Beyond Ready: Missouri celebrates National 4-H Week

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri is celebrating National 4-H Week, Oct. 4-10, 2026, with a proclamation from Gov. Mike Kehoe recognizing the week and the contributions of 4-H youths, volunteers and families across the state.

From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, Missouri 4-H youth are proving they are not just ready for the future — they’re Beyond Ready, said Tim Tanner, senior program director of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development.

National 4-H Week comes just after the start of a new 4-H year, making it the perfect time for young people and families to discover what 4-H has to offer and sign up for a year of learning, leadership and fun, Tanner said.

“4-H gives young people opportunities to try new things, discover what interests them and develop skills they can use throughout their lives,” he said. “Whether a young person is showing an animal, building a robot, serving their community or taking on a leadership role, 4-H helps them grow in confidence and learn that their ideas and contributions matter. As a new 4-H year begins, we invite families across Missouri to find their spark and see where 4-H can take them.”

Missouri 4-H provides hands-on learning opportunities for youth ages 5-18 through clubs, camps, school programs, community events, projects and leadership experiences. Young people can find their spark, explore options, have fun and meet friends while developing real skills and confidence they can use in school, careers and life, Tanner said.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide through hands-on learning. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youths for work and life by 2030.

“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow — they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”

National 4-H Week kicks off Monday, Oct. 4, with Go Green Day. 4-H members, volunteers, families, alumni and supporters are encouraged to wear their favorite 4-H gear or anything green to show their 4-H pride. Throughout the week, Missouri 4-H communities will celebrate leadership, service, youth voices, volunteers and the many projects and experiences that make 4-H unique.

4-H members and supporters can share their National 4-H Week celebrations on social media using #MO4H, #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.

Now is the perfect time to get involved. Families interested in joining Missouri 4-H can contact their local MU Extension center to learn about clubs, projects and opportunities in their communities.

Photo

St. Louis 4-H’ers gathered at the Ferris wheel near Union Station to celebrate last year’s 4-H Week.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.