4-H Youth Development : article
SEDALIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H’ers and friends packed 450 boxes of food for distribution to veterans and their families. The food packing effort at the 2021 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia was just one way 4-H’ers are expanding their efforts to address food insecurity in the state.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Thirty youths from around the state participated in Missouri 4-H State Poultry Day, held June 12 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on Feb. 17 drew 54 competing 4-H members from across the state.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – “Quiet on the set! Camera ready?”
“Ready!”
The scene: A corridor at Johnson Elementary in Kansas City’s Hickman Mills school district. A girl stands in front of the camera holding a clapper board, a device familiar to anyone who’s watched movies about Hollywood.
“Scene one,…
Missouri 4-H alum Heather Vaughn sent this account of her 2019 4-H exchange trip to Costa Rica.
“In good times, 4-H is a wonderful resource to help develop the youth of America and around the world. In hard times, like what we’re going to feel through this crisis and into the coming recession, that value expands exponentially,” said Richard Maltsbarger, president and CEO of Pet Retail Brands…
HANNIBAL, Mo. –Marissa Todd has Down syndrome, but that hasn’t stopped the Marion County high school senior from getting involved in her 4-H club, holding office or becoming a 4-H camp counselor.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The third annual Missouri 4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot raised more than $19,000 to support the Missouri 4-H Foundation. The March 16 event at the Prairie Grove Shooting Sports Complex in Columbia drew teams and sponsors from across the state for a day of competition, camaraderie…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development welcomed 50 middle- and high-school-aged 4-H’ers at its 22nd annual 4-H College and Career Pathways Conference on the MU campus this July.
MARSHALL, Mo. – Fairgoers at the annual Saline County 4-H and FFA Youth Fair got more than they bid for this year.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation recently awarded eight families with the 4-H Century Family Award. Each family represented a combined 100 years or more of membership and volunteer service within 4-H.Bates CountyThe Barber familyVernon County
County endowment funds created by the Missouri 4-H Foundation have had a significant impact on many Missouri counties within the last year. The Foundation currently manages six county endowment funds benefiting Barton, Callaway, Dade, Henry, Pike and St. Charles counties.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – This fall, Missouri youths ages 5-18 and the volunteers and faculty who serve them will have access to projects in 4-H Goes Online through Canvas, an easy-to-use online learning platform.
You can live and work somewhere your whole life and still not really know it, says Katie Hogan, a 4-H youth development specialist in MU Extension’s Northeast Region.
That is why Hogan launched the Getting To Know Your County training with her team of youth development specialists and youth program…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The inaugural University of Missouri Extension 4-H Meat Evaluation Volunteer Workshop held on Saturday, Nov. 2, drew nearly a dozen volunteers from across the state.
COOK STATION, Mo. – Five Missouri 4-H youths took part in a first-ever primitive camping experience June 16-17 at the University of Missouri’s Wurdack Extension and Engagement Center in Cook Station.
CHILLICOTHE, Mo. – Prison isn't normally thought of as a place to nurture family growth, but one weekend each month dozens of sons, daughters, mothers and grandmothers travel across the state for that very reason.
Teen leaders in the Missouri 4-H Healthy Habits program are promoting nutrition education and food access to underserved youths and families. The program is supported by the National 4-H Council and the Walmart Foundation.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – 4-H, the largest youth development program in the nation, is calling on alumni and supporters to raise their hands to help bring 4-H to 10 million youth by 2025. Currently, 4-H empowers nearly 6 million young people in every county across America, including more than 190,000 4-H’ers…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest, April 10, drew 19 youths from across the state to the MU campus to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related topics.
Top junior competitors (ages 8-10 only)
FULTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, April 9, drew 70 4-H members to compete at William Woods University in Fulton.
COLUMBIA, Mo. –Forty youths from across Missouri traveled to Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado to learn more about equine careers May 20-26 on the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Equine Tour, said Maria Calvert, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.
FULTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on March 1 drew 88 4-H members from across the state to William Woods University in Fulton.
