4-H is the youth volunteer education program of University of Missouri Extension, University of Missouri and Lincoln University. It is a family-community effort, supplementing and complementing the mission of the home, church, and school, for the development of youth.

4-H is:

• An informal education program,

• Community-based and locally determined,

• Primarily group focused and family oriented,

• Volunteer operated,

• and Coordinated by University of Missouri Extension faculty.

Of importance is for youth development programs to be ecological in their approach. Positive youth development involves the individual, family, community and society. Because Missouri 4-H youth development is part of the University of Missouri and Lincoln University, programs are solidly grounded in research about positive youth development and based on high-priority citizen needs and concerns. With extensive input from citizens, analysis of trends, and discussions by MU Extension faculty and staff, programs are focused on selected high-priority content-areas.

Regardless of content area, high quality MU Extension 4-H youth development programs achieve positive, long-term results or outcomes for young people. The timeless 4-H pledge (adopted in 1927) speaks to these outcomes as well.

The 4-H pledge states: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.

4-H is young people preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow. 4-H’ers attend camps, display their work at fairs, travel the world, host youths from other countries, attend meetings and much more. In 4-H, youth will prepare themselves for the future while making new friends and memories.

4-H has now been a part of Callaway County for over 70 years. Currently there are seven clubs available throughout the county offering programs for youth ages 8 to 18. In addition to the traditional 4-H club program the Cover Kids program is offered to accommodate younger youth who are not yet ready for the competitive atmosphere.

The 4-H Clover Kids Club Program is designed to introduce five to seven year-olds to a variety of 4-H experiences. 4-H Clover Kids are involved in activities led by an adult that will help them to learn how to get along and share with others; explore many different interests; learn basic living skills; build self-confidence; learn to communicate effectively; and learn how to be a part of a group. The ultimate goal is to make this age group so excited about 4-H that they’ll continue their enrollment in 4-H beyond the 4-H Clover Kids experience.