Oscar Palmer shows off the greased pig he caught during a fair. (Submitted photo)

Lucky Clover member Markie Gaines shows her pigs at local fairs.

Braeley Cook entered a number of items into the Atchison County Fair 4-H Achievement Day this summer. (Submitted photo)

Nash Schomberg presents his 4-H project for Atchison County Fair Achievement Night 2024. (Submitted photo)

Claire Spiegel, Braylyn Wood, Emma Teten, and Bentley Teten all showed pigs at the Atchison County Fair Swine Show this year. (Submitted photo)

This year, Atchison County 4-H proudly joins millions across the nation in celebrating National 4-H Week, an annual event that highlights the positive impact of 4-H on youth development. Themed “Beyond Ready,” National 4-H Week celebrates the dedication of youth, families, volunteers, and alumni who contribute to the growth and success of 4-H programs.

At 4-H, they embrace diversity in people, careers, and perspectives. Every child is valuable and deserves the support and freedom to choose their own path. They 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.

“We are thrilled to participate in National 4-H Week and showcase the incredible achievements of our youth members,” says Lupita Fabregas, Sr. Program Director of Missouri 4-H. “We  are a close-knit community united by our commitment to personal growth, leadership, and positive change.”

4-H is dedicated to empowering youth in both body and mind, relying on scientifically backed studies and programming that drive youth forward so they can be prepared for anything. Youth are equipped with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. Through 4-H, opportunities and experiences are offered that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future.

Fabregas encourages 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.

Atchison County 4-H offers several chartered 4-H community clubs, including: Atchison County Robotics, Atchison-Holt Shooting Sports, Farmer City, Lucky Clovers, and Wolverines.  Atchison  County 4-H faculty and staff also offer special interest (SPIN) clubs, school enrichment programs, in-school clubs, and afterschool clubs.

Regional, state, and national 4-H opportunities available to Atchison County 4-H members include energizers, day camps, overnight camps, leadership conferences, STEM challenges, community service projects, fashion revue, public speaking, horse bowl, livestock judging, meat judging, and shooting sports competitions.

The new 4-H year runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The 4-H age is determined by the youth’s actual age on December 31 of the 4-H year. Youth ages 5-7 enroll in Missouri 4-H Clover Kids and youth ages 8-18 enroll in Missouri 4-H. Inclusive 4-H Plan request forms and resource guides are available for youth needing accommodations.

To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu. For more information on how to get involved with Atchison County 4-H during National 4-H Week and beyond, contact the MU Extension Office in Atchison County at 660-744-6231, or Teresa Mertens, Youth Program Associate, at tlmertens@missouri.edu, or Annette Deering, Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development, at email deeringa@missouri.edu.

Lucky Clovers 4-H Club

The Lucky Clovers 4-H Club is based out of the Rock Port, Missouri, area and has 12 members and three leaders. Leaders are Afton Schomburg, Dixie Teten, and Abby Palmer. Members are: Rylee Jenkins (graduated), Emma Teten, Raylynn Jenkins, Bentley Teten, Nash Schomberg, Stevie Gaines, Markie Gaines, Claire Spiegel, Grant Spiegel, Oscar Palmer, Braeley Cook, and Landrey Kelly.

Supply drive for Good Neighbor Week and National 4-H Week

The Atchison County 4-H and University of Missouri Atchison County Extension Office will be hosting a supply drive For Good Neighbor Week and National 4-H week for Atchison County Schools.

The following items are needed: toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant for male and female, bodywash male and female, shampoo and conditioner, lice shampoo, washcloths and loofah, feminine products (pads and tampons), hair ties, socks, boys shorts 1st -5th grade underwear, disposable nail files, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, wireless mouse, children’s scissors, loose leaf paper, Expo markers, binder dividers, Kleenex, bleach wipes, popsicle sticks, acrylic craft paint, rubber cement, colored pencils, washable markers, pencils, highlighters, dot markers, Magic erasers, little dry erase marker board, and glue sticks.

The supply drive will run the entire month of October. Donations can be dropped off at the Extension Office (201 E. U.S. Hwy. 136, Rock Port) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If after hours, call 660-744-6231 and arrangements can be made for pick-up or drop-off.