From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Atchison County are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated October 5-11, 2025, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers six million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In Atchison County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, learn about healthy lifestyles, practice financial literacy, discover personal interests, raise livestock, make friendships, and much more!
University of Missouri Extension in Atchison County and its team of educators, volunteers, and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. From organizing food drives to support local communities, to showcasing their projects at the county fair, youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience, and communication – skills that will serve them in their career and for life.
“4-H is a space where youth can discover and develop lifelong interests, while growing into community members and leaders who care about others and want to give back,” said Annette Deering, Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development, Atchison County MU Extension Office.
“At a time when young people are navigating more uncertainty than ever, 4-H offers them a place to grow, lead, and find their spark,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth gain real-world skills and experiences to help them become confident leaders who are resilient, confident, and Beyond Ready for the future.”
During National 4-H Week, 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.
ABOUT MISSOURI 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 community clubs, SPIN clubs, day camps, school enrichment programs, and 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.
ABOUT
ATCHISON COUNTY 4-H
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. In 2024, Farmer City, Lucky Clovers, Shooting Sports, and Wolverines 4-H clubs were active, with a combined membership of 36 youth members and seven adult volunteers.
In addition to community clubs, Atchison County youth participated in 4-H school enrichment programs at Rock Port and Tarkio schools, including Eating from the Garden, Kids in the Kitchen, and Soccer for Success; and in Special Interest (SPIN) clubs offered at the Velma Houts Fair Building, including crochet, sewing, and woodburning. Atchison County 4-H staff also provided STEM activities during the Color My World Summer Reading Program, held at the Tarkio branch of the Atchison County Library.
Now is a great time to get involved with 4-H – Atchison County welcomes new members and leaders! The new 4-H year runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. 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. 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, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 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 phone 660-744-6231, or enroll via 4-H online at https://v2.4honline.com.
The Atchison County 4-H and University of Missouri Extension in Atchison County will be hosting a supply drive for Good Neighbor Week and National 4-H Week. The supplies will benefit youth in Atchison County schools.
Atchison County schools need school supplies and personal care/and hygiene products for their students.
Suggested items of need are:
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant for male and female
• Bodywash for male and female
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Shampoo kits
• Washcloths and loofah
• Feminine products (pads and tampons)
• Hair ties
• Socks
• Disposable nail files
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Glue sticks
• Headphones
• Wireless mouse
• Black leggings, size 4-12
• Black sweats, size 4-14
• Shorts, boy and girl size 5-12
• Underwear, boy and girls size 5-12
• 3 ring binders
• Paper towels
The supply drive will run the entire month of October. Donations can be dropped off at the Extension Office from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If after hours, please call 660-744-6231 and arrangements can be made to pick up or drop off.
The supply drive is sponsored by: Atchison County 4-H and the University of Missouri Extension Council in Atchison County.
Atchison-Holt 4-H member Case Sage (second from right) is pictured at the 2025 Missouri 4-H state shooting competition. He competed in the 0.22 Smallbore Pistol Division. (Submitted photo)
Atchison-Holt 4-H Shooting Sports Club
Atchison-Holt 4-H Shooting Sports Club is a new club providing outdoor opportunities for our local youth. This year, the club was awarded a grant from the Friends of the NRA for shooting sports equipment in the amount of $11,123. Leaders of this new group are: Jessica Sage – Shooting Sports Coordinator, Archery Instructor, and Rifle Instructor; and Shawn Sage – Shotgun Instructor, Rifle Instructor, Pistol Instructor, and Archery Instructor. Members are: Case Sage, Brody Sage, Rylee Sage, Tessa Sage, Averie Patterson, Gracie Nowling, Aubrey Griefe, Callie Griefe, Alyssa Wilson, Abigail Wilson, Rayden Stevenson, Eric Olausen, and Sariah Olausen.
On June 21, 2025, five club members competed in the Nodaway County Shoot. They were: Case Sage – Senior division for 0.22 pistol and trap; Brody Sage – Senior division for 0.22 rifle; Rylee Sage – Intermediate division for archery, compound bow; Tessa Sage – Junior division for archery, compound bow; and Averie Patterson – Intermediate division for archery, compound bow.
One club member competed in the 4-H Nationals Shooting Sports Competition in Grand Island, Nebraska, June 23-28, 2025. Over 740 youth, representing 40 states in seven shooting sports disciplines (shotgun, smallbore rifle, smallbore pistol, muzzleoading, archery, air rifle, and air pistol) competed. Case Sage was chosen to represent the state of Missouri in smallbore pistol competition. The state team as a whole placed second overall in this competition. The Missouri Smallbore Pistol Team, including Case Sage, achieved fourth place overall.
On August 23 and September 20, two youth participated in the state competition for Missouri 4-H Shooting Sports. Case Sage competed in the senior division in trap and 0.22 pistol. Brody Sage competed in the senior division in the 0.22 rifle.
On November 8, 2025, new members will be required to take a Shooting Sports Safety Class (SS740) (location and date to be determined). Plans to hold a benefit trap shoot and benefit archery shoot to raise money for the clubs are underway.
