Other 4-H Resources
YOUTH & PARENT RESOURCES
Seward County's 4-H Family Handbook
4-H Policy and Procedures Handbook
PROJECT BOOKS
National 4-H and Nebraska 4-H have developed many research-based project books (a.k.a. curriculum) to help teach projects. Purchasing project books is optional and not required to participate in 4-H or exhibit at fairs.
Where to purchase Project Resource Manuals:
STATIC RESOURCES
Healthy Lifestyles - Food Preservation Card
Home Design and Restoration - Supporting Information Tag, Definitions
Clothing & Fiber Arts - Data Tag: Clothing, Crochet, Knitting
STEAM Sewing Skills - Beyond the Needle Skill Levels Explained
Fashion Show - Shopping in Style Report
Photography - Information, How to Exhibit Handout, Data Tags: Unit I, Unit II, Unit III
Visual Arts - Supporting Information Tag
Horticulture & Floriculture - Preparing Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits & Cut Flowers for Fair
Agronomy - Crop Production Project Worksheet
SHOOTING SPORTS PROGRAM
The focus of all 4‑H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The 4‑H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.
Youth may explore subject areas, such as:
- Archery
- Air Rifle, Air Pistol, and BB Gun
- Smallbore Rifle and Pistol (.22 caliber)
- Hunting and Outdoor Skills
- Shotgun (9 years old, 4‑H age)
- Muzzleloading (9 years old, 4‑H age)
The focus of the Nebraska 4‑H Shooting Sports programs are the total development of the 4‑H member. The shooting sports and related natural resource activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development. It uses the skills and disciplines of shooting to assist young people and their leaders in obtaining knowledge and developing skills. Development of skills within the discipline of shooting and life skills is implicit in the program curriculum and explicitly stated for volunteers. 4‑H Shooting Sports promotes positive youth-adult interaction and peer leadership. Go to the Nebraska's 4-H Shooting Sports Program webpage.
COMMUNICATION CONTESTS
Communication and public speaking are important life skills gained through 4‑H participation. Speaking face-to-face is one of the oldest forms of communication and is still the most effective. The listener hears your words, but more than that, he/she watches your face and your hands. They catch your enthusiasm or your concern. It is a warm, personal way of communicating. For the rest of your life, you will be communicating, trying to persuade and to inform. The work you do now in 4‑H public speaking will have longer-lasting benefits than any event. So give it all you’ve got!
Seward County 4-H Communication Event
The Prepared Speech and Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contests provide 4-H’ers the opportunity to learn to express themselves clearly, organize their ideas and have confidence. Contests are open to all 4-H’ers ages 5–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year). Youth may choose to participate in either one or both contests. Contest is usually held in March.
The use of visual aids and props is not allowed. Please wear a nice outfit for the contest — do not wear costumes or special-effects clothing. Note cards can be used as a reference, but should not be used to read your speech.
Topic
Youth may write and prepare a speech on any topic related to their 4-H experience. All prepared speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major component of the speech (with the exception of the Clover Kids division). Examples could be:
• 4-H projects and activities they have experienced/learned from.
• A 4-H project they would like others to enroll in.
• A timely topic related to 4-H.
• How has 4-H helped them?
• The importance of 4-H in their life.
Age Divisions
(by Jan. 1 of the current year)
• Clover Kids division (ages 5–7): Anything! They could recite or read a favorite nursery rhyme, short story, the 4-H pledge, etc. (Clover Kids receive participation ribbons only — no premiums given.)
• Junior division (ages 8–10): 2–3 minutes in length
• Intermediate division (ages 11–13): 3–5 minutes in length.
• Senior division (ages 14–18): 5–8 minutes in length.
Information on writing a great speech.
Premier Communication Event
The Nebraska 4-H Premier Communication Event features a variety of state-level communication contests. The 2-day event is held on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus, June 16-17, 2026.
Age Divisions:
- Junior: ages 8-10 as of January 1 of the current year
- Intermediate: ages 11-13 as of January 1 of the current year
- Senior: ages 14-18 as of January 1 of the current year
Includes Prepared Speech, Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA), Illustrated Presentations, Impromptu Speech, and Video Communications. Click for the Premier Communication Event page.
CLUB RESOURCES
Year-End 4-H club Treasurer's Report and Inventory Report - Due January 31, 2026
LEADER RESOURCES
The Nebraska state 4-H website has many resources for volunteers and club leaders ranging from training and development to club management.
4-H Club IRS Tax Exemption and EIN Information - 4-H Clubs receive federal income tax exemption through a group exemption held by the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. This means that 4-H clubs are exempt from paying federal income tax on funds raised on behalf of 4-H, or to support educational programs; and donors can deduct contributions to 4-H clubs.
4-H Volunteer Enrollment & Screening Instructions
AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
Achievement Application; Due October 1, 2026
Project Pin Application; Due October 1, 2026
Record Book for Clover Kids; Due October 1, 2026
Tim Sheehan Memorial Award – Outstanding Livestock Exhibitor; Due October 1, 2026
Bev Waegli Memorial Award – Outstanding Family & Consumer Science Exhibitor; Due October 1, 2026
Chris Clover Award; Due October 1, 2026
Outstanding 4-H Club; Due October 1, 2026
Diamond Clover; Goals Due April 1, 2026, Report Due October 1, 2026
Seward County College Scholarship Application; Due January 2027
Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships
4-H Summer Camps
There are more than 40 day and overnight camping programs offered each summer. 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. Learn more about 4-H Camps. Also, 4-H Camp scholarships are available.