4-H grows

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. Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow, making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H provides opportunities to gain leadership, citizenship and life skills through fun and innovative hands-on activities. Build friendships at camps, conferences and events as well as club and project meetings. 4-H welcomes all young people ages 5 to 18. For kids ages 5 to 7, there is a special 4-H program called Clover Kids.

Henry County 4-H handbook and forms Henry County 4-H LINK Newsletters

Henry County 4-H clubs

Please check with the club leaders for time/place changes before attending. Some months they change dates/locations.

  • CCA Patriots — Meet fourth Friday of the month at 3 p.m. at Clinton Christian Academy. Club leaders: Rosalyn Wisniewski 660-525-2346 and Sarah Kernohan 660-351-5255
  • Clinton Cool Cats — Meet third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Clinton. Club leaders: Amanda Huenefeldt 660-351-5474 and Tabitha Jones 660-864-3908
  • Clinton Cougars — Meet second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church Annex in Clinton. Club leader: Liana Bennett 660-351-1203.
  • Montrose Busy Beavers — Meet second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's School basement. Club leaders: Janna Wareham 660-492-0080 and Kim Carter 660-492-0298
  • Shawnee Indians — Meet first Sunday of the month at 6 p.m. at Shawnee R-III school. Club leaders: Morgan Patrick 660-473-1668 and Jessi Frencken 660-525-6267.

To join a club, volunteer or learn more about 4-H programs, contact MU Extension in Henry County.

Henry County 4-H Council officers

  • President – Katie Schaffer
  • Vice President – Abby Jones
  • Secretary – Seth Engeman
  • Treasurer – Kelsey Carter
  • Reporter – Kate Wareham
  • Game Leader – Hadley Carter
  • Outreach Officer – Ali Schaffer

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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