Ohio State University Extension - Pike County 4-H

10/06/2026

Happy National 4-H Week! 🍀

Happy National 4-H Week 🍀
There are some things you don’t fully understand the value of until you’re grown: 4-H is one of them.

From the outside, people see the green clover. They see livestock shows, projects, record books, speeches, meetings, contests, ribbons and banners. But those of us who were lucky enough to be raised in 4-H know it was never really about any of those things.
It was learning to walk into a room when you were scared and speak anyway. Learning to shake someone’s hand, look them in the eye and introduce yourself. Learning that if an animal depended on you, you showed up whether you were tired, it was freezing cold, blazing hot, or you simply didn’t feel like it. It was learning how to win with humility and how to lose without letting it break you.
It was finding out that sometimes you can work harder than you ever have, give something absolutely everything you’ve got, and still not be the one whose name gets called. And then learning to come back and try again.

4-H gives kids responsibility before they realize that’s what it is. It gives them confidence before they know they need it. It teaches leadership, service, work ethic, resilience and the importance of being part of something bigger than themselves.
And somewhere between the barn chores, demonstrations, community service, county fairs, friendships, early mornings and late nights, it starts building a person. Years later, the ribbons may be packed away. The projects are long gone. The animals that taught us so much are only memories.
But the lessons stay.
The confidence stays.
The work ethic stays.
The friendships stay.
The ability to get back up stays.

And one day you realize that little green clover had its hand in raising you.Then, if you’re really lucky, you get to stand on the other side and watch it begin raising another generation.
So this week, here’s to every 4-H kid; past, present and still to come. To the parents, volunteers, Extension educators and leaders who pour into them. And to an organization that has spent generations teaching kids not only how to make the best better, but how to become pretty incredible humans along the way.

10/02/2026

❤️🍀

We sure are proud of our Pike County students!

This year, we decided to help cover some of the fees for the kids participating in the livestock auction at the fair. What we didn’t expect was bags and bags of thank-you notes! Handwritten messages, pictures of the kids with their prized animals, and so many kind words came our way. It meant more to us than those young folks probably realize.

We live in a pretty great place, and these hard-working kids are a big part of what makes it special. We’re thankful to do our small part as they learn about caring for livestock, doing business, and becoming leaders. They put a lot of time and heart into their projects, and it shows.

To all the students who took the time to write, thank you. You sure made our day!

We’ll see you next year at the fair!

09/30/2026

Don’t forget! Pike County Junior Fair Board applications are due TODAY (Wednesday, September 30)! Must be at least in 9th grade.

09/28/2026

Here is what is happening this week! Links in the comments.

09/25/2026

Welcome to the Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp Manager role, Elijah!

We’d like to welcome Elijah Mayers as the new camp manager here at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp. He is a 2024 graduate of Vinton County High School and camped at Canter’s Cave his entire childhood. 🍀

Elijah has worked at camp in other roles for two years, as summer staff and kitchen manager. He is excited to move into the camp manager role and make camp a great place for all who visit!

Welcome (to your new role) Elijah! 👏

09/25/2026

It is so fun to see our Pike County 4-Hers and alumni competing and succeeding on their collegiate equestrian teams! Madilen Day and Landon Williams are on the Ohio State University team, and McKenzie Wiseman is on the rodeo team at Murray State University. Way to go!

09/22/2026

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 22nd is 🍀1st Livestock Sale Check Pick-Up Date.
👉🏼 4-H Exhibitor must be present, if not present the parent or guardian must have a signed note from the 4-H’er allowing them to pick-up on their behalf.
👉🏼 Must have Thank-You cards, addressed, stamped in hand or proof that the cards were mailed or delivered to their Buyer.
It can’t be said enough, the shout of appreciation can’t be heard enough, our 2026 sale set a record, ($991,010,75), once again because of the many Buyers who believe in you, invest in you. Thank-you once again, Ricer Equipment and Valley Ford for paying the $12 commission on each animal, because of them, nothing was deducted from our exhibitors checks!
Grateful🍀Thankful🍀Blessed🍀

09/20/2026

Here is what is happening this week! Links in comments.