4-H

University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H educational program empowers young people to reach their full potential while working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

Newton County 4-H clubs

Busy Beavers Club meets at the Hornet Christian Church on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Club leader: Rose Barwick, 417-621-8417

East Newton 4-H Club meets at East Newton Agriculture Building on the third Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. Club leaders: Rebekah LaFrambois, 503-602-9909, and Rita Creason, 417-342-1880

Lucky Clover 4-H Club meets at the Seneca Christian Church on the third Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. Club leader: Rhonda Helm, 417-776-8672

Round Prairie 4-H Club meets at the Oak Grove Community building (call first as location changes) on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Club leader: Kelly Shilling, 417-385-8972

Spring Valley 4-H Club meets at the Diamond Elementary Cafeteria the second Sunday of every month at 4 p.m. Club leader: Sara Russow, 417-389-4935

County Line 4-H Club meets at Neosho Ag Building on the second Tuesday of odd months for business meetings at 6:30 p.m., and even months are TBA. Club leader: Kelin Kruse, 417-850-0037 and Christy Witt, 417-489-7332

Teen Council is open to all 4-H members 13 and older. Contact: Dana Vangunda, 417-455-9500

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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