Howell County
4-H
Missouri 4-H empowers young people to reach their full potential.
It brings young people ages 5–18 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 their communities. Through 4-H, young people learn to:
- Meet the diverse challenges of today's world
- Build self-confidence
- Learn responsibility
- Make positive decisions
Read more to discover how to become involved in 4-H.
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Howell 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.
Howell County 4-H clubs include:
- The Rockin' Ranchers 4-H Club (Willow Springs)
Club leader: Michelle and Jamie Kurtz, [email protected] - The Lucky Clover Valley 4-H (West Plains Area)
Club leader: Jamie Dixon, [email protected] - Shooting Sports (multiple locations, depending on discipline)
- Archery
Club leader: Nick Rowland, [email protected]
Ozark County 4-H clubs include:
- The Lutie 4-H Club (Theodosia)
Club leader: Kathaleen Cole, [email protected] - The Dora 4-H Club (Dora)
Club leader: Paula Bodenhamer, [email protected]
Douglas County 4-H clubs include:
- The Skyline 4-H Club (Skyline Elemantry School)
Club leader: Jana Brixey, [email protected] - The Ava 4-H Club (Ava)
Club leader: Cindy Jacobitz, [email protected]
- The Rockin' Ranchers 4-H Club (Willow Springs)
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Recognition and awards
The Howell County 4-H recognition and awards program provides a variety of individual recognition and awards to meet the diverse needs and interests of today's youth. The program was developed using the National 4-H Recognition Model, which is categorized in five divisions:
- Participation
- Standards of excellence
- Peer competition
- Progress towards personal goals
- Cooperation
The Howell County 4-H recognition and awards program is outlined in the county's 4-H recognition and award policy (PDF).
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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.
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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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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 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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