4-H organization plans for new year amid pandemic

The Richland County 4-H organization is planning for the new year as well as looking back on 2021 with optimism amid the pandemic.

4-H is an outreach educational arm of Ohio State University with a main focus on youth education which consists of over 140 Ohio 4-H professionals and 13,000 adult volunteers.

Judy Villard-overocker - coordinator for the Richland County 4-H program - is “very excited” for 2022.

“Kids come together, they meet with other youth of similar ages,” she said. “They work on a variety of activities and projects together.”

They practice skills like public speaking and decision making, she noted. “The kids have an opportunity to select a project or multiple projects… that’s a part of their individual learning process.”

The interaction between adults and youth is “very important,” she said. “We have volunteers who we call 4-H club advisors who give leadership to our young people.”

Villard-overocker is also looking forward to the youth showcase with is called the Richland County Junior Fair.

At the county fair, the youth often exhibit their projects, take lifestyle projects and share what they’ve learned with sometimes leads into a career, she added.

“We understand that there is a variety of challenges that face us with COVID,” she said. “We’re getting ready to open enrollment this next week.”

Goal setting is a fundamental piece to youth development, she explained. “They complete their projects, the have learned to meet new friends… they grow in their self confidence and self esteem.”

Coping with the pandemic was one of the biggest challenges, Villardoverocker said.

“We’re just really proud that the pandemic didn’t stop us,” she exclaimed. “We had to reroute… we’ve got a life to live all of us - and so we need to keep moving and making sure that our young people have these opportunities.”

Carol Dennison - a volunteer at 4-H since 2016 - said she loves 4-H because it’s a “great program.”

“Everybody should live by the 4-H pledge,” Dennison said, adding she grew up in the program as did her son and grandkids.

“Our kids are responsible,” she said. “It’s a good program. I would encourage every child to get involved in 4-H.”

The Ohio 4-H Conference is March 12, 2022 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.