Now is the time to join 4-H here in Franklin County. Youth ages 5 to 18 are eligible for membership. Below are a few frequently asked questions to help you beging the process! For more information on how to join a 4-H club or create a new 4-H club, click here. 

Q: I'm new to 4-H in Franklin County. How do I and my family join a 4-H club?
A: Below are a few simple steps to get connected with a Franklin County 4-H Club. 

1. Click here for a list of current Franklin County 4-H Clubs.
2. Select a club fits your family's needs, including one that meets during a time and in a place that works for your schedule. If your child will be a Cloverbud (age five as of Jan. 1 of the current year and enrolled in kindergarten), be sure to select a club that accepts members within your child’s age range. 4-H project members must be age eight as of January 1 of the current year and enrolled in third grade. Look for a club that allows members to take the types of projects your family is interested in (non-animal projects, sewing, livestock, dogs, horses, shooting sports1). You may explore all of the project options here.
3. Once you’ve found a club that is a good fit for your family, contact the advisor to learn more about the club. For example, you may want to ask about the club’s meeting schedule, meeting location, participation/attendance requirements, club dues and fundraisers, club size, and what kind of involvement is expected from the members’ parents and/or guardians. You even can visit one of the club’s meeting or activities if you’d like.
4. Once you’ve selected a club, make it official and enjoy the experience! Be sure to complete the annual enrollment forms with your new 4-H club.

Q: Who is eligible to join 4-H?
A: Youth are eligible for membership in the 4-H club program when a child is at least age eight as of Jan. 1 of the current year and is enrolled in third grade.  Ohio 4-H membership ends December 31 of the year in which an individual becomes 19-years-old. For our younger youth, children are eligible for 4-H membership as a Cloverbud when a child is age five as of January 1 of the current year and is enrolled in kindergarten. Click here for more information about the Cloverbud program.

Q: When should I join 4-H?
A: The Franklin County 4-H enrollment deadline is April 2. Any youth that wishes to take their project to the Franklin County Fair in the summer must be enrolled in a Franklin County 4-H club by April 1. Therefore, we recommend beginning the process of joining a 4-H club in late fall or early winter, to ensure your family is formally enrolled by April 1.

Q: How else can I learn more about 4-H?
A: A great way to learn about 4-H is by attending the Franklin County 4-H Winter Fair! Held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the OSU Extension, Franklin County Office, the Winter Fair is an excellent opportunity to learn about local 4-H clubs, individual projects, and camps… as well as take part in fun activities and speak with active 4-H members about their experience.