It is not too late to join 4-H

It is not too late to join 4-H according to Janice Emery, a 4-H youth development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“4-H is a family affair that gives children skills they will use for a lifetime. Confidence, creativity, curiosity, and compassion are all positive youth development characteristics that have been proven to increase with 4-H involvement,” said Emery.

According to Emery, 4-H is involved in many parts of the community and gives every child a place where they can belong.

4-H offers projects like cake decorating, scrapbooking, shooting sports, photography, international foods, and Lego robotics.  Projects of all kinds are available.

The positive development of youth that 4-H instills has also been proven to increase problem solving ability and increase the likelihood that youth will become contributing members of their community.

“It is a very exciting time to be a 4-H member and there are options for everybody,” said Emery.

According to Emery, 4-H is also always seeking active adult volunteers.  Professionals, retired professionals, or hobbyists that wish to give back to the community by being a 4H volunteer through teaching youth their skills are always encouraged to contact the nearest 4-H specialist to see what volunteer options are available.

Enrollment in 4-H is completed entirely online at: mo.4honline.com.

For more information on enrollment, clubs in the area, or volunteering, contact any of these 4-H youth development specialists and educators with MU Extension for  information:  Jennifer Hancock in Christian County, (417) 581-3558; Krista Tate in Howell County, (417) 256-2391; Bob McNary in Jasper County, (417) 358-2158; Karla Deaver in Lawrence County, (417) 466-3102; Mike Coffey in Newton County, (417) 455-9500; Velynda Cameron in Polk County, (417) 326-4916; Willa Williams in Taney County, (417) 546-4431; or Janice Emery in Texas County, (417) 967-4545.