For more than 65 years, the Missouri 4-H Foundation has been managing funds for the MU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, providing higher education scholarships and recognizing 4-H volunteers. MU Extension 4-H is a community of more than 260,000 youths from across Missouri learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

DeKalb County clubs

High Hopes 4-H Club (Stewartsville) meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month at the United Methodist Church. Club leader: Lori Keller 816-669-3266 or lorikeller18@gmail.com

Wranglers 4-H Club (Maysville) meet at 5:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month Amity Church. Club leaders: Jennifer Meek 816-449-0411 or jlmeel@centurylink.net, or Brook Ray 816-724-0305 or bray@winston.k12.mo.us

Rising Stars 4-H Club (Union Star) meet at 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of the month at Orchard Church. Club leaders: Sarah Schuman 660-483-0310 or scarlson35@hotmail.com, or Andrea Hodge 816-205-6949 or Andrealee1420@hotmail.com

DeKalb Shooting Sports (Maysville) call for meeting times. Club leader: Donna Meek 816-649-4271 or natmad83@gmail.com

Keep us informed

Club reporters/secretaries: Please send news to the Clinton County Extension Center at clintonco@missouri.edu or P.O. Box 294, 101 S. Main, Plattsburg, MO 64477. Club news and photos are a wonderful way to share what you are doing with the other 4-H clubs.

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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