Welcome to Saline County 4-H! We are excited about your interest. 4-H envisions our world as a place where youth and adults learn, grow and work together for positive change. There is a place for you in that vision! 4-H welcomes youth ages 5-18 years old by Jan. 1 of each year. Contact the Extension Office with questions — we’d love to connect with you!

Bizy Beavers
Second Sunday of each month, 5:30 p.m.
Methodist Church, Marshall
Adam Shaw, 660-815-2997
Bizy Beavers 4-H Club Facebook group

Clay Center
Second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m.
Hardeman School
Kayla Foster, 660-631-4706

Kennedy
Third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m.
First Christian Church, Sweet Springs
DeEtta Murphy, 660-202-9043

Liberty
First Sunday of each month, 5 p.m.
Community Center, Sweet Springs
Michelle Fuehring, 660-229-1820

Lucky Leaf
Second Sunday of each month, 6 p.m.
Civic Center, Blackburn
Don Bolser, 660-229-2211

Town & Country
Third Sunday of each month, 6 p.m.
Shooting Sports Building, Marshall
Kim Vogel, 660-886-6011 and Julie Vogel, 660-631-1173

Work to Win
Second Sunday of each month, 4:30 p.m.
Malta Bend School, Malta Bend
Jill Buck, 660-631-2068

Officers

• President: Julie Vogel
• Vice-president: Nancy Laurenti
• Secretary: DeEtta Murphy
• Treasurer: Rita Shaw

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

4-H camp has a rich history and tradition in Missouri. 4-H staff have conducted camps for more than 60 years. Historically, 4-H camps were some of the original users of the group camp facilities found in Missouri state parks, and today many 4-H camps still use them.

4-H camp programs offer a variety of camping experiences.

• Residential Camps for one or more nights
• STEM and Arts & Crafts Learn-shops
• Community Service
• Camp Fires
• Teamwork Activities

Camping also provides opportunities to experience new and exciting activities. Climbing walls, swimming, archery, canoeing and many other activities are offered in a safe, supervised environment where campers can explore new areas of interest with encouragement from trained counselors and staff.