OSAGE COUNTY  — Osage County’s 4-H program, administered by University of Missouri Extension, continues to offer rural kids opportunities to build a strong foundation through quality experiences.

“It’s hard to get kids involved in things, and you compete with a lot of other activities and entertainment,” said Engagement Specialist Elizabeth Anderson. “On one hand, it definitely can look like it’s declining because it is true. Sometimes, we see this kind of ebb and flow in numbers. I do think, though, that this year, the number of Clover Kids projects has grown incredibly over the last year or so, and those are all kids 5 to 7 years old. They’re just getting a taste for all of these different things they can do, whether that’s working with animals, arts and crafts, photography, or robotics. They’re trying out different things to figure out what it is they like.”

Anderson added the 4-H term for that is “finding your spark,” which she thinks is pretty cool. “I’m a 4-H parent myself, and far and away, it was the thing that impacted me most, and the reason I pushed my kids to stay involved because they’re getting older and there’s a lot of competition for their attention.”

When Anderson initially took her oldest son to 4-H, he was doing a program called “Exploring 4-H,” which is a version of Clover Kids for kids 8-10. “They’re trying out different things,” she explained. “The youth program associate had the kids try a project, and afterward, had them talk through what they liked doing, what didn’t go well, and what would they improve next time.”

4-H Council Chair Patsy Luebbert agrees. “One thing I have seen over and over in my 40-plus years as a 4-H volunteer in Osage County is the positive impact 4-H has on so many of the members,” she said. “They grow in confidence to try new experiences, learn speaking skills in front of people they don’t know, make friends from across the county, learn to make sound judgments because of their 4-H experiences, become involved in things that really interest them, and learn many life skills that will be with them in whatever they decide to do.”

Luebbert noted that 4-H doesn’t judge the kids but helps them grow, explore and gain valuable life skills in a friendly and encouraging setting. “4-H helps the kids to succeed,” she added.

One of the best lessons 4-H members learn is that not every swing will result in a home run. “This is something I feel has been going on for many years,” said Anderson. “A lot of times we are told at school and in sports that ‘you’re good at this, you’re bad at that, and if you’re bad at something, give it up.’ 4-H, I think, is trying to teach kids resilience, that they’re not always going to turn in a blue-ribbon project; they’re not always going to qualify for the State Fair. They’re not always going to do their absolute best, but what can they improve? We encourage these kids to try again because they have the potential to grow and to make it better. Often, when the kids come out and turn in their exhibits, they stand there and talk to the judges, who ask them those same questions. If you had to do it again, what would you change? I’ve helped judge in several different counties. Some kids say they would change nothing, that it’s perfect. That’s great, but others say they might try a different color next time. I think that teaching them resilience is the biggest takeaway for 4-H and the most important thing they can learn.”

Osage County has been without a youth program associate for a bit, but Anderson said MU Extension is coming out of a hiring freeze, and the position will be listed soon.

Anderson believes in the value of 4-H and what it offers the community’s youth. “I would encourage people to see the value in 4-H because many don’t understand everything we offer,” she said. “Some think all we do is show animals at the fair, but that’s not true at all. We offer a wide variety of projects, and we are always looking to recruit kids, but we also need project leaders and volunteers to share those interests or maybe share their expertise.”

There have been times when only one 4-H member wants to pursue a project. Anderson said she could read a manual on how first aid works and relay that information. However, it’s not her field of expertise. “Our clubs are always looking for more people who can commit to helping. Part of 4-H is getting these kids to develop positive relationships with other adults in their lives — not just their parents or teachers, but other people in their community — because that helps build a feeling of community and demonstrates that we care about each other, and can depend on each other. We’re lifting each other up.”

In addition to local clubs and projects, 4-H offers members a variety of different statewide opportunities, especially during the summer. For a while, 4-H didn’t have overnight camps because of the pandemic, but those are back in full force. “Those are exciting,” said Anderson.

