WEBB CITY – Members of the Spring River 4-H Club took to social media this weekend asking members of the Jasper County community to stay home. Missouri 4-H, which is a part of the University of Missouri Extension, suspended all face-to-face programming in mid-March following MU protocol, and the suspension extends through May 15.
4-H members typically meet with adult volunteers throughout the year to learn new skills and put in hours working on their projects. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, members and volunteers have had to find alternatives to in-person meetings, such as virtual platforms like Zoom, filming videos to share, completing worksheets, or taking photos of projects they have worked on. Many clubs and individuals have used social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to keep each other, as well as the public, informed on the hard work they’re still putting in.
Spring River 4-H, a club that meets outside of Webb City, used Facebook to share a Public Service Announcement about staying home so youth can move forward with 4-H opportunities this summer. Club members posted a photo collage on Facebook of members holding up signs asking the community to stay home. Spring River 4-H Club member Maddie Coats said the members of her club have worked hard the last few months in their project areas, and want the community’s support.
“We work hard all year educating ourselves about feeding, grooming, and caring for the health of our livestock,” said Coats, “members also spend hours practicing projects such as woodworking, sewing, and baking.”
Coats said members are hopeful they will be able to showcase their hard work this year at the fair. The Jasper County Youth Fair, which takes palace the second full week of July, hosts more than 1,000 animal and non-animal exhibits from members of youth organizations in Jasper County.
The members of Spring River 4-H Club are asking members of the community to continue practicing social distancing measures so youth can have opportunities such as the Jasper County Youth Fair this summer.
“We ask you to stay home for the health of our community, and the health of all our 4-H members so we are able to show off our hard work at our fair this year,” said Coats.
About Jasper County 4-H
Jasper County 4-H is a positive youth development organization of more than 200 youth and adults who believe in promoting character, maintaining excellence, and upholding the mission and honored programmatic traditions of 4-H. Jasper County 4-H encourages meaningful, positive youth adult partnerships, community service, and engagement.
4-H in Missouri is a part of the University of Missouri Extension and is publicly supported by county, state and federal governments as well as private resources, both human and financial. 4-H welcomes all Missouri youth.
For more information on 4-H in Jasper County, email [email protected].
