4-H Volunteer Orientation Training
Missouri 4-H requires volunteers to attend a one-time volunteer orientation. In-person trainings are offered throughout the year in each county or region. In-person trainings are preferred; however, when absolutely necessary, volunteers may take the online training with a required quiz. For the login/password, contact the Webster County Extension Center or 4-H Youth Program Associate Jeannie Moreno.

4-H Poultry Judging Practice
This website was developed by the University of Florida to help those wishing to participate in poultry judging learn how to properly evaluate egg-producing hens and to apply USDA standards in grading ready-to-cook poultry and eggs. It is intended for use at the local, state and national levels in training poultry judging teams.

• Poultry Quiz Bowl Study Guide (PDF)
• Poultry Quiz Bowl Questions (PDF)

Dairy Cattle Judging 101: Practice Class H4: Holstein 4-year-olds
Brush up on your judging skills before judging camp with this class from Virginia Tech

Show Me Quality Assurance Program (SMQA)
This training is required for anyone planning to show livestock at the Ozark Empire Fair or Missouri State Fair. Training covers good management practices in the handling and use of animal health products, and encourages producers to review their approach to their herds' health programs.

HALTER - Level One
Horse Adult Leader Training and Educational Resource (HALTER) Level One provides learners with the opportunity to learn equine science material while adapting this knowledge for use in youth programs to foster positive youth development.

• MU Extension publication G8353, Small Flock Series: Incubation of Poultry — Covers egg handling and storage, incubator management, early chick care, and diagnosing hatch problems.
• Incubation and Embryology — Lesson plans and activities from University of Illinois Extension.
• Building an Incubator — University of Illinois site has step-by-step instructions for three types of incubators.
• The Domestic Rabbit (PDF) (12MB file) — A 325-page publication covering all aspects of domestic rabbits.
• How to Make a Rope Halter (PDF) — Oregon State University site has step-by-step procedures.
• How to Make a Country Ham (Youtube video) — University of Kentucky site has step-by-step procedures.
• Science Fair Planning Guide — Explains what a science fair is and has links to hundreds of projects.
• Free Science Fair Projects — A foundation site with hundreds of project ideas for grades K-12.
• All Science Fair Projects — A commercial site with hundreds of science fair projects for students.
• Bottle Rockets and Other Educational Crafts — A commercial site that teaches how to build bottle rockets, bath bombs, terrariums, telescopes, and robots.
• Analyze your garden soil at home with the jar test — Oregon State University site has step-by-step procedure.
• Jar Soil Test for Sand, Silt, and Clay Content (YouTube video)
• Geography and Geology for Kids — A study of our Earth.
• Learn about Volcanoes — A commercial site with volcano resource links at the bottom of the article.
• Science for Kids — A  National Geographic site with links to dozens of science resources.
• Emergency Preparedness and Management — University of Missouri site helps you prepare and response to emergencies and disasters.

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