Latest Updates from Statewide 4-H

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Youth from across the state compete in 2021 Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo

Thu, 07/15/2021 - 11:58

Youth from across Nebraska converged in Grand Island on June 10-14th to compete in the 2021 Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo. The event is the pinnacle showing experience for members of the 4-H horse program, and many were excited for this year's face-to-face experience following a virtual show in 2020. The show included a multitude of classes for youth and their horses. Some classes, such as halter and showmanship, were open to all youth regardless of district-level competition. However, other classes required youth to qualify at one of five district-level shows. Districts were held in June in various locations across the state. Results from the 2021 Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo are now available in the 4-H Now mobile app or on the event website. 

2021 Results

Congratulations to the 2021 Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarship recipients

Fri, 07/02/2021 - 11:00

Congratulations to the 2021 Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarship recipients! The Nebraska 4-H Foundation offers 4-H members the opportunity to apply for scholarships and awards up to $22,000 worth of scholarships each year to 4-H members from across the state. 

  • Fletcher Larsen, Cherry County
  • Abby Scholz, Phelps County
  • Allison Rippe, Red Willow County
  • Madelyn Kreifels, Lancaster County
  • Logan Hicks, Nemaha County
  • Emily Loseke, Colfax County
  • Galayna Erickson, Hitchcock County
  • Jacob Wells, Howard County
  • Cooper Koch, York County
  • Kristen Herrick, Franklin County
  • Sheridan Wilson, Arthur County
  • Jessica Wilkinson, Scotts Bluff County
  • Blake Bruns, Lincoln County
  • Gracie Schneider, Dawson County
  • Logan Cast, Seward County
  • Kaleb Hasenkamp, Cuming County
  • Gracie Philpot, Buffalo County
  • Kacee Dvorak, Custer County
  • Kaylee Davis, Grant County
  • Sarah Treffer, Dawson County
  • Wyatt Siwinski, Merrick County

Congratulations to 2021 Governor's Ag Excellence Award Winners

Fri, 07/02/2021 - 10:32

Congratulations to the 4-H Clubs recognized with 2021 Governor's Ag Excellence Awards. Sponsored by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, the purpose of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation's Governor's Ag Excellence Awards is to recognize 4-H Clubs for the work of the individuals in the club and the community service work of the entire club.

  • 4 Star Hamilton Hero's, Hamilton County
  • Always Busy Clovers, Butler County
  • Badger Buddies, Washington County
  • Better Ba-C's, Otoe County
  • Blazing Saddles, Otoe County
  • Blue Hill Better Herds, Webster County
  • Dakota County 4-H Council, Dakota County
  • Farnam Clovers 4-H, Frontier County
  • Five Start 4-H, Lancaster County
  • Fusion 4-H'ers, Lancaster County
  • Happy Helpers, Frontier County
  • Joe's Clover Knights, Lancaster County
  • Lancaster County 4-H Teen Council, Lancaster County
  • Nance County Robotics, Nance County
  • NEquestrian, Lancaster County
  • Pathfinders, Gage County
  • Sandhills Critters, Custer County
  • Sheridan County Junior Leaders, Sheridan County
  • Southern Lancaster Kids, Lancaster County
  • Spring Creek Boots and Buckles, Thayer County
  • Sterling 4-H Club, Johnson County
  • Unified Showing, Lancaster County
  • Unified Showing, Otoe County
  • Westside Hustlers, Saunders County

Congratulations to the 2021 State Public Speaking Contest participants

Thu, 07/01/2021 - 13:59

Congratulations to all 160 Nebraska 4-H members who participated in the 2021 State 4-H Public Speaking Contests. The event was held on July 30 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Youth participating in the contests presented their speeches or public service announcements that were selected at county-level contests. All state-level participants were awarded ribbons, and top winners for each contest and age division were also recognized. 