Members aged 11-13 are encouraged to attend the teen conference, and the State Congress is open to kids aged 14-18. “Kids go to Mizzou and spend time with others from across the state,” said Anderson. “It gives them a chance to develop leadership opportunities.”

4-H begins the new year on Oct. 1, at which time Anderson hopes to push out information about different opportunities and invite kids to try them out and discover their interests. Even if kids have unique interests and can’t find the project they’re looking for, 4-H offers self-directed projects. She added that members may have to submit an explanation to the youth program associate for approval.

“The sky’s the limit,” said Anderson. “If you look at the list of exhibits, the creativity is amazing.”

Another option for projects is the Special Interests (SPIN) Club, where five or more young people can learn about a topic of interest. Topics vary and include interests such as nature, heritage arts, science, photography, gardening, shooting sports, and more.

Anderson said some projects are modeled after State Fair requirements, which are specific regulations for sizing and other elements. Others are open-ended; for example, kids could make an educational display or a poster. “We don’t want to limit the kids’ creativity,” she added.

4-H members may show at the Osage County Fair until they reach 18. Many transition to FFA during high school, and some compete in open categories even after leaving 4-H.

Anderson said the point of 4-H is to lay a foundation for learning. “I think it helps build curiosity and understanding, but also asking questions, like, ‘How does that work? How can I make that myself? How can I improve that? I think that’s a really powerful mindset,” she noted, adding that MU Extension’s goal is to give people the best possible information and the best possible education, even if they can’t come up to campus. “That’s the whole purpose of Extension. That’s the land-grant mission. We’ve got the university, but we need to extend opportunities across the entire state.

That’s why we exist: to give people the best information so they can make decisions themselves about how to have the best life. Whether that’s research about how to increase their yields on different crops or genetics for beef, or ‘I feel disconnected from my community, how do I work with other people? How do I increase my leadership skills? How do I reach out to other people?’ All of those things are the building blocks of making a happy life and a happy community.”

Anderson sees a direct correlation between 4-H and adult education, specifically in agriculture. Each year at the Missouri State Fair, an Osage County family is honored for their contribution to farming.

Century Farm owners are likewise recognized at the annual dinner in February.

Kids can join any of the nine 4-H clubs in Osage County they want. 

— Argyle Country Clovers 4-H Club meets the second Sunday of every month at 5 p.m. at the KC Hall in Argyle.

Club leader: Heather Boldwin, 573-694-8229

— Bonnots Mill Eagles 4-H Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Bonnots Mill School in Bonnots Mill.

Club leader: Sammy Starke 573-690-8207; Co-leader: Brenda Starke, 573-619-7582; Clover Kids leader: Anne Starke

— Chamois Lucky Charms 4-H Club meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Maranatha Baptist Church in Chamois.

Club leader: Julie Keilholz, 573-763-5302

— Folk Lucky Clovers 4-H Club Meeting dates to be determined. Please contact the Club leader for more information.

Club leader: Janice Boessen, 573-433-5653; Clover Kids leader: Courtney Berhorst

— Linn Happy Helpers 4-H Club meets the second Sunday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Osage County Community Center.

Club leader: Trisha Ely 573-353-6879; Assistant: Jennifer Frank 573-619-5954; Clover Kids leader: Jill Schafer

— Loose Creek Busy Bee’s 4-H Club meeting dates, time and location to be determined. Please contact the Club leader for more information.

Club leader: Amanda Brandt 573-690-7135

— Morrison Smiling Workers 4-H Club meets the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Planter Schoolhouse in Morrison.

Club leader: Kate Kuschel 573-298-1733

— Rich Fountain 4-H Club meets the second Sunday of every month at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart School in Rich Fountain.

Club leader: Catherine Scheulen 573-694-1749

— Westphalia Happy Clovers 4-H Club meets the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Hall in Westphalia.

Club leader: Jenny Schulte 573-291-6362