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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4-H Camps have a greater impact than most people may imagine — camp does develop life skills in youth — and we have proof. Two consecutive years of highly positive responses from campers and their parents!

Extension 4-H specialists and the families they serve consider 4-H Camp experiences as a high priority program. 4-H Campers ages 10-13 and their parents were surveyed in 2005 to determine the effectiveness of Missouri 4-H Camps in developing life skills in youth.

• 72.7 % of youth and 82.4 % of parents agreed or strongly agreed that 4-H Camp improves skills in Learning to Learn
• 83.2 % of youth and 83.4 % of parents agreed or strongly agreed that 4-H Camp develops Social Skills
• 83.8 % of youth and 79.1 % of parents agreed or strongly agreed that 4-H Camp improves Teamwork Skills
• 82.6 % of youth and 79.1 % of parents agreed or strongly agreed that 4-H Camp improves Self-Responsibility Skills
• An overwhelming 94.6 % of youth reported their desire to return to Camp next year. 97.9 % of parents stated they were glad they sent their child to camp; 95.7 % felt the benefits to their child outweighed the cost.

There's more to summer camp than the "tangibles" children bring home — new sports equipment, artwork, macaroni necklaces and sun-catchers. Have you ever thought about the other benefits, the "intangibles"? 4-H Camps develop a wealth of skills that benefits children well into adulthood.