Senior Division Speech Winners:

  1. Paige Bunn, Dodge County
  2. Sydney Hutchinson, Cuming County
  3. Breanna Bosshamer, Buffalo County
  4. Acacia Carlson, Lancaster County
  5. Rachel Brhel, Clay County
  6. Grace Soucie, Franklin County
  7. Grace Brennemann, Frontier County
  8. Valerie Bennie, Otoe County

Senior Division PSA Winners:

  1. Reece Snodgrass, Cumming County
  2. Campbell Snodgrass, Cumming County
  3. John Roscoe, Burt County
  4. Miya Carey, Holt County
  5. Chelsea Potts, Cedar County
  6. Ashley Bauer, Buffalo County

Intermediate Division Speech Winners:

  1. Melanie Wiggins, Lancaster County
  2. Carson Reiman, Dawson County
  3. Devon Rasmussen, Gage County
  4. Luke Sylliaseen, Saunders County
  5. Mollie Lambert, Cass County
  6. Greta Rickertsen, Dawson County
  7. Micah Gerlach, Furnas County
  8. Kara Brockman, Gosper County

Intermediate Division PSA Winners:

  1. Melanie Wiggins, Lancaster County
  2. Hope Roscoe, Burt County
  3. Harley Hedrick, York County
  4. Jaden Hunke, Dawson County
  5. Joshua Snodgrass, Cuming County
  6. Marshall Bratetic, Knox County
2021 State 4-H Public Speaking Results

PASE & Life Challenge results now available

Thu, 07/01/2021 - 13:38

The 2021 PASE and Life Challenge contest results are now available. Contests at this year's Premier Animal Science Event included livestock judging, poultry judging, meats judging, livestock skill-a-thon, and livestock quiz bowl. Eligible winners of these state-level contests also have the opportunity to advance to national competitions. Opportunities for youth at this year's Life Challenge event included the foods and nutrition challenge, design challenge, and adulting challenge. Congratulations to all the 4-H members from across the state who participated in the state-level contests held June 28-29 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. 

2021 PASE & Life Challenge Results

Living Room Learning is back, and it's a plus for everyone!

Tue, 05/25/2021 - 15:59

Living Room Learning is back for the summer of 2021 - and it's a plus for everyone!

Living Room Learning+ offers hands-on, virtually guided activities for youth. Each session focuses on a new activity that can be completed with inexpensive, easy-to-find materials. The finished product may be showcased as an exhibit at the local county fair (optional). A career connection to the project will also be made. Each session will be recorded and made available on-demand. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate.

Living Room Learning+

New awards program honors outstanding 4-H volunteers across Nebraska

Fri, 04/23/2021 - 08:01

Nebraska 4-H has selected 12 individuals, as well as one multigenerational family, as recipients of a new statewide awards program that honors outstanding contributions of 4-H volunteers.

The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Awards program was developed in 2021 to honor adult and youth volunteers, as well as multi-generational families, who have provided meaningful contributions to Nebraska 4-H. One Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award winner was chosen for each of the state’s 11 Nebraska Extension Engagement zones. One statewide winner was selected in each of the youth volunteer and multi-generational family categories.

“All across the state, Nebraska 4-H volunteers do incredible work to provide opportunities for our youth,” said Jill Goedeken, 4-H Youth Development Extension educator. “These volunteers generously give their time, energy and creativity to help develop the next generation of leaders, and we are thrilled to be able to recognize their contributions.”

Nebraska 4-H will recognize these outstanding youth and adult volunteers during the Week of the Volunteer on April 23rd virtually and through statewide media outlets. An in-person recognition ceremony will take place at the 2021 Nebraska State Fair. Inaugural award winners are:

Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award

Brandon Mellick, Dixon County

Brandon Mellick has taken several leadership roles in Dixon County over the past years. He was actively involved in the Ag Innovator program, teaching youth audiences about agriculture topics to more than 250 youth. He served as a 4-H Ambassador in Dixon County for two years. He was a member of the Dixon County 4-H First LEGO League team and assisted with promotional events to educate and recruit new members with robotics. In addition, he was also a member of the Dixon County 4-H Teen Leaders program. He is an example of an active 4-H member in the Nebraska 4-H program.

Multi-Generational Family Volunteer Award

Ron and Barb Suing family, Lancaster County

Ron and Barb Suing have been involved in nearly every aspect of 4-H in Lancaster County since Ron was in 4-H himself in the 1950s. Over the years, various family members have worked as superintendents, judges, behind-the-scenes volunteers and mentors to hundreds of youth. First generation: Ron and Barb Suing; second generation: Marlo Yakel and Nikki Casburn; third generation: Marlo’s children, Kylee Schirmer, Taylor Yakel and Ryan Yakel; and Nikki’s children: Andrew Casburn, Daniel Casburn and Thomas Casburn.

