GREENVILLE — On the heels of Sunday afternoon’s Darke County 4-H Recognition and Kick-Off, 18 clubs availed themselves Monday night when their respective members and advisers gathered in the Youth Building at the fairgrounds to let possible recruits know about the 4-H open house.

Each participating club had tables and booths set up with all kinds of information (and in some cases, animals) to share with those in attendance.

Approximately 80 visitors had the opportunity to check out the club displays and talk to current 4-H members and advisers about what 4-H has to offer.

4-H is Ohio State University Extension’s non-formal, educational program for youth. Eligibility for 4-H membership begins when a child has reached age 5 and is enrolled in kindergarten as of Jan. 1 of the current year (Cloverbud program). Participation in the “traditional” club program begins when a child is 8 years of age and enrolled in third grade as of Jan. 1 of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership ends Dec. 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19.

Boys and girls enrolled in 4-H have educational and fun experiences with their friends at meetings, social activities, tours, 4-H camp and the county fair. They learn by actually doing interesting things, such as taking care of animals, cake decorating, community service activities and cleaning up the environment.

In 2012, there were 1,212 youth enrolled in the Darke County 4-H Youth Development Program. More than 240 adults provided leadership for these youth.

4-H offers more than 200 projects in a variety of subject matter. Youth can learn specific skills such as sewing, cooking, child care, animal care and gardening, as well as improve their leadership and communication skills.

For more information on the 4-H program, visit the website at http://darke.osu.edu, and click on the link for 4-H Youth Development. For additional information about the Ohio 4-H program, visit www.ohio4h.org.

Anyone interested or know of anyone else who would be interested in becoming a member of the Darke County 4-H Youth Development Program, contact the OSU Extension Office at 603 Wagner Ave., Greenville; call (937) 548-5212 or email emailwilliams.418@osu.edu.