4-H | MU Extension

Polk County 4-H History

Members of the Polk County 4-H teen group created this video outlining the history of the 4-H program in the area. The group submitted the piece in a national 4-H film contest.

4-H History Preservation Program

To learn from and build upon our past. The primary purpose of this 4-H History Preservation Program website is to provide a central resource on 4-H history, particularly at the national level.

The 4-H History Preservation Program has archived information like 4-H films, songs and music; memories of 4-H; and local, state and national 4-H history. You can also contribute your own memories and historical documents to help the program research, document and preserve 4-H history.

4-H History Preservation Program

Clubs

For information about clubs, contact the Polk County Extension Center at 417-326-4916.

Community Clubs – meet once a month year round; are youth led with adult guidance; youth enroll in subject matter projects which are led by community members whom are certified volunteers (many times parents); parents assist as volunteers where needed; clubs complete community service projects and participate in county fundraisers as needed.

Eudora 4-H Community Club meets in Morrisville
Woodlawn 4-H Community Club meets in Bolivar

Special Interest (SPIN) clubs meet for short periods of time and focus on one project area; topics vary depending on youth interests; some are seasonal; led by topic experts and certified volunteers; clubs complete community service projects and participate in county fundraisers as needed.

Shooting Sports 4-H SPIN Club — project focus is all 4-H shooting sports disciplines
Sportfishing 4-H SPIN Club — project focus is fishing
Zoology 4-H SPIN Club — project focus is wildlife conservation and zoology
Other 4-H SPIN Clubs — project as interests develop

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. 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