Extension's most often recognized or acknowledged youth development program is the 4-H club program. Clubs are an important part of the comprehensive youth development program. In addition, 4-H youth development staff in Missouri work behind the scenes with other professionals in the community to better the conditions and climate for families and all youth in the community.

You don't have to grow up on the farm to belong to 4-H. 4-H is open to all youth ages 5–18. Contact the Morgan and Moniteau County MU Extension office to find out more.

Moniteau County 4-H clubs

Busy Bees Club meets the first Sunday of each month at Flat Springs Church.

Club contact: Sarah Bolinger, sbolinger01@yahoo.com | Facebook group

Eager Eagles Club meets the first Monday of each month at Jamestown Community Center.

Club contact: Emily Fosnow, D-ecattle@hotmail.com | Facebook group

Shamrock Club meets the second Sunday of each month at High Point Elementary School.

Club contact: Raychel Fulks, raychel.fulks@gmail.com | Facebook group

Show Me Club meets the first Monday of odd months at McGirk Community Center. Meets on the first Monday of even months for community service events.

Club contact: Jill Moreland, morelandj@missouri.edu | Facebook group

Tipton 4-H Club meets the third third Sunday of each month at Co-Mo Meeting Room.

Club contact: Michelle Wilfong, michellewilfong1@gmail | Facebook group

Twin Cities Club meets the third Sunday of each month at the Masonic Lodge in California.

Club contact: Julie King, twincity4h1@gmail.com | Facebook group

In case of unforeseen schedule changes, please contact clubs to verify meeting information.

SMQA online training

All 4-H members who show any animals must be current on their Show Me Quality Assurance (SMQA) training. Contact the University of Missouri Extension office to check current status. Upon completion of online training, print certificate and return to Extension office for 4-H specialist signature.

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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girl announcing news and resources
Moniteau County 4-H news and resources