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Polk County

4-H

Members of the Polk County 4-H teen group created a 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 You can also contribute your own memories and historical documents to help the program research, document and preserve 4-H history.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.

Eudora 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of every month at the school in Morrisville. Club leader: Shelly Tomlinson

Good Times 4-H Club meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of every month at the Halfway Lions Club. Club leaders: Hal & Tresa Ryan

Woodlawn 4-H Club meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at the Polk County Fairgrounds. Club leader: Shelia Samek

Special Interest (SPIN) clubs meet for short periods of time and focus on one project area – Contact the Polk County Extension Center at 417-326-4916 for information or contact Velynda Cameron.

  • Shooting Sports 4-H SPIN Club — project focus is all 4-H shooting sports disciplines
  • Sportfishing 4-H SPIN Club — project focus is fishing
  • SoPoCo 4-H SPIN Club — project focus is livestock
  • Zoology 4-H SPIN Club — project focus is zoology

Polk County 4-H Handbook (PDF)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Contact Polk County Extension Center

  • 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.

    Learn more

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