Texas County 4-H clubs

How to join 4-H

You can start by contacting Regional Youth Development Specialist Janice Weddle at the University of Missouri Extension Texas County office to find out what local clubs and projects are currently available and to find out what will fit your family best.

You will then go to 4HOnline to create a family profile. This is where you will enroll and sign up for your club and projects for the year. The cost of 4-H per program year per youth in Texas County is $25.

Clover Kids is the officially recognized 4-H program in Missouri for children under age 8. The program is designed to provide 5 to 7 year-olds a variety of educational and recreational experiences in a non-competitive environment.

How to volunteer

Volunteers must complete three steps to be considered as a 4-H volunteer. First, you must enroll online in 4HOnline. Next, you will complete the paper Annual Background Check Consent form and turn in to University of Missouri Extension Texas County in order to complete your background screening, and last you will complete the one time volunteer orientation. If you have completed the orientation in previous years, you do not have to complete it again. Enrolling online and the paper background check consent form are required annually.

Complete the one time required Volunteer Orientation training in person at a regional energizer or online.

Learn more

The state 4-H office sends a screening postcard to volunteer applicants once the annual check is done. Your unique customer ID will be listed on the front of the postcard. KEEP THE POSTCARD if you plan on doing the orientation online. Local program needs and the best interests of youth in the county dictate overall county volunteer approval. All three steps of the volunteer process MUST be completed before you can be considered as a volunteer and to be covered by University of Missouri liability insurance. Volunteers should not hold club/project meetings until all steps are completed. Volunteering is free of charge.

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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