As we begin the new year, the Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events has been updated to reflect current guidance from Ohio State University and health officials. Beginning SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021, the following is in effect:

• Hosting virtual meetings and events is preferred. For helpful information on how to do so effectively, visit: Stay connected! | Ohio 4-H Youth Development
• If activities are critical/essential and are in-person, they must be education-focused
• Group cannot be larger than 50 people, including adults, youth, presenters, etc.
  • This directive is dependent on local health department guidelines.
  • The group size may need to be reduced to 10 (or other amount), based on directives from your local health department.
• Face masks are required inside and outside at all times
• Potlucks and buffets are not permitted

Find details and updated guidelines at  Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events

4-H Club Fund Raising and Community Service Guidance: Please review the document below for guidance when planning 4-H club fund raisers or service project. The Ohio 4-H Planning Guide listed above is still in effect.

4-H Club Fund Raising and Community Service Guidance - effective October 8, 2020

Meeting Guidelines Video: Here's a quick video to share with your club demonstrating ways to safely host in-person meeting and events, following the information in the Planning Guide. go.osu.edu/4Hmeetingguidelines

Any time our county is designated a Level 4 Public Health Emergency (color-coded purple) or is approaching purple (red with an asterisk) by the Ohio Department of Health, all in-person 4-H club meetings and events must be held virtually or postponed until the designation changes to Level 3 or below. 

As part of an academic institution, we follow science and model what the CDC, Ohio Department of Health and other experts stress is important in addressing this virus. All 4-H volunteers are expected to follow these guidelines regarding 4-H meetings and events. Volunteers who are not in compliance will receive a first warning. A second incident disregarding our effort to protect the health, safety and well-being of members, families and communities will result in immediate termination of volunteer status.

OSU Extension offices will be open based on the current Ohio Public Health Advisory System. If a county is purple or approaching purple, OSU Extension offices will be closed and employees will be working virtually. If a county is red, OSU Extension offices will be staffed by appointment only. You will need to call in advance to schedule a time to go to the office. Please note there may be additional guidelines from county health departments.

Club advisors and 4-H families, please check our 4-H Youth Development | Lawrence (osu.edu) page regularly for all forms, updates, rules and regulations and more!

If you have any questions, please let me know.