4-H

2025 county fair with chicken and rooster illustrations

Cole County 4-H Clubs

There are several active 4-H Clubs in Cole County. See our 4-H Clubs page for the full list and more information. 4-H is about more than plows, sows and cows. Shooting Sports is the fastest growing project but with so many projects choices everyone can find something to meet their goals. 4-H is open to all youth ages 5-18.

Steps to become a 4-H member:

Joining 4-H is as easy as contacting the Cole County extension center. A staff member will explain the enrollment process and membership dues.
Choose a club. Feel free to visit any club that is scheduled at a time and location that is most convenient for you.
Select at least one project. Pick up a booklet from your club leader or go to the Projects page on the Missouri 4-H website. Or feel free to design your own project!
Enroll online.

Sponsorships:

Please do not let cost be a burden. We have ways to help everyone become involved. Sponsorships of 4-H projects, trips, contests and activities are available by submitting the application for sponsorship. Funding for sponsorships comes from two sources:

The United Way of Central Missouri
The 4-H Foundation of Cole County – Providing financial support for 4-H projects and members since 2006. Please visit our website to learn more about the 4-H Foundation of Cole County, including upcoming fundraising events and how to apply for sponsorships!

Councils and boards

4-H Council - Constitution and ByLaws (PDF)
4-H/FFA Fair Board - Constitution (PDF) and ByLaws (PDF)

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.

LEARN ABOUT VOLUNTEERING