4-H members from across the county are gearing up for their new year as they embrace the slogan “Beyond Ready” for the 2024-2025 club year. 4-H members in Benton County will be celebrating national 4-H week October 7 through the 12 as they welcome new members and enroll them in projects for the coming year.
“I have had many great experiences as a 4-H member,” said Benton County 4-H Council president Amelia Roberts. “From showing goats, rabbits and chickens at the local Benton County Fair to attending 4-H Congress at the University of Missouri, I have had many unique experiences that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else but in 4-H. There truly is something for everyone in 4-H.”
4-H Club membership is open to all youth age 8 through 18 (as of Dec. 31 of the current year).
Youth ages 5 to 7 are eligible as Clover Kids. Clover Kids may participate in regular 4-H Clubs or special 4-H Clover Kid Clubs.
All 4-H club members must be enrolled in a 4-H club each year. The 4-H year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Each year club members must re-enroll.
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H offers youth, families, and adult volunteers of all ages many ways to engage, grow and serve — through clubs, camps, contests, conferences, special interest groups, in-school and after school programs, and more. It’s about young people making new friends and memories while preparing to be future leaders — from both rural and urban areas.
“It was exciting to compete in the 4-H Building at the Missouri State Fair where I won the Intermediate Division of the Honey Contest,” said Charlotte Harper, Lake Creek Lamplighter member. Her brother Gus Harper competed as well.
All Arounders 4-H Club meets at 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of every month at United Methodist Church 154 West Washington Street in Warsaw. Club leader: Anita Campbell, 660-438-7916 or campbellanita1979@gmail.com
Lake Creek Lamplighters 4-H Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of every month at various locations in Cole Camp. Club leaders: Katie Phillips 573-569-1210 and Angela Viebrock 417-499-4022.
Turkey Creek Homesteaders meeting time, date and location rotate monthly. Club leaders: Jennifer Honea, 660-438-3396; Joe Valentine, 660-723-2087.
A ten-year member of 4-H, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance agent Julie Crouch recalled her years in 4-H fondly. “I loved hanging out with friends at the Missouri State Fair when we were showing our animals,” said Crouch. “4-H gave me the professional skills for a career and connections that helped me in my future.”
Contact the University of Missouri Extension at 660-438-5012 for more information on joining 4-H.
