University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H Clown College is helping youth in Shannon, Oregon and other rural counties build confidence, resilience and healthy coping skills through juggling, mime, balloon animals and other clowning arts.
Launched in summer 2024, the program has reached youth ages 8 to 12 in Shannon, Reynolds, Ripley, Carter and Oregon counties. It is offered through local schools, 4-H day camps, community clubs and vacation Bible schools.
Emily Doosing, MU Extension 4-H specialist and creator of the program, said 4-H Clown College pairs traditional clowning arts with social-emotional learning and mental well-being skills.
“Youth who develop mental well-being and healthy coping mechanisms become better students, more considerate friends and go on to make positive contributions to their communities,” Doosing said. “Clown College provides a welcoming space where kids can be silly, try new things and discover practical ways to handle stress and relate to others.”
Teen 4-H ambassadors ages 13 to 18 help deliver the curriculum and provide near-peer mentorship.
Participants learn about personal boundaries, respecting others’ boundaries and creating safe spaces. Through activities such as painting “Scribble Stones” and performing color-changing scarf magic tricks, youth learn how differences can strengthen communities.
Other activities use mime, emotion cards and charades to help participants practice active listening and reading body language. Bean bag juggling is used to demonstrate how active listening and empathy can help build healthy friendships.
Participants also practice reframing mistakes and building optimism through face painting and expressive arts. Balloon-twisting activities are used to teach mindfulness and stress regulation.
Doosing said program evaluations and feedback show gains in confidence and self-regulation.
“Surveys showed participants gained practical coping skills, while qualitative feedback from parents and educators highlighted observable improvements, including fewer discipline referrals at school and more responsible behavior at home,” Doosing said.
One participant said, “I can do hard things and still be happy.”
For more information about 4-H Clown College or bringing the program to an area, contact a local MU Extension center or email Doosing at edoosing@missouri.edu.
