STATE 4-H CAMPS
STATE 4-H CAMPS
The 2025 What’s the Buzz? season of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp will share the importance of pollinators in Nebraska- why they’re important, how they impact agriculture, and what youth can do in their own communities to support the various native pollinators we have in Nebraska. From bees and butterflies to hummingbirds and bats- it’s going to be a week full of learning and fun!
The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is returning to Chadron and Burwell for summer camp 2025! Youth new to camping can attend a shorter camp session designed to let them experience all the best parts of summer camp in a 3 day/2 night session. Choose from one of two 5 day/4 night sessions for youth 10-14 years old and returning this year is the Leaders in Training camp for high school youth 15-17 years old! Campers will focus on developing leadership skills with an opportunity to put those skills into practice by volunteering at one of our other camp sessions!
Registration is now OPEN! More information on sessions, dates, and the link to register can be found at 4h.unl.edu/camp.
TRACTOR SAFETY TRAINING
Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment.
In Nebraska, Nebraska Extension and CS-CASH collaborate to offer NSTMOP certification. Certification is earned by completing a two-day certification course, which includes a written test and a driving exam. Successful completion grants NSTMOP certification, allowing youth to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches, and obtain a husbandry permit.
Day 1 covers the required elements of NSTMOP, including quizzes which students must pass to attend the driving portion of training. Once a student is registered, they will be sent instructions, materials, course paperwork and a link to the online course if they will not be attending in-person.
Day 2 includes a driving test and equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also offer education about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, utility-task vehicles (UTVs), and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).
Teens 14 or 15 years of age who work on farms, or others who are interested in learning about safe farming practices, are encouraged to register for the certification course. Students under age 14 are not eligible for certification, but Day 1 is open to everyone in the community. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Students will:
- Register for Day 1 with written test (Those attending a location that only offers Day 2 must complete Day 1 at another location, OR complete the virtual module. Those attending a location that offers both days, but live 50 miles or more from the location, may complete the online module for Day 1)
- Register for Day 2 with driving test
The cost of the course is $60 and includes educational materials, the online learning link (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks at in-person trainings. Payment will be made via credit card if registering online or via check if registering by mail.
Youth under 14 years of age can attend Day 1 if accompanied by an adult but cannot drive equipment, attend Day 2, or become certified. Students under 14 must register but won’t be charged a fee.
4-H Workshops
Communication & Expressive Arts
If your interest area is public speaking, relationships, understanding other cultures, photography or visual arts, workshops with this subject matter will interest you.
Consumer & Family Science
Want to have better spending habits, know more about your heritage, create great living spaces, babysitting or sewing and quilting workshops in these area will be worth taking part in.
Financial Literacy Classes - Are you struggling with monthoy expenses? then plan to attend the educational lesson to increase your knowledge and skills with financial management.
Thursday 6-7PM
$20 per person - $30 per couple
Registration: https://go.unl.edu/financialclass
- March 6th
- March 13th
- March 205th
- March 27th
- April 3rd
- April 10th
Environmental Education & Earth Sciences
You love the outdoors and want to take care of the planet, trees or bugs are your thing. What about shooting sports?
Healthy Living
You love to cook, want to learn more about preserving food or just improve your lifestyle and your safety.
Leadership, Citizenship & Personal Development
Do you have what it takes to be a good citizen? What about your leadership skills or becoming an entrepreneur?
NDA OPENS APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2025 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH INSTITUTE
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has opened the application process for high school juniors and seniors interested in attending the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). NAYI is one of Nebraska’s biggest agriculture youth outreach events. The five-day program brings together students to network with ag leaders, learn more about the industry, and discover careers available in agriculture. NDA helps sponsor and coordinate NAYI every year. This year’s theme is “Agriculture: It's in our Genes.”
Plant Science
You have a green thumb or want to, you love your veggies and flowers! How about field crops, or grasslands?
GRO Big Red Virtual Learning Series, hosted by Nebraska Extension HLES Team. https://hles.unl.edu/lawn-garden/gro-big-red/
Innovative Youth Corn Challenge for 4-H and FFA Members - We are delighted to announce the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge, a prestigious contest open to 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members). This competition is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of all facets of corn production, including aspects related to agricultural careers associated with corn production.
For detailed guidelines and participation information, please refer to the https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.
Science, Engineering & Technology
You geek out over, science. You love rockets, computers, electricity, GPS, robotics, welding or woodworking
4-H Robotics Expansion Event (Friday, March 21)
Location: Cook Pavilion, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
Nebraska 4-H is expanding opportunities for youth to engage and learn from experts (UNL and industry) as they provide STEM-based information and activities focused on STEM and career exploration. From NOON to 5:00 PM CT, youth will have the opportunity to experience UNL Showcase Tours and activities. If you have any youth interested who may be interested in participating, they can join us on March 21 from NOON-5 PM! Check out the website for more information.
Small & Large Animal Workshops & Clinics
5/29/25 - South Central Livestock Judging - Webster County Fairgrounds - Bladen, NE
6/13/25 - Nebraska Livestock Judging Classic (NLJC) - Buffalo County Fairgrounds, Kearney, NE
UNL Poultry Newsletter - Winter 2025
3/22/25 - 2025 UNL Chick Days - An educational event for small and back-yard poultry producers and youth, featuring speakers on a variety of topics
5/28 - Animal Science Discovery Days - NCTA, Curtis, NE - Register at https://cvent.me/5YwX7d
Livestock Information Series
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Information Series is a resource for 4-H members, leaders, and parents to gain knowledge in various livestock-related topic areas. Each session, a new topic is covered with experts joining to share their experience and expertise. Extended learning opportunities and supporting documents are also available for each topic.
Livestock Achievement Program
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects, including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition, by recognizing youth striving to improve their livestock project knowledge and leadership.
Camps and workshop are added as information is provided, check back regularly.
Horse Camps and Clinics
Need to complete your level testing? Try you skills with other riders? Camp and clinics are added as information is provided. Check back regularly.
Equine Camps & Workshops
SUPPORT THE NEBRASKA STATE 4-H EXPO
As you know, the State 4-H Horse Expo would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors who believe in the power of youth and the future of the horse program. To assist with sponsorship efforts, view the tri-fold flyer that can be used to help solicit funds and increase awareness of the program. Flyer
ONLINE EQUINE COURSES
Hippology Academy
Hippology Academy is back for 2025 with new topics including: first aid and vital signs, pre-purchase exams, viral diseases, equine behavior, metabolic issues, and forage selection. Each topic includes practice tests, slides and digital learning stations in addition to twice weekly lectures. Lessons begin February 9th. The link to register is included below.
Horse Judging Camp
Want to sharpen your horse judging skills? Horse Judging Camp is a great place to learn more about judging and also practice your skills! This online horse judging camp will include at-home assignments, oral reasons critique, 4 interactive virtual meetings (they will be recorded), quizzes and a certificate of completion. Experts from 3 universities will be online each session to discuss classes and interact with you. Topics this year include: Performance Halter, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, and Non-Stock Type Horses. Online sessions will occur from 6:00-7:30 pm CST on February 20 and 27 and March 6 and 13. The link to register is included below.
HALTER
A four part series for adult volunteers working with youth in the horse industry or anyone interested in learning more about horses! Content includes basic safety and handling of horses, basic in horse behavior, safely working with youth and horses, basic care of horses, and so much more! Learn more at the link below!
https://campus.extension.org/course/search.php?areaids=core_course-course&q=halter