Adair County 4-H Community Club Membership nears 300
4-H clubs are organizing for the 2007-08 year. They have their sights set on increasing membership. Figures just released from last year revealed there were 239 members in the 4th-12th grades in community clubs. In addition, the program enrolled 55 youth in grades 1st-3rd as Clover Kids or Discovery members for total membership of 294. The 300 mark looks within reach, especially with the wide variety of projects and experiences offered through the 4-H program.
Photography, food and nutrition, horticulture, citizenship, beef, and dog are at the top of the list of projects selected by Adair County 4-H’ers. Members can select from a list of nearly 100 projects ranging from aerospace to welding. Animals are always a big hit with kids and there has been an increase in animal projects that can be completed over a shorter time span. Meat goats, poultry, and sheep projects are becoming increasingly popular especially with families who want youth to learn to care for living things but don’t want to have to worry about battling winter conditions.
Clubs are organized around shared interests or by geographic areas. Youth have twelve clubs to choose from. All community clubs are led by screened adult volunteers. “Our volunteers are terrific,” notes Deb Hall, County Extension Education Director. “They are really committed to providing youth an incredible growth experience.”
A new option offered for membership across the state is independent membership. Adair County is offering this alternative method of participation for the first time this year. “Some youth find it is impossible to be members of a club due to work, church, or extra-curricular activities,” according to Hall. The independent option allows them to still join the program, master new skills, practice generosity, and become community leaders. Independent members select a mentor and develop their own plan for the year.
Enrollments are being accepted for the 2007-08 program year. Potential members can either contact the Adair County Extension office at 743-8412 or 1-800-ISUE399 to connect with a club or contact a club leader directly. Club leaders signed on for the year include: Adair County Hot Shots, Sieanna and Tyson Rawlings, Randy Hensley, Jack Brown, Sr., Steve Johnston, Rick Miller, Brooke Wilbourne, and Dallas and Tracey Mavis; Adair County Wing Walkers, Vanessa Martin and Tammy Walk; Grove Champions, Karen Stamper and Mark Ruby; Harrison Hummers, Deb Stalter and Kim Pepin; Jefferson Pioneers, Jon Linn, Amy Doud, and Rochelle Gilman; Nodaway Valley Clover Kids, Polly Miller; Orient Bulldogs, Emily Ford; Richland Royals, Sharon Mensing and Linda BreDahl; Summerset Citizens, Tammie Cass, Karen Schulteis, Ami Venteicher, and Susan Marnin; Summit Super Stars, Teresa Noland, Jeanette Jorgensen, and Beth Davenport; Washington Stars, Amy Thompson and Kris Ford; and Way Out Walnuts, Ralph Lents, Cindi Lee, and Lonny Jensen.
In addition to the community club program, Adair County also has a Clover Kids program. Kids in 1st-3rd grade can participate in the monthly program held the first Saturday morning of each month at the Extension office. 4-H teens serve as the leaders for the group. Each month’s program is based on a theme. The meetings include games, crafts, and books. Clover Kids enrollment forms are available by calling the Adair County Extension office at 641-743-8412 or 1-800-ISUE399 or on-line at /adair/info/4henrollmentforms.htm