4-H | MU Extension

Laclede County 4-H clubs

Joining a 4-H club is as easy as contacting the Laclede County Extension Center at 417-532-7126.

Barn Bums Club meets at 6:30 pm on the third Thursday of each month at White Oak Pond Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Country Kids 4-H Horse Club meets at 6:00 pm on the first Tuesday of odd months (January, March, May, July, September, November) at the Laclede County MU Extension office in Lebanon.

Friendship Club meets at 10:00 am on the first OR second Saturday of each month (depending on leader’s work schedule) at the Laclede County MU Extension office in Lebanon.

Show Barn Club meets at 6:30 pm on the first Thursday of each month at Phillipsburg Christian Church.

I Want to Join 4-H!

4-H is the world's largest Positive Youth Development organization. We help youth find their spark, become True Leaders, and learn healthy habits to last a lifetime.

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