4-H | MU Extension

4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States with over 7 million participants. 4-H is best identified by its green four-leaf clover with an H on each leaf. The four H's on the emblem stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is the only youth organization based at land-grant universities and the first experience many youth have with higher education.

Join 4-H Today!

Did you know you could join 4-H at any time of the year?

4-H is not just for farm kids anymore! 4-H in Christian County offers youth learning opportunities in robotics, computers, scrapbooking, horses, livestock and much more. For more information visit Christian County 4-H Facebook.

Did you know that 4-H is the largest positive youth development program in our country? 4-H is open to all youth ages 5 to 18. The 4-H year runs from October 1 to September 30, but families can enroll at any time during the year. 4-H empowers youth to find their personal strengths and interests through hands on learning. 4-H teaches youth essential life skills aiding in college and career readiness.

Enrollment dues for Christian County 4-H are $25. Additional out-of-pocket costs may come up for trips, camps or project supplies.

Christian County 4-H information

Deadeyes

This is a shooting sports club for those that are only interested in the shooting sports program. To participate in 4 H shooting sports, youth MUST first attend a safety course specific to Missouri 4-H shooting sports. The safety training is only offered a few different times and families must make it a priority to attend this safety training usually held at the beginning of the year. A family can join a different club (primary 4-H club) and still participate in shooting sports (Deadeyes club would be secondary club); this is an alternative for those interested in other project areas. Christian County has certified leaders for Archery, Air Rifle, .22 Rifle, Shotgun, .22 Pistol, Air Pistol, Muzzleloader, and Hunting & Outdoor Skills. Practices typically take place evenings in Clever, Ozark, or at Ozark Shooters during the spring and late summer. Scheduled meetings are to be determined.

Contact: Dee Dee Hinderman, deadeyes4hclub@gmail.com

Two Rivers

A community club with kids ages 5 to 18 from Sparta, Ozark, Nixa and Highlandville. We focus on letting the kids run the club, planning activities, selecting community service projects (like helping at Reason's Rescue Ranch), and running meetings. Individuals are in all kinds of projects, from Woodworking to Arts & Crafts, Dogs, Cats, Aerospace, Horticulture and Foods. Scheduled meetings are usually the third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm at the Ozark Assembly of God gymnasium, on South Street in Ozark by Lowe's.

Contact: Allison Day, 2rivers4hclub@gmail.com

Show Ring Stars

Designed for young enthusiasts passionate about the animal kingdom—from the farm pasture to the wild. No prior animal ownership is required. Meeting Place: 4-H Building at Finley River Park Meeting Day: 2nd Monday of the month at 5:00 PM

Contact: KJ Hosman, kjhosman@gmail.com

Finley River 4-H

Meeting Place: 4-H Building at Finley River Park Meeting Day: 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM

Contact: Gabbie Sadberry, mylow001@gmail.com

Clever Clovers

Meeting Place: Clever Fire Station

Meeting Day: 2nd Sunday of the month at 3:00 PM

Contact: Caramie Petrowsky, caramiepetrowsky@gmail.com

The 4-H Council meetings are held the 4th Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at various locations.

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. 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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