Interested in joining 4-H, but not sure where to start? Here are some important things to consider:
Membership Eligibility
Cloverbud Member: Youth ages 5 and in Kindergarten until 8 years old and in 3rd grade as of January 1st of the current 4-H year.
4-H Member: Youth ages 8 and in the 3rd grade or 9 years old until18 years old as of January 1st of the current 4-H year.
How does 4-H Work?
4-H Clubs are groups of youth and volunteers who meet on a regular basis. This could be monthly or some other timeframe that works best for the club. Club meetings are youth led, with supported guidance from the volunteers (club Advisors). Meetings give the youth opportunities to complete projects, plan community service activities, and participate in educational opportunities.
Pick your 4-H project(s)
4-H Members choose from a wide range of projects based on their interests. Through these projects, members set goals, learn the skills needed to achieve goals, and exhibit/demonstrate their skills at events like county fair, county project judging, speaking contests, Ohio State Fair, and other events. There are over 200 4-H projects available in Ohio. Visit Project Central or 4-H Family Guide for project information.
Choose a 4-H Club that suits your needs
Portage County has 36 4-H clubs located throughout the county. Look over the club directory and contact the club advisor for meeting information. It is suggested that one new to 4-H selects 2-3 clubs and attend a meeting of each club to determine if that club will meet the needs/desires of your family. Members must declare their club for the year and submit the necessary enrollment forms by March 18. Members may not switch clubs after the enrollment deadline.
Enroll by March 18!
Once you’ve selected a club, make it official and enjoy the experience! Be sure to complete the annual enrollment with your new 4-H club by March 18. Enrollment for the new 4-H year opens Nov. 1. Click here to learn more about enrolling in 4-H online!
Across County Line Membership
If you live in Portage County and would like to join a 4-H club in another county, or if you live in another county and would like to join a Portage County 4-H club, you must fill out the Across County Line 4-H Membership form. Click here for our policy and form regarding cross county lines membership.
Shooting Sports
4-H Shooting Sports: The Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports program teaches young people the safe and responsible use of archery equipment, including the fundamentals of firing air guns, .22 caliber and muzzle loading rifles, pistols, and shotguns; the basic principles of hunting; and the value of studying historic lifestyles and heritage crafts. The 4-H Shooting Sports program only is administered through certified shooting sports instructors, and members may only take shooting sports projects if their instructor has been certified in that specific discipline. Portage County offers on eligible 4-H Club for Shooting Sports: Portage County Rangers 4-H Club. All first year shooting sports members must complete Safe Use of Guns their first year in 4-H.
4-H Winning Plan and Special Needs Accommdations
Accommodations can be made for youth with disabilities through our Winning 4-H Plan. To make an accommodation request, complete the Winning 4-H Plan Request Form (links below) and return to the Portage County Extension office by mail or email: 4hportage@osu.edu. Winning Plans may be submitted at any time, however, we ask that requests be submitted to our office as soon as possible to meet your child's needs.
Print and Write - print this form, handwrite your responses
PDF Fillable - open this form, type your responses