4-H Opportunities
Nebraska State 4-H Camp
Our promise at Nebraska 4-H Camps is to offer unique, hands-on experiences where youth, with the guidance of supportive role models, have the opportunity to develop themselves in programs that encourage positive relationships and healthy living, emphasize community building, shape individual leadership, and build an awareness for the natural world in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. We accomplish this in cooperation with the mission, vision, and program priorities of Nebraska 4-H.
FIRST LEGO League - Robotics
4-H First Lego League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 4-14 through fun, exciting, hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together. Our three division inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and designs skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics.
Communications and Expressive Arts
The Nebraska 4-H communications and expressive arts programs offer life-changing opportunities for youth. 4-H members practice life skills, such as planning/organizing, self-discipline, critical thinking, goal setting, resilience, problem-solving, and self-motivation. The focus of the Nebraska 4-H communications and expressive arts programs is the total development of the young person. The contests and related activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development. The programs aim to develop confident, competent, caring individuals who have good character and are connected to their communities.
Livestock Opportunities
Farrowed & Owned Swine Cohort
The Nebraska 4-H Farrowed & Owned Swine Cohort is an opportunity for youth interested in learning more about the swine industry. The program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska swine industry. The goal is to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H swine projects by focusing on swine production, accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and engagement by the 4-H member. Registration deadline Feb. 1, 2025.
Fed Steer Challenge
The Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge is an opportunity for youth interested in learning more about the cattle industry and is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska cattle industry.
The goal of the Fed Steer Challenge is to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H beef projects by providing an affordable option that rewards production merit and carcass value of the market animal, along with accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and producer engagement by the 4-H member.
Great Plains Judging Circuit
The Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit is a lineup of contests held throughout the state giving youth the opportunity to perfect their skills in preparation for the Nebraska 4-H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE). Qualifying youth must attend a minimum of two contests in addition to the PASE livestock judging contest in order to be eligible for awards and scholarships. The top 5 individuals in the Senior and Intermediate divisions will be recognized as part of the All-State Team during the Grand Drive at the Nebraska State Fair.
Livestock Judging Video Series
Practice livestock judging from home with the Nebraska 4-H Online Livestock Judging Video Series! Start by sorting through the class and working on your reasons. Then, get tips and tricks for improving your skills while listening to a critique of the class.
AKSARBEN
The Aksarben Stock Show is one of the largest youth livestock shows in the U.S. The show was established in 1927 by the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben with a mission of "producing an annual youth livestock show celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage which educates and benefits families."
Participants are required to be from age 9 to 19 years old. Youth from Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming are eligible to show.
Nebraska State Horse Program
The Nebraska 4-H horse programs offer life-changing opportunities for youth. Along with learning horsemanship and animal husbandry, 4-H members practice life skills, such as responsibility, self-discipline, personal safety, goal setting, and keeping records. The focus of the Nebraska 4-H horse programs is the total development of the young person. The horse shows and related equine activities and contests are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development. The programs aim to develop confident, competent, caring individuals who have good character and are connected to their communities.
Premier Animal Science Event (PASE)
The Nebraska 4-H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) features a variety of state-level animal science contests. The two-day event is held annually at the Nebraska Animal Science Complex in Lincoln. Youth explore issues related to the animal industry, discover college and career opportunities, and work with other youth from across the state. Youth have the opportunity to participate in livestock contests that do not require owning or exhibiting a live animal, including livestock, meat, poultry, companion animal, and animal welfare judging, as well as livestock skill-a-thon and livestock quiz bowl. Youth can participate in more than one contest or event as their schedule allows. In addition, youth will have chances to explore the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus, meet with faculty members and current college students, and have fun with friends!