4-H offers many local programs to benefit youth

For parents looking for ways to help their children unplug and find activities beyond video games, internet and television, area 4-H programs offer many options.

“4-H has a lot of things happening in the next few months,” said Stephanie Milner, county engagement specialist in 4-H youth development at the University of Missouri Extension.

Some of the activities are free, while others require membership in 4-H.

“The library event is free to anyone,” Milner said.

Fun Day with 4-H at the Poplar Bluff Public Library is from 2-4 p.m. March 20. Activities may include robot kits, drones arts, crafts and more.

The Gardening Afterschool Club program for youth who attend Sacred Heart is a partnership with the Master Gardeners.

A Gardening Afterschool Club meets from 3:15-4:15 p.m. each Tuesday during March, as well as April 7. The club is open to those ages 5-18. Anyone interested in gardening should contact the extension office by Feb. 26.

Kids in the Kitchen is a 4-H cooking club for ages 10-12 at the Twin Rivers School District at Fisk. Those who have a 4-H membership can attend the class for free. This is an afterschool program and is a partnership with FNEP Nutrition Program Associates (NPA’s). The program may be offered later at Qulin and Broseley. Register by Feb. 26 by calling 573-686-8064.

Kids in the Kitchen is a club for youth who want to learn the beginning basics of cooking in the kitchen.

Milner said, youth who join the club will be more willing to eat healthier meals and snacks as a result of the hands-on cooking experiences after each club meeting. They will learn how to prepare simple, healthy foods they can make for themselves and for other family members at home. They will learn good food and kitchen safety practices with each, as well as learning how to eat a healthy diet. No supplies are needed. Class size is limited to 12.

The class will be held at the Fisk Elementary School Cafeteria beginning Thursday, March 19 and will meet for six weeks.

Milner explained, the gardening and cooking classes will be held in Poplar Bluff in the summer.

Youth in Butler County interested in joining a 4-H club may locate a chapter near where they live.

A club at the Poplar Bluff Middle School is new and meets at 2:45 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at the school, Milner said.

The Wheatley 4-H Club meets at 11 a.m. the second Saturday of the month at Wheatley School.

Rombauer Rascals gather at 11 a.m. the first Saturday of the month at the Rombauer General Baptist Church.

Neelyville 4-H meets at 4 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays at the Independence Baptist Church.

Royal Riders meet at 3:15 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday at the Qulin Lions Club and Qulin Elementary Cafeteria.

Milner may be contacted at 573-686-8064 or by email at milnersn@missouri.edu.