Outstanding Adult Volunteer Awards

Zone 1: Carrie Child, Sheridan County

Carrie Child has served in almost every volunteer role possible. Over the years she has served as a board member, workshop volunteer, after-school teacher, club leader, fair event superintendent, and robotics coach. Through her continued support, the Sheridan County program has become stronger and more diverse, and she has had a positive impact on almost every aspect of Sheridan County 4-H.

Zone 2: Kathaleen Mead, Garfield County

Throughout her long career as a 4-H volunteer, Kathaleen has held many roles, beginning as an organizational leader when her own children, Paige and Kay, joined Garfield County 4-H. Eventually, she would also serve as project leader, state fair judge and financial supporter. She has been especially involved in the Garfield-Loup-Wheeler 4-H quilting program, which offers programming every week from the end of school until the start of county fair and has impacted generations of 4-H youth.

Zone 3: Sharla Willard, Lincoln County

Sharla Willard has been instrumental in many aspects of Lincoln County 4-H, including leading project areas, serving on the 4-H council and serving as a fair superintendent. When COVID-19 changed fair protocols in 2020, she helped with the check-in and placement of static exhibit items and worked to ensure that proper protocol was followed for the 4-H dog show. This past spring, she was an integral part of making the Lincoln County 4-H Council Garage Sale Fundraiser a success.

Zone 4: Kevin Oberg, Hitchcock County

Kevin Oberg has been instrumental in keeping a successful 4-H shooting sports program in Hitchcock and Hayes County for the last 17 years. He began as a 4-H shooting sports leader in the archery and today helps with all shooting sport disciplines. For the past several years, Kevin has led the Hitchcock and Hayes team of shooting sports leaders in preparing for practices and contests, caring for shooting sports equipment, gathering donations for the program, and making sure the youth have a safe and fun experience.

Zone 5: Kim Spence, Stanton County

Kim Spence is a positive force in Stanton County 4-H. She has served as 4-H council member and president; county extension board member; program leader and much more. She serves as a bridge between the Stanton County 4-H program and the fair board. She has the ability to motivate both youth and adults, and she prioritizes making time for 4-H, even as a mother of five who works full time.

Zone 6: Beth Sonderup, Nance County

Beth Sonderup is the club leader of the Trailblazers 4-H Club in Nance County, a club she started four years ago to encourage youth of all ages, especially the Clover Kids age group. The club has participated in several community service projects in its four years, including creating Valentine’s Day placemats for the food trays at Children’s Hospital; making goodie bags for patients at the Boone County Hospital; and playing bingo with residents of the Valley View Assisted Living Facility in Fullerton. She has also led many 4-H workshops focused on sewing, which is one of her passions.

Zone 7: Barb Mentink, Polk County

Barb Mentink has volunteered with the Polk County 4-H horse program for more than 30 years. During this time has served as superintendent, 4-H Council member, club leader and horse advancement level examiner. She pushes her many members to get the most out of their 4-H experience, not just through her club, but also by getting involved in district and state events. Barb is knowledgeable, provides great programing and most importantly, the kids have fun and enjoy being around her.

Zone 8: Linda Bisanz, Burt County

Linda Bisanz has been involved with the Flying Needles 4-H Club for over 26 years, in a wide variety of roles. She was the 4-H kitchen manager for many years, then became the homemade pie making coordinator. Each year for more than 20 years, her group of 4-H volunteers has made approximately 200 fruit pies to be sold in the 4-H kitchen during the fair. She is a big advocate of the 4-H speech and presentation contest and is always among the first to volunteer for clothing judging day and during the fair. She even puts on heavy coveralls to help at a winter 4-H fund-raiser concession stand. For many years she has been a source of endless help who has made a difference.

