GREENVILLE — The April 1 deadline to become a 4-H member in Darke County is rapidly approaching. Now is the time to begin thinking about joining a 4-H club.

4-H is Ohio State University Extension’s non-formal, educational program for youth. Youth 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, photography, community service activities and cleaning up the environment.

In 2022, there were 945 youth enrolled in the Darke County 4-H Youth Development program. Nearly 210 adult volunteers provided leadership for these youth. 4-H offers over 200 projects in a variety of subject matter. Youth can learn specific skills such as food and nutrition, healthy living, robotics, creative arts, clothing construction, vet science, and gardening, as well as improve their leadership and communication skills.

Eligibility for 4-H membership begins when a child has reached age 5 and is enrolled in kindergarten as of Jan. 1 of the current year (Cloverbud program); participation in the “traditional” club program begins when a child is 8 years of age and enrolled in third grade as of Jan. 1 of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership ends Dec. 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19.

For general information about the Darke County 4-H program, visit the web site at https://darke.osu.edu/. Click on the link for 4-H Youth Development. For additional information about the Ohio 4-H program, visit the web site at 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 Ave., Greenville, or 937-548-5215; or email [email protected]