Buchanan County
4-H
Buchanan County 4-H
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H offers youth, families, and adult volunteers of all ages many ways to engage, grow and serve through clubs, camps, contests, conferences, special interest groups, in-school and after-school programs, and more! It’s about young people making new friends and memories while preparing to be future leaders. Buchanan County 4-H has a diverse community of youth building life skills, contributing to their community, and becoming college and career ready.
4-H Community Clubs offer long-term educational experiences in which members learn life skills such as decision-making, public speaking, and working with others. Members learn by doing under the guidance of adult volunteers, who teach projects ranging from computer science and arts to animal science and healthy living. Clubs also involve youth in community service, camping, and educational trips.
SPecial INterest Clubs focus on a specific topic led by an adult and youth expert in the field. Meet for a set period (e.g. weekly or bi-weekly for 6-8 weeks). Can elect officers and plan learning activities with options of public speaking, community service and links to career readiness.
4-H In-school and After-school Clubs provide extraordinary learning opportunities to school-age youth in urban, suburban, and rural communities. 4-H In-school & After-school is designed to combine the resources of 4-H and the University of Missouri Extension system with schools and community-based organizations that provide after-school programs that address community needs.
4-H SNAC program provides youth ages 5-18 the opportunity to engage in healthy living advocacy, peer mentorship, and hands-on nutrition, cooking, physical activity, and leadership education in before, during, and after-school programs. By forming a 4-H SNAC Club at your school, youth will gain skills in these areas to help them live healthier lives and receive assistance with the plan and implementation of an initiative to make changes in their own home, school, or larger community. These club projects can include, but are not limited to, proposed policy changes, such as snack guidelines in school; educational presentations for the community; or efforts to increase the availability of healthy items in a food pantry. Contact a 4-H Staff to inquire about how a 4-H SNAC program be implemented in your learning environment.
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Community Clubs
4-H clubs are open to ages 8 to 18. Clubs meet throughout the year 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. Check with your local County Extension office for countywide project offerings. If a project leader isn’t found, often family members become the leader. Project materials are available for most projects.
Local 4-H Clubs:
- Saint Joseph Area: Trailblazers - Meet fourth Monday of each month, 5:30pm. For current meeting location, date, and time, please contact leader: TBD, contact 4-H staff
- Faucett Area: Kountry Kids - Meet second Tuesday of each month. For current meeting location, date and time, please contact leader: Cara Hanway at [email protected]
- Faucett Area: Hearts 4 Horses - For current meeting location, date and time, please contact leader: Lindsay Rice at [email protected]
- Agency Area: Number 5 - Meet second Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm. For current meeting location, date and time, please contact leader: Amy Kelsey at [email protected] or 816-261-1618
- Dekalb Area: Willing Workers - Meet third Sunday of each month, 5:00 pm. For current meeting location, date and time please contact leader: Casey Spencer at [email protected]
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Clover Kids
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.
To get involved, reach out to a community club or SPIN club leader. The Clover Kids program coexists with all 4-H programs.
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How to join
Joining 4-H is as easy as contacting the extension center. 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.
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Become a volunteer
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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