Zone 9: Rebecca Dunn, Douglas County

Rebecca Dunn has created a new 4-H club, engaged new 4-H families and worked with local 4-H staff to provide enriching, educational opportunities to club members. She has worked with the Ralston Public Schools district to have her education students lead as peer mentors in the Health Rocks 4-H Mentoring program. She also led the way forming a partnership with a Ralston elementary school where the 12 high school mentors would meet with their 30 mentees in grades 3-6. Rebecca is a stellar 4-H volunteer and has made a big impact on the families and future teachers.

Zone 10: Heather Mohling, Adams County

Heather Mohling has been a 4-H leader of the Blue Valley Blazers 4-H Club for over 20 years, and a leader in the Adams County 4-H Horse program providing instruction in horse knowledge and hands-on care of horses, along with horse showmanship and riding. She has helped prepare youth throughout the county for State Horse Quiz Bowl as well as county, district and state horse shows. Heather has been instrumental in implementing the therapeutic riding program within the Blue Valley Blazers 4-H Club including organizing and providing horses, volunteers, equipment, training, and an unlimited amount of patience teaching and working with youth that may not otherwise have the opportunity to ride and bond with horses.

Zone 11: Renee Thakur, Cass County

Renee Thakur has been a dedicated volunteer in Cass County and the surrounding area for many years. She has helped school enrichment and 4-H workshops in Cass County and has assisted with sewing workshops in Johnson and in Pawnee counties. In recent years she has helped with First Lego League competitions in Otoe County. She is enthusiastic, consistent and willing to help wherever needed.

Week of the Volunteer Lunch & Learn registration now open

Thu, 04/01/2021 - 14:44

To celebrate the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is hosting daily 4-H Volunteer Lunch & Learn sessions, including:

  • Monday, April 19 @ Noon CT - Incorporating Positive Youth Development into Your Work
  • Tuesday, April 20 @ Noon CT - How to Keep the 4-H Experiences Fresh
  • Wednesday, April 21 @ Noon CT - Leading a Club that Works
  • Thursday, April 22 @ Noon CT - Confidence in Conflict Resolution

Each session will include 30 minutes of content followed by 30 minutes of discussion and networking time. These are great for new and experienced volunteers as well as individuals interested in getting started. Registration is free and open now! Sign up for one, two, three, or all four sessions at go.unl.edu/lunch-learn. 

Sign Up Now!

Project of the Year Kits now available

Thu, 03/18/2021 - 14:17

Nebraska 4-H is thrilled to announce the first-ever Project of the Year, focused upon Entrepreneurship and featuring the TEC Box Educational Kit! The Project of the Year provides the perfect 4-H Club project and is also a great way for new youth and families to get started in 4-H.

This year's Project of the Year educational kit introduces youth to the exciting world of entrepreneurship through the TEC Box curriculum! The kit includes the materials youth need to complete four hands-on activities that lay the groundwork for a county and state fair eligible exhibit: Class F531006 - Entrepreneurship Challenge. The activities help youth think for themselves, practice empathy and solve problems as they learn about entrepreneurship. Youth will invent their own product to make bicycles safer and develop a new game that can be enjoyed with family and friends.

The TEC Box Educational Kit includes a printed facilitator guide, a youth workbook, an inflatable 4-H kickball, sports cones, washi tape, felt, yarn, pipe cleaners, foam, and dice. Kits are only $25 plus shipping, but supplies are limited! 

Project of the YearOrder Kits

Big Red Camp registration now open

Tue, 03/09/2021 - 08:36

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential, career exploration camps held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By participating in a camp youth get the opportunity to explore the Nebraska campus, meet people from across the country, spend time investigating an interest or potential career, and have a lot of fun! During the week-long camps, participants will work with our university faculty to explore the topic of their particular camp, like filmmaking or crop science. After spending several fun-filled days on campus, participants' families are invited to attend a special capstone event where youth showcase their achievements.

