serve more than 1,500 youth. While the overall number of 4-H members in the county has remained about the same or gone up slightly over the last few years the number of clubs we have, has gone down somewhat.  This means the remaining clubs have absorbed members from other clubs and grown as new members join 4-H.  While you can still have a great experience in 4-H in a large club, it is nice to have smaller to medium size clubs as well.  We are in need of a few new clubs. 

If you are an existing 4-H family or new to 4-H and would be interested in starting your own club, we have some resources that can help including a new club starter kit, coaching sessions with our staff on how to get started, and more help along the way.  We are offering a special "How to Start a New 4-H Club" session at the Extension Office on Tuesday November 27th at 6 pm.  To register please call the Extension Office at 330-264-8722.

Some basic requirements to start a new 4-H club - you must have at least 5 youth from three different families that are 4-H age eligible, which is at least age 5 and in kindergarten as of January 1, 2019 for Cloverbuds, or age 8 and in 3^rd grade by January 1^st for traditional 4-H.

4-H clubs can meet in club leaders homes, in churches, at schools, or pretty much anywhere that is a safe and welcoming environment.  Clubs must complete a checklist of chartering requirements and be approved by the County 4-H Extension Educator.  In addition to working on 4-H educational projects youth involved in 4-H clubs get to experience fun activities, learn about parliamentary procedure and how to run a meeting, practice leadership skills and gain confidence and life skills.

Now is the time to begin the process of starting a new 4-H club and becoming a new 4-H volunteer.  In fact, New Volunteer Application Packets are available for download from our website at wayne.osu.edu or can be picked up in person at the Extension Office.  Individuals applying to become a 4-H volunteer must complete an application, provide the names and contact information of three references, submit to a fingerprint criminal background check, (funds are available to reimburse for background checks), complete a new volunteer interview / orientation session, and be approved by the County 4-H Extension Educator.  If you are interested in possibly becoming a 4-H volunteer and/or starting a new 4-H club please contact me at the Extension Office.