4-H clubs are open to ages 8 to 18. Clubs meet throughout the year 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.

4-H Projects

Jackson County Community 4-H Clubs 

*Projects clubs – Youth can participate in project clubs in addition to a community club.
In School and After-School 4-H Clubs

Horsemanship SPIN Club - Youth grow horsemanship skills through a variety of clinic and workshop opportunities. Meets monthly. Contact Julie McNiff at juliemcniff13@gmail.com.

Livestock SPIN Club - Focusing on all things livestock, youth explore their interest in animals and learn common animal care, showing techniques, and more. Contact 4-H Staff for more information.

Jr. Leaders SPIN Club - Offered in partnership with Platte and Jackson Counties, youth ages 13+ develop leadership skills, participate in service, learn about careers, and grow their social network. At least two overnight retreats are offered each year. Destination will change as we will rotate counties. Meets monthly. Contact 4-H Staff for more information.

As a responsible 4-Her, I understand that projects led on a countywide basis are special opportunities to learn.

I understand and accept the special responsibilities relating to this countywide project group.

I understand that volunteer leaders set the schedule, and it is my responsibility to attend and participate if I have enrolled with them.

To enroll in countywide projects, I understand:

• I must directly contact the project leader to get enrolled with them before project begins.
• I must put the project code on my enrollment form.
• I must be a member in good standing to participate in countywide projects, shows, or fair (attend majority of club and project meetings).

My responsibility as a member of a countywide project:

• Attend a majority of project meetings; project leaders will not remind members, unless there is a change.
• Contact volunteer leader directly if unable to participate or will miss a meeting.
• Get my own supplies or reimburse project leader as arranged.
• Work on projects at home; I realize that NOT all work will be done at project meetings.
• Help set-up and/or clean-up after each meeting.
• Give project reports at my club meetings.
• Exhibit at the county fair in this project.

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 MORE

Sign up to receive the Jackson County 4-H Monday Message. The newsletter will be sent the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month and will include Jackson County 4-H opportunities, news and events.