Sessions being offered in 2021 include:

  • Agriculture & Natural Resources, June 13-18
  • Animation, June 13-18
  • Digital Media, June 13-18
  • Engineering, June 13-18
  • Filmmaking, June 13-18
  • Sustainable Fashion, June 13-18
  • Teaching, June 13-18
  • Veterinary Science, June 13-18
  • Talent in Startups, June 13-18
  • Unicameral Youth Legislature, June 13-16

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are open to all youth grades 9th/10th-12th including recent high school graduates. The registration deadline for Big Red Camps is May 28. Early Bird Tuition rates end April 5. Regular Tuition rates end May 7. Late Tuition rates end May 28. No registrations will be accepted after May 28. All housing and food are provided for participants throughout the duration of the camp. Space is limited and camps will fill on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each camp offered has a specific number of openings. A waitlist option will be available in case COVID restrictions are lifted. Please see Big Red Summer Academic Camp Sessions for a list of camps offered this year, descriptions, participant limits, costs, and scholarship opportunities. Camps are hosted by Nebraska 4-H and our university faculty members in various academic areas across campus.

Learn more

Youth in Action Awards applications are open

Tue, 03/02/2021 - 16:44

The National 4-H Youth in Action awards program recognizes four confident young leaders with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives in the core pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM. Each year, pillar winners will experience an exciting year of telling their 4-H story and celebrating their leadership. Winners receive:

  • $5,000 higher education scholarship.
  • Promotional video showcasing their 4-H impact story.
  • All-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C for National 4-H Council's Legacy Awards.
  • Networking opportunities with 4-H celebrities and other prominent alumni.
  • Recognition as the official 4-H youth spokesperson for their pillar.

National 4-H Council is now accepting applications for the 2022 Youth in Action Awards. Applications should be submitted no later than 11:59 pm PST on Monday, March 29, 2021. 

Learn more

New 4-H livestock opportunities at the 2021 Nebraska State Fair

Mon, 03/01/2021 - 16:09

It is with great excitement that Nebraska 4-H will be offering new livestock classes and divisions at the 2021 Nebraska State Fair! The decision to shift 4-H and FFA livestock shows to the two different weekends provided the opportunity to offer new shows and programs for 4-H exhibitors.

New in 2021! 4-H Beef
  • Feeder calf show
  • A junior breeding heifer class will be added to all breeding classes.
  • 4-H members will be eligible to show up to a total of 5 beef animals. A 4-H member can exhibit up to 2 market beef, 3 breeding heifers, and 2 feeder calves as long as the total number of entries does not exceed five beef animals.
4-H Swine
  • Beeding gilt show with 9 purebred classes, as well as crossbred classes
  • Expanded market swine show with 9 purebred classes
  • A new Farrowed and Owned Breeding Market Swine division for youth interested in learning more about the swine industry. The Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Swine Cohort is designed to enhance the traditional 4-H swine project and cultivate the next generation of leaders in the swine industry by providing opportunities focusing on swine production as a goal of the 4-H member's project, along with accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and engagement by the 4-H member. 
  • 4-H members will be eligible to show up to a total of 5 swine animals. A 4-H member is limited to exhibit 3 market hogs and 2 breeding gilts.
4-H Sheep
  • 4-H members will be eligible to show up to a total of 5 sheep if at least two are breeding ewes. In no case will a 4-H member exhibit more than three 3 market lambs.
4-H Goat
  • 4-H members will be eligible to show up to a total of 5 goats if at least two are breeding does. In no case will a 4-H member exhibit more than 3 market goats. 

Volunteer recognition nominations are now open

Mon, 03/01/2021 - 11:11

We are pleased to offer new statewide volunteer recognition opportunities in 2021! The Nebraska 4-H volunteer recognition program is designed to complement the tradition of recognizing outstanding volunteers and provide a standard and consistent approach to volunteer recognition across Nebraska. The purpose is to provide a base for Extension staff to sustain volunteers, build leadership potential, and offer recognition and praise for the great work of volunteers. Volunteer categories include:

  • Outstanding Adult Volunteer Awards
  • Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award
  • Multi-Generation Family Volunteer Award

Timeline:

  • Nomination Form Opens - March 2, 2021
  • Nomination Form Closes - April 1, 2021
  • Award Winners Announcement - Week of the Volunteer, April 19-23, 2021
  • Awards Presentation - Nebraska State Fair (date TBD)

Nominations can be submitted by any 4-H member, family, supporter, or Extension staff member. Nominees must fit the award categories and can be a volunteer for any Nebraska 4-H experience. Some examples may include 4-H club leader, project leader, junior leader, county or State Fair volunteers, special interest volunteers, such as robotics or shooting sports, afterschool club volunteer, 4-H camp volunteers, etc.

