Franklin County
4-H
Franklin County currently has the largest 4-H enrollment numbers in the state with over 600 members and over 200 volunteers, in 20 clubs. Check out our clubs page to find a group near you, and our newsletter to see what's happening.
Franklin County 4-H Newsletters
Local fairs
Franklin County 4-H members have many fair opportunities to show what they have learned in their 4-H club work. Listed below are the various fairs. If you will be showing a food animal at any of the fairs in the state you must attend a Show Me Quality Assurance Training.
- Franklin County Fair
- Meramec Community Fair
- New Haven Community Youth Fair
- Gasconade County Fair
- Washington Town and Country Fair
- Missouri State Fair
General information
- Show/Hide
4-H clubs
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.
- Show/Hide
Clover Kids clubs
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, 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.
- Show/Hide
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.
- Show/Hide
Be a 4-H 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 fund raisers. 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.
Use Tab key to loop through the section below. Press Enter or Space to enter content for each tab button. Press Esc key to exit and to go to the next section at any time.