If you want to talk about 4-H, just ask Carey Benne, youth program associate for Warren County. She can talk about it — all day! Benne was recently the recipient of the Outstanding 4-H Youth Development Program Associate Award, recognizing her dedication and commitment to Missouri 4-H.

But to say it more specifically, Benne loves 4-H with a passion. She began her 4-H experience at the age of eight as a Clover Kid in St. Charles County, showing chickens, goats, cattle, horses and her mutt Millie. She served on the Missouri State 4-H Council as a high school student, then earned her Agriculture Education Bachelor’s degree and Master’s Degree in Science of Agriculture.

She taught Vo-Ag in Union, ran a daycare for several years while her kids were young and then returned to what she really loves when the perfect job opened up, the 4-H youth program associate.

Benne said when she took the job at the Warren County Extension five years ago there were 120 4-H members. Now there are more than 260.

“Now more than ever, 4-H gives kids a chance to be on a team and communicate with adults,” she said as she reflected on the past year dealing with COVID challenges. “Everything went virtual last year. I miss hugs. I miss kids. The virtual way is so isolating.”

4-H clubs are open to all students ages eight to 18. Benne said children can join any time, but the best time is when school starts in the fall. The program year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. There are more than 75 topics students may choose from, including geocaching, robotics, cake decorating, interior design, woodworking, raising animals, gardening and many more.

There is even a 4-H sampler class for beginners called Exploring 4-H. Benne said it gives students an idea of what 4-H is all about and how they can pursue a specific interest.

“There are so many unique opportunities now,” said Benne. “We even have some especially designed for after school kids.”

Although Benne loves working with all ages, she was excited about continuing to develop the new 4-H teen leader program. The group has doubled in size and includes students from ages 13-18.

Teen leaders may mentor other youth, provide project leadership, serve as camp counselors, serve as a member of the 4-H Council, and are trained to become an advocate for 4-H.

“They learn confidence, leadership and communication skills,” she said.

Nominating Benne was Rhonda Shafer, county engagement specialist in 4-H development from Lincoln County.

“She’s done some really good things in Warren County and she is a tremendous asset for them,” said Shafer. “Enrollment and participation has increased greatly. She has made a huge impact since she has been there.”

Shafer said Benne has begun a career readiness program and runs a very successful chick hatching (embryology) program at the elementary schools.

Benne attributes the success of Warren County 4-H to the local adult volunteers and project leaders.

“If it wasn’t for the amazing families and volunteers, we couldn’t do it,” said Benne. “It’s about the kids, and the community is so supportive. It really takes an army and we have a good one.”

To learn more about 4-H, contact the Warren County Extension Center by calling 636-456-3444 or visit extension.missouri.edu.