Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Madison County 4‑H enrollment and outreach rise after new hires, staff says
Summary
County staff reported 4‑H enrollment and camp counselor numbers have increased and credited a new marketing hire with sharp gains in social interactions and website visits; staff also described new hires to support program operations.
Madison County’s 4‑H program reported increased enrollment and stronger outreach after recent staffing changes, a staff member told the county commissioners.
The presenter said overall enrollment ended Sunday with "a couple stragglers" but—for the second consecutive year—numbers are up after about 15 years of decline, with the biggest increase among 5‑ to 8‑year‑olds. "Our camp counselor numbers are up this year," the staff member said, noting the county had 12 counselors when they arrived and has 39 this year.
Staff said a new office associate began Jan. 1 and a program assistant started mid‑January; those positions will be used to backfill and support programming over the next two years. The presenter described the marketing hire, who started Jan. 12, as responsible for advertising and outreach: "A lot of our interactions are up 300 400%. Um on Instagram ... our site visits are up 700%." The staff said the marketing work includes educational posts (invasive‑species week, a 'tree of the week' series) and highlighted new project books to make family guides more engaging.
Program staff and commissioners said the combined effect of staffing, improved outreach and recent funding should help sustain and grow participation in 4‑H events and camps. The presenter invited families to local programming and promotions during Ohio 4‑H Week, including a dine‑to‑donate at the Red Brick restaurant.
