4-H | MU Extension

4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States with over 7 million participants. 4-H is best identified by its green four-leaf clover with an H on each leaf. The four H's on the emblem stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is the only youth organization based at land-grant universities and the first experience many youth have with higher education.

Join 4-H Today!

Did you know you could join 4-H at any time of the year?

4-H is not just for farm kids anymore! 4-H in Christian County offers youth learning opportunities in robotics, computers, scrapbooking, horses, livestock and much more. For more information visit Christian County 4-H Facebook.

Did you know that 4-H is the largest positive youth development program in our country? 4-H is open to all youth ages 5 to 18. The 4-H year runs from October 1 to September 30, but families can enroll at any time during the year. 4-H empowers youth to find their personal strengths and interests through hands on learning. 4-H teaches youth essential life skills aiding in college and career readiness.

Enrollment dues for Christian County 4-H are $25. Additional out-of-pocket costs may come up for trips, camps or project supplies.

Christian County 4-H information

Deadeyes: This is a shooting sports club for those that are only interested in the shooting sports program. To participate in 4 H shooting sports, youth MUST first attend a safety course specific to Missouri 4-H shooting sports. The safety training is only offered a few different times and families must make it a priority to attend this safety training usually held in January. A family can join a different club(primary 4-H club) and still participate in shooting sports (Deadeyes club would be secondary club); this is an alternative for those uninterested in other project areas. Christian County is certified to participate in Archery, Air Rifle, Small-bore Rifle .22, Shotgun, Small-bore Pistol, and Air Pistol. Practices typically take place evenings in Nixa or at Ozark Shooters during the spring. Scheduled meetings are to be determined.
Dee Dee Farnsworth: farnsworthaddy@hotmail.com
Two Rivers: A growing club with about 75% of its members brand new to 4-H. This year they are focusing on team building and exploring what all 4-H has to offer. The kids range from 6 to 18, so the older kids are really key for planning activities for the club, selecting community service projects (like roadside pickup), and running meetings. Individuals are in all kinds of projects, from woodworking and poultry to shooting sports and swine.
Meeting info: On the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in Ozark
Allison Day: allison.l.day@gmail.com
Clever Clovers: This community club has boys and girls ages 6-15. Members explore a variety of projects including animals, gardening, woodworking, cake decorating, crafts and more. The club does a community service project each year.
Meeting info: 2nd Sunday of the month, 3-5pm, Clever Fire Protection District
Caramie Petrowsky: caramiepetrowsky@gmail.com
Finley River: This club is targeted toward, but not excluded to, youth ages 5-11. This group likes to have fun and learn new things. They will have a large focus on agriculture, including various livestock animals.
Meeting info: Contact the club leader!
Gabbie Sadberry: mylow001@gmail.com

The 4-H Council meetings are held the 4th Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at various locations.

About 4-H

4-H brings young people, ages 5 to 18, and adults together to learn everyday skills through hands-on learning. Working on activities from animal and plant sciences to robotics, 4-H’ers learn problem-solving skills that can make a positive impact upon our community. Through 4-H, young people learn to meet the diverse challenges of today’s world, build self-confidence, learn responsibility and make positive decisions.

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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