Dale-Patton 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month at the 4-H/FFA building at Ray County Fairgrounds. Club leader: Holly Clevenger

Guys and Gals 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month at the Ray County 4-H/FFA Building in Richmond. Club leader: Karen Hamm

Lawson 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the VFW, 305 E. 4th in Lawson. Club leaders: Kayla Barham, Amanda Covey, Alisha Dolt, Rhonda Luther

Millville 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at Millville Methodist Church. Club leader: Shari Renfro

Orrick 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at the Orrick Community Center. Club Leader: Jackie Schwab

The Ray County 4-H Council meets quarterly at the county extension office. Each club has the opportunity to have two voting members and two voting adults representing their club at each meeting. It is recommended that each club choose members and adults to represent their club for a full 4-H year. These club representatives should report news from the council meeting at the next club meeting following the council meeting.

Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of these months: January, March, May, June, September and November.

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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.

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