What is 4-H?

4-H is all about kids! 4-H is kids making friends and lasting relationships. 4-H is kids working together creating blankets to give to the homeless and singing Christmas carols to shut ins. 4-H is kids learning to build robotics or bird houses. 4-H is learning photography or cake decorating. 4-H is working with an animal whether it is a steer, rabbit or dog. 4-H is fair time and the excitement of entering exhibits, interviewing with a judge and receiving fair ribbons. 4-H is holding an office and running a club meeting developing leadership skills. 4-H is kids giving demonstrations enhancing their public speaking skills. 4-H is summer camp filled with activities, nature, friends and fun and learning to get along. 4-H is smiles and laughter, encouraging and bonding with one another. 4-H is kids working with caring adults to learn life skills. 4-H is kids reaching out to others. 4-H is all of this and so much more. It is a community of youth and adults working together to make our world a better place. 4-H is our investment in the future. 4-H is what our kids and our world needs today!

The National 4-H Council states, ”In 4-H we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. 4-H is changing kids’ lives.”

Consider donating some time to the 4-H organization and help provide more kids the hands on experience, support and encouragement they need to thrive. Let’s watch our kids make the world a better place for all of us.

Cass County 4-H

Meetings

Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every other month (September, November, January, March, May) at the Cass County Extension office located at 201 W. Wall St., Harrisonville, MO. A meeting will also be held in July on the Wednesday of the Cass County Fair at the Memorial Building in Pleasant Hill.

Archie Achievers meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at Archie Community Center.
Club leaders: Tiffany Ogle and Maggie Schaller

Hickory Grove 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of every month at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill.
Club leaders: Becky Marlow

Hillside Cavaliers meets at 5 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month at the Cass County MU Extension Center.
Club leader: Nancy Miller
*Strong horse emphasis

Homeschool Clovers 4-H Club meets at 1 p.m. on the first Monday of every month with changing locations.
Club leader: Jaime Perreca
*Homeschool group

Lone Oak 4-H Club meets at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the Hope United Methodist Church in Lone Jack.
Club leaders: Kelley McDonald

Lucky Clovers 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the Garden City Community Center.
Club leaders: Ashley Smith

Raymore 4-H meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at the Peculiar United Methodist Church.
Club leaders: Brianna Buell, Stacy Batchelder, and Robin Overman

Shooting Stars 4-H Club meets at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of every month at Heartland Baptist Fellowship in Harrisonville.
Club leaders: Katie Ledford
*Homeschool group

Show-Me 4-H Club meets at 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of every month at the Cass County MU Extension Center.
Club leader: Debra Barker

Southfork 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of every month at the Dolan West Dolan Fire Protection District in Freeman.
Club leader: Heather Gooch

Wal-Center 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at the Cass County MU Extension Center.
Club leader: Kelly Melzer and Carrie Obermiller

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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