As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H offers youth, families, and adult volunteers of all ages many ways to engage, grow and serve through clubs, camps, contests, conferences, special interest groups, in-school and after-school programs, and more! It’s about young people making new friends and memories while preparing to be future leaders. Clinton County 4-H has a diverse community of youth building life skills, contributing to their community, and becoming college and career ready.

4-H Community Clubs offer long-term educational experiences in which members learn life skills such as decision-making, public speaking, and working with others. Members learn by doing under the guidance of adult volunteers who teach projects ranging from computer science and arts to animal science and healthy living. Clubs also involve youth in community service, camping, and educational trips.

SPecial INterest Clubs focus on a specific topic led by an adult and youth expert in the field. Meet for a set period (e.g. weekly or bi-weekly for 6-8 weeks). Can elect officers and plan learning activities with options of public speaking, community service and links to career readiness.

4-H In-school and After-school Clubs provide extraordinary learning opportunities to school-age youth in urban, suburban, and rural communities. 4-H In-school and After-school is designed to combine the resources of 4-H and the University of Missouri Extension system with schools and community-based organizations that provide after-school programs that address community needs.

4-H SNAC program provides youth ages 5-18 the opportunity to engage in healthy living advocacy, peer mentorship, and hands-on nutrition, cooking, physical activity, and leadership education in before, during, and after-school programs. By forming a 4-H SNAC Club at your school, youth will gain skills in these areas to help them live healthier lives and receive assistance with the plan and implementation of an initiative to make changes in their own home, school, or larger community. These club projects can include, but are not limited to, proposed policy changes, such as snack guidelines in school; educational presentations for the community; or efforts to increase the availability of healthy items in a food pantry. Contact a 4-H Staff to inquire how a 4-H SNAC program be implemented in your learning environment.

Clinton County 4-H Community Clubs:

  • Cameron Area: Keystone Willing Workers - For current meeting locations, dates and time, please contact leaders Ronda Groebe at groebe@northmo.net or 816-632-8084 and Becky Heimsoth at beckyheimsoth@yahoo.com or 816-288-0245
  • Lathrop Area: Lathrop Shamrock - For current meeting locations, dates and time, please contact leaders Jennifer Howerton at Jennifer_e_l@yahoo.com or 816-806-4733 and Suellen Pollard at 816-592-9143
  • Plattsburg Area: Plattsburg Hustlers - For current meeting locations, dates and time, please contact leader AJ Ebert at 816-500-7487
  • Gower Area: Gower Dynamites - For current meeting locations, dates and time, please contact leader Allie Lee at lee.family.1101@gmail.com or 816-294-2286

About 4-H

4-H brings young people, ages 5 to 18, and adults together to learn everyday skills through hands-on learning. Working on activities from animal and plant sciences to robotics, 4-H’ers learn problem-solving skills that can make a positive impact upon our community. Through 4-H, young people learn to meet the diverse challenges of today’s world, build self-confidence, learn responsibility and make positive decisions.

4-H clubs are open to ages 8 to 18. Clubs meet monthly for group activities and club business. Each club elects officers and has an approved adult leader who supervises club activities. Club members also enroll in projects in their areas of interest.

With projects on more than 75 topics, 4-H has something to interest every child. Here are just a few of the opportunities 4-H offers: geocaching, robotics, international exchanges, horsemanship, pets, starting a business, arts and crafts, raising animals, woodworking, photography and gardening.

Clover Kids introduces 5- to 7-year-olds to the 4-H experience. In Clover Kids, children learn how to get along with others, work in groups and explore their interests, while building self-confidence. Clover Kids do not enroll in projects or raise animals and do not participate in competitive events, contests or shows.

Joining 4-H is as easy as contacting your local extension office. A staff member will explain the enrollment process and membership dues. In addition to dues, some projects may require a small investment to get started, and there may be a fee for materials, trips or other activities.

Young people are welcome to join at any time. The 4-H program year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Certain activities may have participation deadlines.

Adult volunteers are essential to 4-H. Adult volunteers serve as club or project leaders, help with county or regional events, chair committees and organize fundraisers. You don't have to be a parent or grandparent of the 4-H member to get involved. All volunteers are screened for child abuse and neglect, as well criminal records, before they are accepted and each year thereafter. As a volunteer, University of Missouri Extension will provide you with training so you will be well-prepared and successful as an adult leader. The orientation includes information on 4-H history and the educational framework, the characteristics of age groups, character development and safety.

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Clinton County 4-H news and resources