Parents

Welcome, Parents!!

We're glad you decided to visit us and find out more about 4-H in Cuyahoga County.

"Fun! Friends! Excitement! Challenges! Learning! Celebration! They're all in store for Cuyahoga County 4-H members. Check the 2008 County 4-H Activity Calendar for upcoming events and activities. For more information, contact Dina Allen, OSU Extension 4-H Secretary, Cuyahoga County, by e-mail:  allen.20@cfaes.osu.edu

Since its beginning here in Ohio in 1902, 4-H has worked with community volunteers and youth organizations to offer young people fun and friendship while they learn valuable life skills. 4-H members grow gardens, learn about pet care, explore their career interests, learn how do develop a healthy lifestyle, learn to help others, and grow in self-confidence through leadership and group skills.

4-H learning experiences are developed through research conducted in cooperation with The Ohio State University and a network of over sixty "land grant universities" across the Country. These activities are designed to be engaging, enjoyable, and appropriate for the young person's age and developmental abilities:

The 4-H "Cloverbud" Program provides group-oriented activities which help young people in grades K through 3 (ages 5 to 8) explore the world around them.

Junior 4-H members (ages 9 to 11) can investigate topics of interest in any of the more than 150 4-H "Project Book" learning guides (see Ohio 4-H Family Guide), take part in camping programs, and learn through taking part in competitive events at special contests, Cuyahoga County Junior Fair, and the Ohio State Fair.

Intermediate 4-H Members (ages 12 to 14) can continue these types of explorations in projects and activities that are specially designed for their changing needs and growing abilities.

Senior 4-H Members (ages 15 to 18) can take part in more extensive project exploration, assume greater leadership roles within Club and community, investigate career interests, and take part in special statewide camping programs. 4-H also offers some special scholarships to assist with making future plans come true.

Young people can be involved in 4-H in various ways.
Community Clubs meet in many locations with volunteer adult advisors to explore project interests, foster lasting friendships, and engage youth in community service.

"Special Interest" partnerships with many schools and youth development organizations can connect young people with 4-H "learn by doing" activities as part of classroom learning or after-school or summer day camp schedules.

"On-line" activities can connect young people with fun and learning through other sections and links on this web site.

"Family Clubs" can offer young people in areas without clubs or community partnerships the chance to explore topics of interest on a personal basis with the help of adults in their family.

Special Events such as camping programs, Cuyahoga County Junior Fair, career exploration tours, and county-wide programs on various topics can help members expand their 4-H horizons beyond their local communities with exciting learning experiences.

Camping Programs for youth ages 9 to 13 at facilities such as Kelleys Island 4-H Camp and Camp Whitewood offer affordable summer learning opportunities and lead to new friendships and lots of great memories! There are special camping opportunities for teens as well. Some full and partial "campership" assistance is available.

4-H has significant benefits for youth.
"Key Elements" of the 4-H Approach
When we set up "learn by doing" partnerships with adult volunteers, youth development program staff, or classroom teachers, we keep the following important ideas in mind. Over the years, they have shown to be important parts of successful programs which help youth learn to become successful adults:

Positive Relationships with Caring Adults involve youth with adult role models and mentors.

An Emotionally and Physically Safe Environment provides a comfortable situation for learning and personal development.

An Opportunity for Mastery is offered through "learn by doing" to help youth build knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes.

An Opportunity to Value and Practice Service to others is offered through Club community service projects and leadership roles within the group.

An Opportunity for Self-Determination arises through choice ofproject learning activities and decision-making within the club setting.

A Welcoming Environment is important to young people. 4-H advisors help youth get comfortable within groups, encourage friendships, and promote acceptance of diversity.

Being an Active Participant in the Future is a concept that appeals to and empowers youth, and 4-H offers the chance for youth to feel "in control" through opportunities to plan their project learning, and to set and reach
goals.

Engagement in Learning results in personal growth and increased self confidence as young people do, reflect, and apply.

Proven Positive Impacts on Youth

4-H works! In national evaluation studies of how 4-H members feel the program has helped them, research has confirmed these real benefits:

*4-H members appreciate and remember the positive influence of adults who want them to succeed.

*4-H members enjoy learning about subjects of interest through their projects and special activities. These often lead to career paths.

*4-H members learn speaking skills through club and county-wide opportunities.

*4-H helps youth develop "critical thinking" skills through evaluation and discussion activities and record keeping related to their learning efforts.

Through club and county-wide activities, 4-H members can learn leadership skills. By taking part in community service, 4-H members feel empowered by contributing their talents and learn how their community works.

INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
E-mail Dina Allen at allen.20@cfaes.osu.edu and request information on how to get your child or children involved in a program in your community, or how to "get connected" to explore a topic of interest to them.

PARENTS ARE IMPORTANT 4-H PARTNERS BECAUSE THEY
.... encourage their children to get involved and support their participation;

.... can provide valuable help to local Club or program leaders as guest
speakers or helpers with special club programs or field trips;

.... often become Club or project Advisors and take leadership roles in helping their children and those of other families in their community.

OUR WEB SITE HAS LOTS MORE TO HELP YOU!

Return to the main 4-H menu on this web site and you can connect with other helpful information about 4-H in Cuyahoga County and about other Ohio and nationwide program resources for youth and families.

Click here: Helping Your Child Prepare for Career Success