4-H

Randolph County 4-H clubs

Membership in Missouri 4-H Youth Development Programs is open to all youth 5 to 19 years of age (age as of 1/1/18). People of all ages participate in 4-H programs, from pre-schoolers to grandparents. The list of 4-H projects is so varied that every 4-H member and adult volunteer is sure to find something of interest.

It doesn't matter where you live, 4-H is open to all young people. Whether you live in the country, a small town or a big city, you can participate in 4-H.

Joining 4-H is easy! Call the Randolph County Extension Center at 660-269-9656.

There is a small fee to join 4-H. Check with the extension center for details. In addition, some projects may require a small investment to get started, and there may be charges for materials or special trips.

The program year is from October 1 through September 30.

Randolph County 4-H clubs

Busy Busy Beavers — Meets the second Sunday of the month at the Extension office. Club leaders: Maria Moyer, 574-356-3919, and Marinda Hess, 660-676-6833

Clark Helping Hands — Meets the second Wednesday of each month at Clark Christian Church. Club leaders: Heather Dougherty, 573-819-4364, Kelly Sharp, 573-489-4042, and Lucy Burton, 573-982-9672.

Neighborly Community — Meets the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Lion's Den in Cairo. Club leader: Teresa O'Brien, 660-651-5396, teresaburks98@gmail.com

Randolph County Builders — Meets the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at Coopers Oak/Skullsplitter's in Higbee. Club leaders: Joseph and Amy Perkins, 573-289-2276, and Amanda Patrick, 660-998-9033

Randolph County Challengers — Meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Eastern Randolph Rural Fire Protect, Hwy EE. Club leader: Melissa Boots, 660-651-6699

Western Ramblers — Meets the second Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Huntsville Christian Church. Club leader: Chrissy Dignan, 816-261-9840

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