The Issue
In the state of Missouri, and many other states, traditionally 4-H has been delivered in community clubs that are family based and operate outside of any school, church, or other identifying community. This Community Club model has proven to offer youth an opportunity for positive youth…
SEDALIA, Mo. – Forty-six Missourians will be inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center on the State Fair Community College campus in Sedalia.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging contest on Feb. 17 drew 48 competitors, said Don Nicholson, Missouri 4-H interim associate director.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation proudly celebrates seven families as recipients of the 2024 Missouri 4-H Century Family Award.
PLATTSBURG, Mo. – In February, MU Extension in Clinton County offered local teens a hands-on preview of basic skills they’ll need to navigate adulthood.
ROLLA, Mo.— “It’s not rocket science.” The phrase is often used to assure people that something is simple and easy to understand. At the same time, it pushes the idea that actual rocket science is really hard—and certainly not for kids.
SEDALIA, Mo. – Lexi Angelo earned high individual honors at the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest held Aug. 17 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation is accepting applications for current or former Missouri 4-H members pursuing postsecondary study. Applications must be completed on or before March 1, 2023.
SEDALIA, Mo. – Molly Archer earned high individual honors at the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, Aug. 19 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Archer, the daughter of Robert and Jamey Archer of Falcon, was the high individual in Ayrshires, Guernseys and Jerseys. She was also second in Holsteins…
Beth SynderAs kids we often respond to the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" with answers like
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Future generations will have the opportunity to attend State 4-H Congress thanks to the generosity of Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog and his late wife, Betty Hertzog, who passed away Oct. 14, 2019.
“Birth order and it’s effects on the person has been fascinating scientists and the general public for at least one hundred years,” says Janice Weddle, County Engagement Specialist in Youth Development for the University of Missouri Extension. There have been several studies to try to…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Boone County Commission recently recognized Boone County 4-H Senior Livestock Judging Team and Columbia FFA Livestock Judging Team. Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing the teams for placing first in state competitions in 2017.
SEDALIA, Mo. – Handmade thank you cards along with personal care products, snacks, energy drinks, socks, decks of playing cards and much more will be headed to 250 Missouri soldiers stationed overseas later this month thanks to 4-H’ers at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Young people across Missouri will experience interactive, hands-on financial education thanks to a five-year pledge of support from BTC Bank to the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
The pledge will support the statewide launch of On My Own, a household finance simulator for youths ages 13-…
This spring, about 20 Missouri 4-H’ers joined teens living 8,000 miles away in Bangladesh to explore each other’s cultures and learn how much they have in common. The 13- and 14-year-olds were part of a program called EXCEL (EXchange for Cultural Engagement and Learning).
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri alumni Alyssa Roost, BHS ’16, and Matt Praiswater, BS ’15, met in 2016 when they worked as interns for Camp Ca-Pow (College Access-Planning Our Way), a program that helps middle school students explore career and college opportunities.
Packets from MU Extension in Perry County keep homebound kids busy and learning.
PERRYVILLE, Mo. – When Bethany Bachmann saw Perry County parents fretting online about how to keep their homebound kids busy and learning, she knew just what to do.
Christine Tew"Home team" typically refers to a favorite sports team.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present LaTisha Scott-Snead with the Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Scott-Snead is recognized for more than eight years of service and support to 4-H in Clark County.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Golfers once again teed off in support of Missouri 4-H youth June 4 at the 10th annual Clover Classic Golf Tournament in Columbia. The event raised $48,000 for University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 14th annual Missouri 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament, June 4, raised more than $92,000, setting a new record in the Missouri 4-H Foundation’s history. The tournament, at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia, drew participants and supporters from across the state.
Celebrate 75 years of empowering youth at the Clover Gala, which raised over $117,000 for scholarships and programs supporting Missouri's future leaders.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Almost 90 Missouri 4-H’ers participated in a poultry judging contest, knowledge exam and photography contest at the 2020 State 4-H Poultry Day, hosted virtually in June.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Crystal Burch with the 2025 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Crystal is recognized for more than 11 years of service and support to 4-H in Vernon County.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation has announced the establishment of the Dana Brown Haynes Memorial 4-H Scholarship, created by the family and friends of Dana Brown Haynes, a former trustee of the Missouri 4-H Foundation who passed away Oct. 27, 2024.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Mom led by example and was always right by our side offering support and help with whatever we needed,” says Connie Wieberg of her mother, Donna Martz, who passed away in 2018. “She was a big reason we all succeeded in 4-H.”
