Welcome to 4-H! You have just acquired about one of the biggest youth development
programs in the nation. In fact, with 130,000 youth enrolled in Nebraska, 4-H is the largest
out-of-school educational program in the country.
The purpose of this welcome packet is to give you an overview of the opportunities and resources
available to help your family have an incredible experience in 4-H. Keep in mind that this is only
an overview. Your best way to stay informed is to read the Burt County 4-H Newsletter. Your family
will start receiving this monthly publication once we receive your 4-H enrollment information.
The 4-H program is so large and the opportunities so vast that it can sometimes seem a little
overwhelming when you are new. Just keep in mind that your family’s 4-H experience can be
tailormade to fit your goals, schedule, and interests. That is one reason 4-H is such a great
program for Nebraska families. You can be involved as a whole family, learning, and growing
together.
When describing 4-H to someone new, we often use the analogy of a “super department store.” 4-H is
like a “store” full of wonderful, fun, and positive educational programs. It has pretty much every
type of workshop, project, contest, trip, conference, camp, or activity you could possibly want,
and things fit into your schedule and your budget. Your club leader and extension staff members are
like the “greeters” at the front of the store to help you find what you need. We are here to answer
your questions, so please do not hesitate to call.
Keep in mind that the leader in your club is a volunteer. Like all of us, your leader is more than
willing to do his/her part, but he/she also wants help. Ask your leader what you can do to support
your child’s club. If we all take a small piece of the pie, it makes everyone’s involvement more
manageable and fun!
Again, welcome to the wonderful world of 4-H!
STACEY KEYS JENNIFER HANSEN
EXTENSION 4-H ASSISTANT EXTENSION 4-H EDUCATOR