The purpose of this descriptive study was to survey Ohio youth in grades 5, 7, and 9 and explore if out-of-school activities made a difference in their lives. Specific objectives of the study were to: (a) describe the personal characteristics of subjects; (b) describe youth out-of-school experiences comparatively by region of the state and population size of the county; (c) compare characteristics of 4-H Members, Other Youth Organization Members, and Non-Members in Ohio; (d) describe how youth spend their time in out-of-school activities during the school week; and (e) describe the ways in which 4-H community club participation and participation in other out-of-school youth organizations influences youth development.
Data were collected from 4-H community club members through a mail survey and from public school students in classrooms. Nine counties were randomly selected and one classroom from each of grades 5, 7, and 9 from each of these counties was surveyed. Participating 4-H members in these counties were randomly selected from the Ohio 4-H database. Four hundred eighty-two (482) surveys were used in the analyses.
4-H Members responded more positively to items related to self-identity (e.g., liking themselves and being a role model), relationships with adults, future happiness, being listened to by adults in their communities, and improving their communities. Other Youth Organization Members exhibited leadership in their schools more often than 4-H Members and Non-Members. In the domain of life skills, Other Youth Organization Members were more likely to indicate good written record keeping skills. 4-H Members responded more positively about their money management skills.
Overall, levels of risky behavior were low. Other Youth Organization Members were more likely to cheat on a test. Non-members were more likely to skip classes, shoplift, and damage property.
4-H Members were more likely to hold leadership positions in their clubs. 4-H Members felt their involvement had made a positive difference in their family life and that 4-H was an organization where they could explore their unique interests that they could not explore elsewhere in their community.