Nominate a Volunteer

Celebrate Nebraska 4-H Month throughout February

Thu, 01/28/2021 - 16:54

Every year, Nebraska 4-H Month sees thousands of young people, parents, volunteers, and alumni come together to celebrate the many positive youth development opportunities offered by 4-H. While celebrations may look different this year, Nebraska 4-H is looking forward to celebrating in new ways.

4-H is dedicated to providing opportunities for belonging. Through positive relationships with caring adults and inclusive and safe environments, young people find a sense of belonging in 4-H. The theme for this year's Nebraska 4-H Month celebration, I Belong, is a promotion created to celebrate 4-H members and encourage others to explore the opportunities for belonging in 4-H.

During Nebraska 4-H Month, youth will be encouraged to complete the 4-H enrollment process. 4-H is open to all youth ages 8-18. Over 150 projects in a variety of topic areas provide youth with an opportunity to find a 4-H project that fits their interests. By enrolling, youth have the opportunity to exhibit their 4-H projects at their local county fair and the Nebraska State Fair, as well as participate in other statewide contests. In 2021, Nebraska 4-H will also implement a new statewide enrollment deadline of June 15 for youth interested in participating in their county fair or the Nebraska State Fair.

This year's Nebraska 4-H Month celebration will kick off with 4-H Professionals Appreciation Day on Friday, February 5. Youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni are encouraged to find creative ways to thanks their local 4-H Educators, Assistants, and Staff. The month-long celebration will continue on Friday, February 12 with 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Day, an opportunity to celebrate the 12,000 volunteers including 4-H Club Leaders and Project Leaders who support 4-H programs across the state. On Friday, February 19, 4-H supporters are invited to show off their 4-H pride by wearing green or the 4-H clover for 4-H Spirit Day. Finally, the celebration will wrap up with 4-H Sponsor and Donor Appreciation Day on Friday, February 26. 

Nebraska 4-H Month virtual backgrounds are also available for 4-H supporters, and starting on February 1st, a Nebraska 4-H - I Belong Facebook profile frame will also be available. 

Many local celebrations and events will also be hosted throughout the month of February. Contact your local Extension office for more information about local celebrations. 

Summer Camp Registration Now Open!

Fri, 01/08/2021 - 15:30

Registration for 2021 4-H Summer Camp is now open! Check out the selection of 4 and 5 day overnight camps being offered at the Nebraska State 4-H Camp in Halsey. The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is located within the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands which provides a beautiful place for all youth to discover, learn, and grow. Youth do not have to be a member of 4-H to attend a 4-H Summer Camp. 

Chartered bus transportation is available for select camps for an additional $70 fee. Pick-up and drop-off locations for bus transportation will be available from UNL East Campus in Lincoln and Raising Nebraska in Grand Island. Please note that transportation is dependant on the number of sign-ups and may be canceled if numbers are low. 

Register by January 31st to receive a 10% discount per session. Use the code EARLYBIRD21 at checkout.

Camp scholarships are also available. Scholarships cover $100 of the registration fee and must be awarded prior to registration. 

Summer Camp Schedule

NEW Winter Fun Pack Now Available

Thu, 12/17/2020 - 16:16

Looking for ways to keep your children busy during winter break? We've got you covered! From the team that brought you Living Room Learning, we're proud to announce our new Winter Fun Pack! We’re sharing 5 days' worth of activities that youth can easily do with materials that can be found at home. The Winter Fun Pack comes with instructional videos, easy-to-follow lessons, and family engagement activities to help fill the time at home during winter break. All these resources are available for FREE. Youth and families do not need to be involved in 4-H to access the resources or complete the activities. 

Winter Fun Pack

Helping Youth Cope with Holiday Stresses

Fri, 12/04/2020 - 16:08

2020 is delivering more challenges than many of us have experienced before. The holiday season is quickly approaching and potentially could be more stressful than previous years given all of the events of the past year. As individuals and families plan holiday gatherings during a global pandemic, many will be modifying holiday traditions based on ensuring the safety and well-being of families and others. Breaking from rituals can be challenging and upsetting, however, with some planning and creative thinking these changes might help your family develop new traditions.

