Friday, January 18, 2013

4-H Alumni Needed to Help Grow Youth Opportunities in Barry County

Past 4-H members are needed to serve as volunteers for 4-H clubs that are starting in Purdy and Washburn. 4-H is about youth and adults working together to learn, volunteer and have fun.

As the largest out-of-school youth organization in the world, 4-H is open to all boys and girls, ages 5 to18. Children who are five to seven years old (by Dec. 2010) are eligible for 4-H Clover Kids, an introductory program.

Youths who are 5 to 18 years of age (by Dec. 31, 2012) can select from a variety of 4-H projects and activities that stress social and life skills in areas such as decision making, communication, social interaction, civic responsibility and physical skills.

“You do not have to live on a farm to join 4-H,” said Jeremy Elliott-Engel, regional 4-H youth development specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “Project opportunities include computers, robotics, foods and nutrition, horticulture, large and small animals and much more.”

“4-H alumni are some of the best volunteers because they understand how 4-H works and they know the impact 4-H has made in their lives” he continued “they want to give back and help young people be the best they can be,” said Elliott-Engel.

Currently there is only one 4-H club in Newton County (Exeter) that is growing. A new program this year is Shotgun in the Missouri 4-H Shooting Sports Program.

Missouri 4-H is University of Missouri Extension's youth development program. The program is designed to help to create opportunities for young people to be valued, contributing members of their community.

4-H members are less likely than their non-4-H peers to participate in risky behaviors and are more likely to go to college and return to their local communities according to a study done by Tufts University.

To learn more about 4-H and how to get involved locally go online to http://mo4h.missouri.edu or visit the Barry County University of Missouri Extension Center in the County Courthouse, Cassville. Enrollment fees are $10 per youth member.

For information on volunteering or starting a new 4-H club contact Jeremy Elliott-Engel in Newton County at (417) 455-9500 or the Barry County MU Extension Office at (417)-847-3161.

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