Polk County 4-H Celebrates National 4-H Week: Beyond Ready
In 2027, Polk County 4-H will join a landmark celebration as 4-H commemorates its 125th anniversary of empowering young people across the nation. As part of this milestone year, Polk County 4-H proudly joins millions in celebrating National 4-H Week, (October 4-10) an annual event that marks the beginning of the new 4-H year while recognizing the lasting impact of 4-H on youth development. This year’s theme, “Beyond Ready” unites 6 million youth members, 3,500 Extension professionals, 500,000 volunteers, and 35 million alumni in celebrating how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to be beyond ready for life.
At 4-H, we embrace diversity in people, careers, and perspectives. Every child is valuable and
deserves the support and freedom to choose their own path. We believe in the potential of all
youth and strive to let their talents flourish. Through educational opportunities, mentorship, and
service-learning projects, 4-H empowers young people to discover their passions, build
confidence, and develop resilience.
Polk County 4-H is encouraging every member and volunteer to embrace the spirit of National
4-H Week by sharing their experiences and inviting others to join the 4-H community. With a
diverse range of projects and flexible delivery methods, Missouri 4-H ensures that there is an
opportunity for every young person to engage and grow through 4-H.
Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested
traditions and innovative hands-on learning experiences, ranging from agriculture to aerospace,
and career development to wildlife conservation, Missouri youth explore and find their spark.
Through 4-H clubs, programs, camps, in-school and afterschool experiences, the dedicated
University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff, and thousands of engaged volunteers guide youth
in developing essential skills, building confidence, and fostering meaningful connections.
Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference and become responsible adults in
their communities, their country, and their world.
Currently, there are two 4-H community clubs in Polk County. The Woodlawn 4-H Club (meets in
Bolivar) is the oldest club beginning back in 1956. The Eudora 4-H Club meets in Morrisville and
began in 1977. The GSBR 4-H Club at the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch was started in 2010 for
the residents living at the ranch. We also have a variety of special interest clubs (SPIN Clubs) to
meet the special interest of the 4-H members. The SPIN Clubs focus on project topics such as
livestock, zoology, sport fishing and shooting sports. SPIN clubs require a minimum of 6-10
hours of involvement in a specific project area.
To learn more about Missouri 4-H, the oldest and largest youth organization in the world,
visit 4h.missouri.edu. For more information on how to get involved with Polk County 4-H during
National 4-H Week and beyond, contact Velynda Cameron, 4-H youth development specialist at
417-326-4916 or by email at cameronv@missouri.edu or Hillary Manning at
hmanning@missouri.edu.
