4-H

Empowering young people to reach their full potential

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is young people making new friends and memories while preparing to be leaders of today and tomorrow. We are a volunteer-led organization that reaches boys and girls through small groups called clubs. 4-H members choose from over 40 projects in which to participate. Most projects use hands-on learning experiences to teach subject matter and life skills such as cooperation, leadership and decision-making — skills that can be applied over and over for a lifetime. Anytime is a good time to join 4-H. Join now! For information, contact MU Extension in Chariton County at 660-288-3239.

4-H Clubs in Chariton County

There are presently four 4-H clubs in Chariton County. Club members attend monthly meetings, where items of interest to the entire club are discussed. It is within these meetings where members learn parliamentary procedure, leadership and public speaking skills, among others. In addition, club members enroll in a variety of projects annually. Members meet with others in the project and are led by a volunteer project leader. These projects range from the traditional "cows and cookies" variety to the innovative computer and aerospace projects.

Chariton Shining Stars — Meets third Sunday of every month at St. Joseph School.
Club leaders: Shelby Clark and Bobbi Biere, 660-415-7809
Indian Grove 4-H — Meets third Sunday of every month at Zion Methodist Church.
Club leader: Lindsay Meyer, 660-631-9500
Keytesville Can Do — Meets fourth Monday of every month at Keytesville Fire Station.
Club leader: Jenny Fessler, 660-788-1311
Lucky Star — Meets first Sunday of every month at Liberty Bells Schoolhouse.
Club leader: Megan Fox, 660-651-2759

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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