Fall 4-H club enrollment still under way for new and returning members

More than 30 4-H members participated in the talent show and clothing event on July 26, a week before the main part of the Linn County Fair got under way this year. Talent show performances included instrumental and vocal solos as well as using American Sign Language to interpret songs. Clothing events included sewing outfits and putting together purchased clothing items to make an outfit. (Photos, except where noted, by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Abbie Powell

District Director

Marais des Cygnes Extension District

If you are interested in 4-H now is the time!  Enrollment for the 2025-2026 4-H year opened Oct. 1, and all returning members must be enrolled by Jan. 15.

Cadmus 4-H member Sutton Schwarz earned ribbons for clothing her grandmother helped her sew.

New members have until May 1, 2026, to enroll. 

If there are questions about clubs, projects, or enrollment please don't hesitate to contact the Mound City Extension Office at 913-795-2829 or visit our website at Marais des Cygnes District

When enrolling in 4-H there are a couple of things to decide, one is what club do you want to be in and what projects you are interested in.

As for club, the 4-H Clubs in Linn County have remained very constant with Cadmus and Parker Thunderbirds as great example of long-standing clubs by being established in 1929 and still going strong!  Busy Bugs was founded not long after in 1943.   

The next clubs that were founded were the Busy Workers in 1944 and Jayhawkers in 1948.  Busy Workers and Jayhawkers did take a short break when they lost too many members, but we are excited to announce that both of the clubs have made a return in 2025!

The Busy Workers 4-H Club made a splash by announcing the club's rebirth with a float at the Sugar Mound Parade on Saturday, Oct. 11. The club was dormant for a short period as its members aged out, but with all new members the Busy Workers are on a roll.

Randy Hensley enters her pet snapping turtle in the 4-H pet show. The pet show helps 4-Hers learn how to take care of their pets, and it also allows a wide range of entries. This year's show also had gold fish and salamanders. (Billy Roudybush / Journal contributor)

Jayhawkers is based out of Prescott and Amanda Mohler and Mika Milburn are the leaders.  This club is a mix of new and returning 4-H members, those that are returning were previously in other Linn County clubs.  This club has members ranging from 7-18 years of age. Jayhawkers was a long-standing club, established 78 years ago. The club did cease membership in 2018, but 2025 brings new life back to the organization.

Busy Workers is based out of La Cygne, and Samantha Mills is the leader. This club is made up of mostly brand new 4-H members and leaders.  Most of the members are under the age of 12.  Karla Hightower and Janet Reynolds were instrumental in bringing the club back after a short break of membership.

The Busy Bugs first started as a Linn County 4-H Club in 1944, but as some of the families aged out they did take a break for about three years. However, the club is active again for 2025.

Madison Milburn enters photos she took a Yellowstone National Park.  (Billy Roudybush / Journal contributor)

These clubs are instrumental in the structure of the Linn County 4-H Program and the youth that participate.  These clubs offer monthly meetings, community service and leadership opportunities, project work and so much more.

Many times, when people think of 4-H they instantly think of livestock projects, cooking and sewing, but 4-H is so much more than that.  Here is a list and description of all of the projects that Kansas 4-H has to offer: 4-h-project-selection-guide_4H1065.pdf. 

In this guide you will find that there are projects ranging from animal science, shooting sports, photography, leadership, leatherwork and everything in between!  

We look forward to the future of all of these clubs and would also like to recognize Valley Rangers and Helping Hands and the other 4-H Clubs in Linn County.  These clubs are organized by volunteers who serve the youth of the Linn County 4-H Program, and we are thankful for their service to K-State Extension and the families of the county. 

If you would like more information on any of these clubs or how to join, please reach out to the Marais des Cygnes Extension District at 913-795-2829.

Jordan Burns displays the representation of the U.S. Flag she made from strips of ribbon and material.  (Billy Roudybush / Journal contributor)