HANNIBAL, Mo. – In her 20s, Linda Studer had a dream of opening a business in historic Hannibal.
Missouri 4-H is part of a recent national Replication and Reconnection Study documenting the benefits of 4-H programming.
BARDSTOWN, Ky. – As COVID-19 numbers surged in Nelson County, Kentucky, 4-H extension agents Danielle Hagler and Nicole Howard brainstormed a drive-in movie approach for their county awards ceremony with the local 4-H council.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H’ers across the state need generous donors to give a hand in this final week of the 4-H Feeding Missouri food drive.
Aaron BakerIn 1999 the Dixie Chicks sang the lyrics, "Both members of the 4-H club, both active in the FFA," in t
Growing up, Sundays were the day for Bizy Beavers 4-H club meetings, and every summer was prep season for the Saline County and Missouri State fairs, said Kaleigh Summers, alumni relations and event coordinator for the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Golfers returned to the green in support of Missouri 4-H youths Sept. 21 at the 11th annual 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament in Columbia. Presenting sponsors were Climate Field View, a subsidiary of Bayer; and Great American Insurance-Crop Division.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Golfers returned to the green at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia to support Missouri 4-H youths at the 13th annual 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament on June 6. Co-presenting sponsors were Climate Field View and Great American Insurance-Crop Division.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Golfers returned to the green June 7 in support of Missouri 4-H youths for the 12th annual 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Golfers hit the greens in support of Missouri 4-H youth at the eighth annual 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament on June 6 in Columbia, Mo. Co-presenting sponsors were The Climate Corp., a division of Monsanto, and Great American Insurance Group’s Crop Division.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gov. Mike Parson designated Oct. 6-12 as 4-H Week in Missouri.
Missouri and Missouri 4-H proudly join millions across the nation in celebrating National 4-H Week, an annual event that highlights the positive impact of 4-H on youth development.
University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development has received a five-year project award totaling $607,115 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Children, Youth and Families at Risk grant program.
A package recently arrived at the Missouri 4-H Foundation’s office in Columbia. Inside was a 1930s-era 4-H cap and a perfectly preserved sewing project — a gingham checked coat hanger cover with precise pink stitching spelling out the initials R.C.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Laura Browning never expected to find herself an adoptive parent to three incubators’ worth of chicks — or tending to 19 newly hatched birds in brooders in her garage. But chicks hatch according to their own calendar, oblivious to social distancing and school closures.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Former Henry County 4-H member Brendon Engeman was one of five youths selected to represent 4-H in March for National Ag Day Congressional Visits on Capitol Hill.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For Mike Kateman, selling his grand champion reserve calf, Boots, was a great life lesson, and joining 4-H was just an expectation.“You really learn to be competitive, but to be competitive with yourself in terms of ‘how can I continually do better?’” he said.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Horse Shows Association (MHSA) and University of Missouri Extension in Boone County hosted a Horse Bowl competition in Columbia at the Stephens College campus Jan. 27.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Forty-two Missouri teens recently attended Ignite by 4-H, a four-day conference in Washington, D.C., focused on STEM, agriscience and healthy living.
The Issue
Youth involved in 4-H have the opportunity to be members from ages eight to eighteen. According to a 2009 study from Tufts University, 4-H youth appear to have higher levels of developmental assets that are found to be most important in positive youth development (Lerner et al., 2009).
The Issue
Troy Middle School teachers are offering a curriculum related to career readiness through an elective class. Troy is a small town in the county of Lincoln in the St. Louis area. It is a “bedroom” community where most of the adult population live in Troy but work outside the county.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Jenna Hasekamp, a member of the Audrain County F&L Hustlers 4-H Club, is helping to pioneer the participation of Missouri community college teams at livestock judging contests.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is presenting Jenise Burch, of Vernon County, with the 2022 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award for nearly 60 years of service and support to 4-H.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – With in-person summer camps canceled due to COVID-19, Missouri 4-H went to work creating new opportunities for youths to make as many summer memories as possible.
