To make the best better

Head.

Heart.

Hands.

Health.

Those four words mean an immense about to any 4-H youth or former club members.

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.

Throw in the motto of “to make the best better” and you have a youth program

that embodies the very essence of United Way’s motto of Live United.

4-H Clubs have been supporting area youth for roughly 80 years. United Way has supported area club for much of that time in some way or another.

University of Missouri Extension Office provides a part time youth program associate to assist area clubs. The program associate is located at the Extension office at 509 W. Rollins here in Moberly. Beyond the staff member and basic office supplies, United Way of Randolph County supplies that vast majority of funding for this youth program.

“With our developing relationships in the county, from 2019, we have had a 31% volunteer increase, 100% growth in school enrichment, and 27% growth in Randolph County 4-H programs,” explained 4-H Council President Stacey Roth, “We have 7 active clubs in the county with over 160 members.”

UWRC is excited to be able to provide area youth with opportunities that are unique to 4-H. 4-H has projects on more than 75 topics – everything from Astronomy to Zoology. Beyond the projects, 4-H offers youth development through learning skills like public speaking, club officer training, and demonstrations.

Older club members are encouraged to mentor younger members through camps and the club experiences. 4-H offers a variety of camps to help build members personal development.

Roth explained of the unique aspects of being a club member, “It is important for our young people to be engaged, well-informed citizens. To do this they must be connected to our communities and community leaders – no other program can make that happen like 4-H.”

If you would like more information on 4-H program, please reach out the University of Missouri Extension office at 660-269-9656.