Craft classes available through 4-H program

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and the area 4-H program is offering craft classes where youth may either make gifts to give someone special in their life or to sell.

While the workshop will begin Tuesday, Feb. 2, it also will be offered again Feb. 9 and Feb. 11. Class size is limited to 10 youth per session. Each class will begin at 4:30 p.m. and last until 6:30 p.m.

The class is free to any 4-H member, and if you are not a 4-H member, Kim Allison, Butler County Extension youth program associate, suggests joining by enrolling online at https://v2.4honline.com or request a paper form. The cost to join 4-H is$20 but joining will offer a variety of additional opportunities to youth.

Each class will offer directions and assistance on how to make an artificial arrangement in a bud vase, candy in a jar and candles in a jar, Allison said. Everything needed for the class is provided free.

Allison is “going to let them pick what they want to make” and all projects will be available at each of the three sessions.

“The students are going to make a project and if they want to they may sell them,” Allison said. “They don’t have to come to all three, but they can if they want to and register.”

4-H clubs are open to ages 8 to 18. While clubs normally meet monthly for group activities and club business, COVID-19 have kept some clubs from meeting regularly. Each club elects officers and has an approved adult leader who supervises club activities. Club members also enroll in projects in their areas of interest. Online projects also are available.

With projects on more than 75 topics, 4-H has something to interest everyone. Here are just a few of the opportunities 4-H offers: geocaching, robotics, international exchanges, horsemanship, pets, starting a business, arts and crafts, raising animals, woodworking, photography and gardening,

Butler County clubs are Steppin’ Up 4-H Club led by Chris Waite, Neelvyille 4-H Club with leaders Curtis and Peggy Reinbott, Rombauer Rascals 4-H Club led by Betty Schalk, Royal Riders 4-H Club with leaders Ed and Phyllis Flanigan and Nancy Morse, Oak Grove STEM led by John Fuller and Jeremy Catt and SEMO House of Robotics Homeschool Club with leader Lakota Myers.