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. – What do you do when school moves online but your kids don’t have internet access?In Butler, Carter and Wayne counties in southeastern Missouri, University of Missouri Extension has an answer thanks to generous community support.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Brian McKimmey with the 2023 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. McKimmey is recognized for more than 16 years of service and support to 4-H in Polk and Laclede counties.
SEDALIA, Mo. – Whitney Yerina of Laclede County topped the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, held Aug. 21 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Emily Bergsieker with the 2023 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Bergsieker is recognized for more than 13 years of service and support to 4-H in Lafayette County.
BELLE, Mo. – The Lanes Prairie 4-H Club proudly hosted its September meeting, bringing together youths and families to embark on a new 4-H year.
Karla Deaver, county engagement specialist in 4-H youth development for MU Extension in Lawrence County, is doing daily story times on her YouTube channel and the county extension center’s Facebook page, reading b
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The wreath that Payton, age 12, and Aria Duwe, 9, will lay on their great-grandfather’s grave is just one of thousands that Lawrence County 4-H’ers plan to leave at the Springfield National Cemetery during this year’s Wreaths for Warriors ceremony 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.
Elaine George is no stranger to 4-H. For more than 30 years she’s been club leader to the Hallsville Go-Getters, and there’s no sign of her slowing down. Her club is among the largest in the state. “It’s just a part of my life,” Elaine said.
Aaron Baker.
ATLANTA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Angela Helton with the Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Helton is recognized for more than 25 years of service and support to 4-H in Macon County.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation has recognized seven families with the 2022 Missouri 4-H Century Family Award. Each family represents a combined 100 years or more of membership and volunteer service within 4-H.
Franklin County
The Millerick Family
Polk County
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation recently recognized eight families with the 2021 Missouri 4-H Century Family Award. Each family represents a combined 100 years or more of membership and volunteer service within 4-H.
Lewis County
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation recently recognized three families with the 2020 Missouri 4-H Century Family Award. Each family represents a combined 100 years or more of membership and volunteer service within 4-H.
Bates County
The Arnold Family
Pike County
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Missouri 4-H volunteer Mary Beth Mitchell with the 2021 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Mitchell, of Monroe County, is being recognized for more than 30 years of service and support to…
The Issue
4-H and FFA Livestock projects impact youth life skill development in motivation, responsibility, goal setting, discipline, and leadership (Anderson et al., 2015; Boleman et al., 2004; Evans, et al. 2019; Heavner et al., 2011; Rusk et al, 2003).
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation presents Michelle Taylor with the 2025 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Taylor is recognized for more than 19 years of service and support to 4-H in Henry County.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – More than 70 middle school students became Mizzou Tigers for a day at a nontraditional career exploration event sponsored by University of Missouri campus partners and Commerce Bank on Wednesday, April 4.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In 2019, Missouri 4-H lost a longtime friend, Victoria L. “Vicky” Miserez. For more than 30 years, Miserez served Boone County 4-H in many capacities, including sitting on the program’s board of trustees.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H, in partnership with the Missouri After School Network (MASN), now has five faculty members trained as Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualifying Administrators.
SEDALIA, Mo. – The 18th annual Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame ceremony on Aug. 10, 2024, honored outstanding volunteers and supporters who have made lasting contributions to the 4-H program and the youths of Missouri.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, Missouri 4-H wants to shout out heartfelt thanks to its amazing volunteers. Thousands of people choose to spend their time volunteering for Missouri 4-H. Because of their efforts, 4-H can provide a wide variety of opportunities for…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Mike Parson designated Oct. 1-7, 2023, as National 4-H Week in Missouri. During the week and beyond there will be events and activities promoting the values and principles of 4-H.
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Missouri 4-H had a strong outing at the 2023 All-American Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, Sept. 17 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team finished seventh overall in the 13-team field, said Karla Deaver, University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development…
The Missouri 4-H dairy judging team finished second overall at the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, held in October at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Missouri 4-H had its best finish since 1998 in the 2017 National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest on Oct. 2 at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H faculty have recently shared their expertise and influence nationally about issues as diverse as programming for youths who are homeless and the decision-making process behind going to the State Fair in the midst of a pandemic.