For more than 100 years 4-H programs have been designed to help teach youth skills to benefit their families and their communities. In the beginning, agricultural skills were foremost on the skill list. The organization now provides a huge variety of programming and new to Warren County — robotics. Dale Davis, Warren County 4-H youth development program assistant, and Shelly Bush Rowe, Extension program director, said they are always looking for programs that would enhance the current 4-H program. “We met with community and business leaders and took a look at how we could be more responsive to the needs of the community,” said Davis. “Robotics was just one of the things that came out of the meeting.” Rowe said putting an emphasis on promoting science, engineering and technology is a sign of the “changing of the times.” With fewer people living on farms, robotics seemed a good choice to add to county 4-H programming. An informational meeting was held Oct. 5 to orient children and their parents to the new program. Davis said the robotics group will meet once a month through January. The fee for 4-H members is $20; nonmembers will pay $40. The first meeting a student attends is free. Helping to spearhead the new program are a mother-son team, Nancy and Andrew Amburgy, Marthasville. “Being a fan of science fiction brought me into robotics when I was 7 or 8. I thought it would be really cool to do,” said Andrew, 17. “My mom discovered this group, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), and I’ve been competing for five years.” Andrew is a member of Dynomite 4-H Club and is involved with the FIRST Lego League through the Homestead 4-H Club. He is also a member of River City Robots, based in St. Charles. Some of his robots can weigh as much as 120 pounds and stand up to 5 feet tall. Nancy said two robotics programs will be under way this year. Five students from the Homestead 4-H Club are already participating and will compete in the FIRST Lego League, with Andrew as their mentor. During competition students will use a robot they have built to perform functions during a 2 1/2 minute round. Students are graded on design, performance and function as a team. The second program is the beginning robotics class currently forming. “We’ll start with the basics,” said Davis. “We’ll find out where the interest lies and take it from there.” Nancy said the robotics program teaches great skills, including programming, logic, leadership, public speaking and performance. “Education-wise, you can’t beat it,” she said. “It’s a great activity for the whole family.” Andrew said he likes to teach. He likes seeing the kids learn. And, no surprise, Andrew is interested in attending the Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly UMR) to earn his degree in engineering beginning next fall. “We have a ball,” said his mom. “Yeah, we do,” added Andrew. Davis said she has gotten a whole new education while exploring the robotics program and is anxious for it to get off the ground. “Plus it’s fun,” said Rowe, “learning through play.” For more information about the robotics program or other 4-H offerings, contact the University of Missouri Extension office in Warrenton by calling 636-456-3444 or visit extension.missouri.edu/warren.