Children and youth often anxiously await the holidays which often mean a time to gather with family, share gifts, and participate in traditions such as baking favorite holiday foods, decorating one’s home, or attending religious celebrations. Changes to holiday traditions and routines might add to youth’s feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depression. Research shows that the social, emotional, and mental health of our youth have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The mental health impacts of COVID-19 and potential changes to a typical holiday routine can compound the feelings and emotions youth are experiencing.

Read More

Free educational resources for National Entrepreneurship Month

Fri, 10/30/2020 - 13:37

November is National Entrepreneurship Month! Did you know youth entrepreneurship is a program priority for Nebraska 4-H? Through various programs, Nebraska 4-H connects youth to important careers and strengthens their entrepreneurship skills. Entrepreneurship programs aim to increase the number of youth returning to rural communities in business and professions and to increase the number of youth who are entrepreneurs.

In celebration of National Entrepreneurship Month, teachers and educators are also invited to utilize a toolkit of free resources, including:

  • Calendar of fun, easy activities to use as bell-ringers, energizers, and simple ways to engage students in entrepreneurial thinking
  • Lesson plans designed to introduce students to entrepreneurship and building an entrepreneurial mindset by developing their non-cognitive skills
  • Virtual field trips to connect students to real people working as entrepreneurs
  • Spark to Start activity book containing activities, games, puzzles, and more to help students learn about starting a business

A sample Spark to Start activities book is also being sent to all 4th-grade teachers in Nebraska. To access the free resources, simply complete the classroom sign-up form. 

Classroom Sign-Up for Access to Free Resources

State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest Results Now Available

Thu, 10/15/2020 - 08:59

Congratulations to the 27 4-H members who participated in the 2020 State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest. The contest which is typically held at the Nebraska State Fair, was held virtually this year from October 5th through the 12th. Eleven intermediates and 16 seniors competed in the virtual contest, and a total of 12 counties were represented. 

Intermediate Individuals

  1. Brooke Hilgenkamp, Washington County
  2. Cora Payne, Seward County
  3. Justine Wilkinson, Scotts Bluff County
  4. Hannah Koziol, Richardson County
  5. Kaid Hogan, Lincoln County

Intermediate Teams

  1. Seward County - Cora Payne, Masa Brown, Ava Fischer
  2. Washington County - Brooke Hilgenkamp, Aaron Fuchs, Ethan Hilgenkamp

Senior Individuals

  1. Chase Racicky, Custer County
  2. Allison Engelman, Jefferson County
  3. Jenna Ruge, Madison County
  4. Jacey Leech, Richardson County
  5. Kaitlyn Hanson, Saunders County

Senior Teams

  1. Richardson County - Jacey Leech, Abby Stalder, Hannah Kozial, Peyton Schaardt

Top Five Special Award Winners

  1. Chase Racicky, Custer County
  2. Allison Engelman, Jefferson County
  3. Jenna Ruge, Madison County
  4. Jacey Leech, Richardson County
  5. Kaitlyn Hanson, Saunders County
See All Results

New Self-Paced Biomedical Engineering Camp Now Available

Mon, 10/12/2020 - 09:21

Do you enjoy learning STEM and have an interest in learning about real-world medical problems? In this engaging hands-on program, youth will use the engineering design process to work through Biomedical Engineering challenges. Youth will get to participate in activities like:

  • Nanotechnology in the Body, 
  • Laparoscopic Surgery, 
  • Biomedicine in Space, and
  • Prosthetics and Pills.

Youth will also get to experience a Biomedical Career Day where they will listen and work with staff from UNMC. Youth won't want to miss it!

This virtual self-paced camp is offered in partnership with Imagine Science! Imagine Science is an unprecedented partnership between four leading national youth organizations to bridge the STEM gap by igniting the imagination of historically underrepresented youth. We believe in the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. By 2022 the U.S. will be short 1 million needed STEM professionals. Too few young people are pursuing STEM careers. We believe that prolonged, informal exposure to STEM increases a child's interest and builds a foundation for proficiency through high school and beyond. Nebraska 4-H is proud to partner with Imagine Science to deliver STEM programming to 4th-8th grade youth in and around Omaha, Nebraska. 

Self-Paced Biomedical Engineering Camp