4-H Cape Girardeau County

08/27/2026

Today we mourn the loss of an American icon, a beloved philanthropist and a proud 4-H alumna, Dolly Parton. Her extraordinary life was defined not only by her incredible talent, but by her unwavering generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others.

For generations of young people, Dolly embodied what it means to use your gifts in service of others. From her roots in 4-H to her lifelong investment in literacy, education and community, she showed us that true leadership is grounded in humility, kindness, and purpose. As Dolly once said, "storms make trees take deeper roots." 💚

A proud 4-H alumna, she reminded us that challenges can strengthen us and help us grow. That wisdom will continue to inspire young people and communities for generations to come. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the millions whose lives she touched. Her legacy of hope, generosity, and service will live on. 🍀

08/27/2026

07/23/2026

Join the Cape Girardeau County Master Gardeners July 28th and 29th for a FREE Gardening Camp! Youth ages 8-12 will enjoy two days filled with activities, crafts, and learning opportunities!

Cost: FREE
Ages: 8-12 years old
Date: July 28th-29th, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: MU Extension in Cape Girardeau County
Registration Deadline: Friday, July 24th

This camp is open to ALL youth ages 8–12, so we encourage our 4-H members to invite a friend!

To pick up or submit a registration form, email [email protected] or stop by the Extension Office.

Questions? Call (573) 243-3581.

07/20/2026

Don't miss out on 4-H Day at the Lake!

There's still time to register for Day at the Lake! Youth will enjoy hands-on educational activities, outdoor exploration, and a day of fun with friends.

Date: Wednesday, August 5th
Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Location: Lake Wappapello Visitor Center
Ages: 5–18
Cost: $15

This event is open to ALL youth, so we encourage our 4-H members to invite a friend and spend the day together!

To pick up or submit a registration form, email [email protected] or stop by the MU Extension in Cape Girardeau County.

Questions? Call (573) 243-3581.

07/14/2026

Ready to dig into some summer fun?

Join the Cape Girardeau County Master Gardeners on July 28th and 29th for a FREE Gardening Camp! Youth ages 8-12 will enjoy two days filled with activities, crafts, and learning opportunities!

Cost: FREE
Ages: 8-12 years old
Date: July 28th-29th, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: MU Extension in Cape Girardeau County
Registration Deadline: Friday, July 24th

This camp is open to ALL youth ages 8–12, so we encourage our 4-H members to invite a friend!

To pick up or submit a registration form, email [email protected] or stop by the Extension Office.

Questions? Call (573) 243-3581.

07/09/2026

Looking for a fun way to wrap up the summer?

Join us for 4-H Day at the Lake on Wednesday, August 5th, at the Lake Wappapello Visitor Center! Youth ages 5–18 will enjoy a day of hands-on educational activities, outdoor exploration, and fun with friends.

Date: August 5th, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 per youth
Registration Deadline: Friday, July 24

This event is open to all youth ages 5–18, so we encourage our 4-H members to invite a friend to join them for the day!

To get a registration form, email [email protected] or stop by the MU Extension in Cape Girardeau County. Completed registration forms and payment may be dropped off at your local extension office.

Questions? Call (573) 243-3581.

06/26/2026

There's still time to apply for the 2026 MFA Saddle Award!

4-H members aged 14–18, don't miss this opportunity! Applicants with an equine background are encouraged to apply, but all eligible 4-H members are welcome.

Submit your short essay questionnaire to have a chance to win a beautifully crafted saddle. Applications are open until July 1st!

The selected recipient will be presented with a saddle at the Equine Exhibitor Dinner on July 29th in Sedalia, Missouri.

Apply here: https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8AfUv17xuPualgO?fbclid=IwY2xjawSrij9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRMGt4WHVGTXpKUDhjbGNIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiYklEXyLfTya5337eFBDsq0UXzaJ3BibJUy0E5tVt9jgl4e4eN6sdzKU4pW_aem_i6fmIgGtnea_jZBIHCPFeA

06/20/2026

Calling all Sheep and Goat 4-Hers! If you want to learn more on how to show your animals consider joining the new regional sheep and goat club!

On June 27th you are encouraged to attend the first meeting at the East Perry Fairgrounds in Altenburg, MO. This meeting will be from 10 AM until 2PM.

Meat bread and water will be provided for lunch. If you would like to bring a dish to pass please do.

If you are able, please bring 1 or 2 animals you are wanting to show. If you do not have one available, please let us know.

This club is open to youth from ANY county!

To register please call the Cape Girardeau Extension Office at 573-243-3581 or email Clayton Skelton at [email protected]

06/09/2026

Have you completed a 4-H project this year?

Then we want to see it at the Cape Girardeau County 4-H County Fair & Achievement Day on June 26-27 at the MU Extension in Cape Girardeau County!

This event gives members the opportunity to showcase their project work, receive feedback, develop presentation skills, and be recognized for their projects.

Don't forget to sign up for:
- Demonstrations
- Public Speaking
- Interviews
- Clover Kid Interviews

We hope to see all of our members participate and showcase their hard work!

Call us at 573-243-3581 or email [email protected] for more information and to claim your spot!

05/19/2026

2026 Cape County 4-H Senior Spotlight: Maria Miller

After 11 years in 4-H, Maria is wrapping up an incredible journey filled with leadership, friendships, and lots of memories! Over the years, she has been involved in the Tilsit 4-H Club, Collaborative Minds Club, and Cape County Junior Leaders.

This fall, Maria plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University to pursue a degree in Communication Disorders and work toward becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist.

During her time in 4-H, Maria served as Club President for 2 years and also held the role of Treasurer. Her favorite part of 4-H was attending summer camps and later getting the chance to come back as a counselor for the Junior Leaders Clover Kid Camps.

Maria has made so many great memories through 4-H, and we are excited to see all she accomplishes next.

Congratulations, Maria!