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.
4-H is open to all youth age
s 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 $20 state dues. Any additional out of pocket costs come from any trips, camps or project supplies. To enroll your family in 4-H, go to v2.4honline.com. We have five 4-H Community Clubs in Christian County:
• 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, Smallbore Rifle .22, Shotgun, Smallbore Pistol, and Air Pistol. Practices typically take place evenings in Nixa or at Ozark Shooters during the spring. Scheduled meetings are to be determined.
-Melissa Thurman: [email protected], 314-520-1636
-Lee Thurman: [email protected], 314-520-0975
• 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. Meet: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in Ozark. Allison Day: [email protected]
• New Horizons: This is a well-rounded club that meets in Sparta; they do community service each year. This year they are focusing on photography, vet science, beef, dairy, arts and crafts, and goats. New Horizons has both boys and girls ranging in ages 7 to 15. This is a great club with many different activities.
*Meeting Info: Mondays, First Baptist Church in Sparta, 6:00 PM
-Julie Clonts: [email protected], 417-818-0119
• 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, Clever Fire Protection District, 3-5pm
-Amanda Kenly: [email protected], 417-693-0765
• 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!
-Amanda Kimmons: [email protected]
For more information on 4-H and 4-H in Christian County, check out these websites:
• Missouri 4-H: 4h.missouri.edu
• 4-H: 4h.org
• Enroll: v2.4honline.com
