LAMAR, Mo. — Barton County is taking a new spin with 4-H. The 4-H spin clubs are a new addition in Missouri 4-H Youth Development Program. 4-H SPIN clubs allow youth ages 5 to 18 with common interests or hobbies to meet as a club, share, and learn more about their special interest.
Barton County 4-H recently hosted a 4-H Spin Club event at the Liberal Fall Festival in Liberal, M.. 4-H youth from the area displayed project information, shared 4-H project and working demonstrations and presented public speaking projects.
The event concluded with community youth taking a Spin on the 4-H Wheel. With every spin of the wheel came the opportunity to learn more about 4-H clubs, programming and project areas, the University of Missouri and Extension programming.
The Barton County 4-H program will be celebrating 4-H by hosting a 4-H Spin club at the Happy and Mary Curless Library in Liberal, Mo. Area youth are invited to come every Tuesday from 3:30 pm-5:00 pm through October.
For more information contact Elaine Davis Barton County 4-H at the University of Missouri Extension office, 417-682-3579.
“Whatever your passion is, youth can gain knowledge and enhance their skills through a positive group experience,” said Elaine Davis, 4-H Youth Program Associate with Barton County MU Extension.
A 4-H SPIN club can be started with a minimum of one adult volunteer and five young people with interest in a particular topic. The adult partnership will provide expertise and guidance.
“This is a great way to introduce young people to a specific topic or interest they might not otherwise have a chance to develop within a group setting built around the principles of Positive Youth Development,” said Davis.
Missouri 4-H is University of Missouri Extension’s youth development program. The 4-H program helps to create opportunities for young people to be valued, contributing members of their community. To learn how to get involved locally go to http://mo4h.missouri.edu.
Residents of southwest Missouri can 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.
— Elaine Davis, University of Missouri Extension
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