CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY 4-H COUNCIL

The Cape Girardeau County 4-H Council's mission is to help young people develop into happier, more productive citizens.

The organization helps youths to grow in self-confidence, awareness, decision-making, knowledge and citizenship by learning more about themselves, their home, family, community and all living things.

The 4-H council provides a variety of programs to youths between the ages of 5 and 19 throughout Cape Girardeau County.

Among the programs are: 4-H embryology; livestock, dairy and meat identification; county achievement; fashion revue; 4-H Bicycle Rodeo; 4-H camp; a variety of leader- and officer-training sessions; management of a food stand at the SEMO District Fair; and support of 14, 4-H clubs in Cape County.

The 4-H programs provide services and entertainment to more than 250 youths and 150 adult leaders participating in the 14 clubs. In addition, 1,600 students in 11 schools participated in the embryology programs.

The council has plans to move into more issue-based programs on such topics such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, youths-at-risk and water quality.

Through the food stand at the fair, cookie sales and other fund-raising efforts, the 4-H council raises more than $7,000 annually.

For more information on the agency call 243-3581.